Empowered Living: The Transformative Role of the Holy Spirit

Devotional

Day 1: Look to God Alone for Salvation and Direction

When life throws confusion, pain, or uncertainty your way, it is easy to let your eyes wander to the world for answers or comfort. Yet, the call is clear: fix your gaze on God, for He alone is the source of salvation and hope. Training your spiritual eyes to look to Him, not to fleeting solutions or distractions, is the most important discipline for a follower of Christ. When you look to God, you are reminded that He is God and there is no other, and you are invited to trust Him with every detail of your life, no matter how overwhelming it may seem. [38:25]

Isaiah 45:22 (ESV)
"Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been looking to the world for answers instead of turning your eyes to God? How can you intentionally shift your focus to Him today?

Day 2: The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Live and Witness

The Christian life is not meant to be lived in your own strength. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come, not just to be with you, but to live in you and empower you to be His witness. This power is not for show or for religious activity, but to enable you to live victoriously, to overcome sin, and to boldly share the hope of Christ with others. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in you, equipping you to fulfill your God-given mission in a broken world. [55:49]

Acts 1:8 (ESV)
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: In what specific way do you need the Holy Spirit’s power to help you be a witness for Jesus this week? Will you ask Him for that power today?

Day 3: You Are a New Creation—Live by the Spirit, Not the Flesh

When you say yes to Jesus, you become a new creation, but the old habits and struggles may still try to define you. The Holy Spirit gives you the power to put to death the deeds of the flesh and to live as a true child of God. This is not about trying harder in your own strength, but about surrendering daily to the Spirit’s leading, allowing Him to transform you from the inside out so that your life reflects Christ’s victory and love. [57:37]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What is one “old” pattern or attitude that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to surrender so you can walk more fully in your new identity today?

Day 4: You Are Chosen, Empowered, and Sent on Mission

You are not a nobody—you are God’s chosen possession, a royal priesthood, called out of darkness to declare His goodness. The Holy Spirit not only changes you but also sends you out to bring hope, healing, and freedom to others. Your life and your words are meant to show the world what the kingdom of God is really like, and you are empowered to do this boldly because Christ lives in you. [01:35:30]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life who needs to experience God’s goodness through you? How can you intentionally show or tell them about Christ’s love this week?

Day 5: The Age of Grace—Accept, Empower, and Go

We are living in the age of grace, when God’s arms are wide open to all who will come. The Holy Spirit empowers you not only to overcome sin but also to accept others where they are and invite them into God’s family. Your mission is to proclaim freedom, healing, and hope to the broken, the hurting, and the lost, knowing that Christ is coming back and you are called to be found faithful, with your hand on the plow, living and sharing the message of reconciliation. [01:34:03]

Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

Reflection: Where can you step out of your comfort zone this week to bring hope or healing to someone in need, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through you?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the often-overlooked ministry of the Holy Spirit—the very presence of God that empowers, guides, and transforms us from the inside out. The Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept, but the living, active power that connects us to the supernatural life God intends for us. Through the Spirit, every promise of God becomes accessible, and we are equipped to live victoriously, even in a world marred by brokenness and sin.

Life’s challenges—whether it’s the chaos of a car accident, the frustrations of daily living, or the pain of loss—remind us that we live in a fallen world. Yet, God’s answer is not a program or a set of rules, but His very presence through the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised not to leave us as orphans, but to send the Helper, Comforter, and Advocate who would dwell within us, giving us vision, understanding, and supernatural strength to face whatever comes our way.

The call is to shift our focus from the distractions and solutions of the world to the person and work of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded that the Christian life cannot be lived in our own strength; it is only by the Spirit that we can overcome sin, endure suffering, and become true witnesses—those who not only see but embody the power of God. This witness is not passive; it is active, sacrificial, and often costly. Discipleship means daily dying to self, living as Christ’s ambassadors, and carrying His message of hope, healing, and deliverance to a hurting world.

Practical examples abound: from the prison ministry that is transforming lives through the Word, to the intercessory prayer that brings breakthrough, to the simple act of being present for someone in pain. The Spirit’s power is not just for the extraordinary, but for the everyday—empowering us to love, serve, and stand firm in faith. The mission is urgent, for the same Jesus who ascended will return. Until then, we are called to be lit up by the Spirit, zealous for good works, and ready to share the hope within us, knowing that God’s acceptance and power are available to all who come.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit is the Essential Power for Christian Living The Christian life is not meant to be lived by sheer willpower or religious effort. The Holy Spirit is God’s answer to our weakness, providing supernatural strength to overcome sin, endure hardship, and fulfill our calling. Without the Spirit, we fall into empty religion; with Him, we experience true transformation and victory. [56:04]
2. Obedience to God is Non-Negotiable, Not Optional Angels obey God without question, and their confusion at our debates with God highlights how seriously we should take His commands. Grace is not a license to see how far we can push God’s patience, but a revelation of how much He has already endured for us. True discipleship responds to God’s call with a ready “yes,” trusting His wisdom above our own. [45:40]
3. Our Mission is Empowered Witness, Not Passive Waiting Jesus did not leave a backup plan for reaching the world; He entrusted the mission to us, empowered by the Spirit. Being a witness means more than observing—it means embodying Christ’s life, even to the point of daily self-sacrifice. The Spirit enables us to move from bystanders to active participants in God’s redemptive work. [49:59]
4. The Church’s Power is Found in Spirit-Led Ministry, Not Human Programs Programs and committees cannot substitute for the power of the Holy Spirit. When we rely on our own strategies, we produce religion and often hurt people. But when we walk in step with the Spirit, we see supernatural fruit—lives changed, prayers answered, and the kingdom advancing in ways that only God can accomplish. [64:11]
5. Hope and Identity Flow from the Spirit’s Presence In a world of chaos and brokenness, our hope is anchored in the indwelling Spirit. We are not orphans, but chosen, royal, and empowered to bring light into darkness. Our identity as God’s people is not just a status, but a calling to show others the goodness of God, living as ambassadors who carry the message and presence of Christ wherever we go.

** [95:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:35] - Opening Prayer and Gathering
[17:17] - Readiness and Unity
[24:22] - Declaration of Faith
[32:01] - Introducing the Holy Spirit Series
[33:11] - Personal Story: Car Accident and God’s Provision
[38:00] - The Importance of Vision and Focus
[39:06] - Jesus’ Promise of the Holy Spirit
[41:32] - Surrendering Our Lives to God
[42:23] - Eyewitnesses and the Reality of the Resurrection
[45:21] - Angels, Obedience, and Our Response
[49:59] - The Mission: No Plan B
[51:49] - Waiting for the Promise and the Baptism of the Spirit
[54:24] - The Futility of Political Solutions
[55:49] - Receiving Power to Be Witnesses
[57:37] - New Creation and the Reality of Transformation
[59:34] - Resurrection Power in Everyday Life
[63:51] - Power vs. Programs in the Church
[68:23] - Zeal for Good Works and Spirit-Led Ministry
[73:41] - Testimonies from Prayer Ministry
[76:29] - The Reality of Spiritual Battle
[78:19] - Witnesses, Not Bystanders
[80:08] - The Great Commission and Our Authority
[83:14] - Living with Hope in the Storm
[85:48] - The Urgency of Our Mission
[89:27] - Living Crucified with Christ
[92:49] - The Spirit’s Anointing and Our Mission
[95:30] - Our Identity: Chosen and Empowered
[98:30] - Closing and Benediction
[105:52] - Final Prayer and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 1:6-9 (ESV) — > So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) — > Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV) — > But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Observation Questions

According to Acts 1:8, what is the purpose of the power that the Holy Spirit gives to believers?
In the sermon, what are some practical examples given of how the Holy Spirit works in everyday life? ([01:09:25] prison ministry, [01:11:31] prayer ministry, [01:14:04] praying for strangers)
What does 2 Corinthians 5:17 say happens to someone who is in Christ?
How does 1 Peter 2:9-10 describe the identity and calling of believers?

Interpretation Questions

The disciples wanted to know about political solutions and the restoration of Israel, but Jesus redirected them to the coming of the Holy Spirit and their mission. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the Spirit’s power over political or earthly solutions? ([54:24])
The sermon says, “The Christian life cannot be lived in our own strength; it is only by the Spirit that we can overcome sin, endure suffering, and become true witnesses.” What does it look like to try to live the Christian life in your own strength versus by the Spirit? ([56:04])
The pastor described the church’s tendency to rely on programs and committees instead of the Spirit’s power. What are some dangers of this approach, and what might it look like for a church to be truly Spirit-led? ([01:04:11])
The sermon mentions that our identity as God’s people is not just a status, but a calling to show others the goodness of God. How does the Holy Spirit help us live out this calling? ([01:35:30])

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to shift our focus from the distractions and solutions of the world to the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Is there a specific distraction or “solution” you tend to turn to instead of relying on the Spirit? What would it look like to turn to the Holy Spirit first this week? ([38:25])
The pastor said, “Obedience to God is non-negotiable, not optional.” Are there areas in your life where you find yourself debating with God or delaying obedience? What is one step you can take to say “yes” to God this week? ([45:40])
The sermon described being a witness as “active, sacrificial, and often costly.” Can you think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to be an active witness for Christ? What held you back, or what helped you step forward? ([49:59])
The pastor gave examples of Spirit-empowered ministry, like prison outreach and intercessory prayer. Is there a ministry or act of service you feel nudged to join or start, trusting the Spirit to empower you? ([01:09:25])
The sermon said, “The Spirit’s power is not just for the extraordinary, but for the everyday—empowering us to love, serve, and stand firm in faith.” What is one ordinary area of your life where you need the Spirit’s help right now? ([01:14:04])
The pastor talked about hope and identity flowing from the Spirit’s presence, reminding us we are not orphans but chosen and empowered. When you face discouragement or feel insignificant, how can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ and the Spirit’s presence? ([01:35:30])
The sermon ended with a call to be “lit up by the Spirit, zealous for good works, and ready to share the hope within us.” Who is one person in your life who needs to see or hear the hope you have? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week? ([01:25:48])

Sermon Clips

There’s not a plan B for the salvation of this world. It’s us or nothing. God put everything into one basket. And he says, I’m going to use my church to reach this lost world. [00:51:01] (19 seconds) #OneChurchOneMission

He didn’t send us a program. He sent us power. But the church has been busy trying to create a program for the last 50 years. Instead of walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, we try to get a program going. Pastor, we need to do this. Let’s get a committee started and let’s get a program. Who’s running the committee? Who’s running the program? A bunch of knuckleheads that have been living in a fallen world that are trying to reach God instead of just holding their hands up and letting God pull you up. [01:04:07] (35 seconds) #PowerNotPrograms

Justification is instantaneous, Sanctification is a problem process. I became a believer instantly, but I did not become a disciple instantly. Discipleship is expensive. Salvation is free. Discipleship is my response to what God has done in my life. It’s my disciplining my flesh and calling it into submission. And I can’t do that without the power of the Holy Spirit. [01:05:50] (29 seconds) #SanctificationJourney

``We should be so close to the action that we smell like smoke when we walk away. That we should be so in that. Not to be influenced by sin, but to be so in it with the power of the Holy Spirit, that we’re overcoming that by his name, in his blood and his work word. It’s a supernatural thing that is happening when the Holy Spirit comes. He didn’t say, I’m gonna send you programs that you might help people straighten their lives out. He says, I’m gonna send you power to overcome the sin that is in their life. [01:16:00] (32 seconds) #OvercomingBySpirit

Why do you seem to be okay in the midst of the storm that you’re in? Why is all the chaos going on in your life but you seem to be unbothered by it? Why is the things going on and everybody else seems to be running and scared, but you just got your face set toward Jerusalem and you ain’t backing up. Watch what’s going on with you. It’s Christ. He’s in me. He’s Leading me. He’s guiding me. He’s directing me. I don’t care what the storm says. Let it roar. Let it. Let it get up and scream in my face. I don’t care. You are a toothless foe. You can’t do anything to me. I’m going to stand back and. And I’m going to say. I’m just going to direct you to my signpost, conveniently located at the cross. If you want to deal with it, go deal with the cross. Because he beat your brains out. I’m not going to put up with that crap anymore. [01:23:14] (55 seconds) #UnshakenInChrist

Right now, we’re wide open. That’s why when you look at the cross, you see his arms stretched wide. It’s accept acceptance that all who come to the cross are accepted and that all that come to the cross are empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome the sin that brought you to the cross. And then you can go about this world with your arms open wide, accepting those that are in pain and those that are in hurting and those that need healing and those that need a demon thrown out of them. And you can bring them in and you can bring that acceptance into their life and say, God loves you. He don’t want you to stand. Stay that way and I’ll pull you out of that. Because I’m going to give you my wonderful friend called the Holy Spirit. And he’s going to help you to overcome every issue that you have in your life. [01:34:09] (48 seconds) #ArmsWideAcceptance

Don’t you start feeling special when you read that. Don’t you start feeling loved by God when you read that. Don’t you feel a higher sense of purpose when you read something like that? You’re not just a nobody. You’re somebody. You’re somebody that Christ died for. You’re somebody that God gave a mission to. You’re somebody. Somebody that put that God put a mission and a purpose in your own heart. I’m a royal priest, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. And as a result you can show others the goodness of God. As a result of that happening and that event and that fact, I can show God the goodness. For. Listen to this. For he called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. I’m a called out person. I was once in darkness and now I’m not in darkness anymore because I’m being lit up by the power of the Holy Spirit. [01:35:44] (56 seconds) #CalledOutOfDarkness

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