Empowered to Obey: Listening to the Holy Spirit

 

Summary

God has entrusted humanity with a profound responsibility: to be His representatives on earth, carrying out His redemptive purpose. From the very beginning, God gave authority to mankind, and even after the fall, He chose to work through people rather than bypassing them. This is why Jesus came as a man, and why each of us is called to step into the places God has positioned us—our families, workplaces, and communities—to be the vessel through which His love and truth are revealed. Yet, God does not leave us to fulfill this calling in our own strength. He empowers us by His Spirit, the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, so that we can walk in His authority and discern His will.

The Holy Spirit is not silent; He is always speaking, guiding, and revealing truth. The challenge is not whether God is speaking, but whether we are listening. Like the humorous story of the man who thought his wife wasn’t responding, we often miss the Spirit’s voice because we are distracted or unwilling to hear. But when we tune our hearts to the Spirit, He leads us into all truth, clarifies God’s plans, and gives us wisdom for the decisions we face.

Throughout Scripture, we see the Spirit redefining lives and redirecting paths. Peter’s encounter with Cornelius was not just about Cornelius receiving the gospel, but about God breaking Peter’s prejudices and expanding his understanding of who could be included in God’s family. Philip was called away from a thriving revival to minister to a single Ethiopian eunuch, showing that God values the one as much as the many and orchestrates divine connections for His purposes. Paul’s journey was redirected by the Spirit, teaching us that not every good idea is a God idea, and that sensitivity to the Spirit’s timing is crucial.

God’s call is not just to hear, but to obey—even when it means stepping into uncomfortable or unfamiliar territory. Complacency is a danger; Israel’s example warns us not to rest on past faithfulness or tradition, but to continually respond to God’s voice with humility and commitment. The Spirit’s power is available to all who are willing to say, “Here I am, send me,” and to walk in obedience, trusting that God’s timing and ways are perfect.

Key Takeaways

- God Entrusts Us with His Purpose and Authority
From Genesis onward, God has chosen to work through people, giving us both the authority and responsibility to carry out His will on earth. This means our willingness or reluctance to act directly impacts how God’s purposes unfold in our spheres of influence. The weight of this responsibility should drive us to humility and dependence on God, knowing He seeks those who will say, “I will be that man or woman.” [03:24]

- The Holy Spirit Empowers and Speaks—Are We Listening?
The Spirit is always speaking, guiding us into truth and revealing God’s will, but our ability to hear depends on our attentiveness and openness. Distraction, busyness, or preconceived ideas can dull our spiritual hearing, causing us to miss the Spirit’s direction. Cultivating a posture of listening and expectation is essential for walking in step with God’s purposes. [08:00]

- Obedience Often Requires Breaking Tradition and Comfort Zones
Peter’s transformation in Acts 10 shows that God sometimes calls us to cross boundaries we never imagined, challenging our prejudices and comfort. True obedience is not just mental agreement but a willingness to act, even when it means risking misunderstanding or stepping into unfamiliar territory. God’s Spirit will often lead us where our natural inclinations would not go, for the sake of His greater plan. [16:31]

- God Orchestrates Divine Connections—Value the One as Much as the Many
Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrates that God’s heart is for the individual as much as the crowd. We must be sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings, recognizing that a single conversation or act of obedience can have generational impact. Never underestimate the significance of a Spirit-led connection, even if it seems small compared to other opportunities. [24:44]

- Sensitivity to the Spirit’s Timing is Crucial—Not Every Good Idea is a God Idea
Paul’s journey teaches us that zeal and good intentions are not enough; we must discern the Spirit’s timing and direction. Sometimes God says “not now” or redirects us entirely, and it is only in hindsight that we see the wisdom of His timing. Waiting on the Spirit and being willing to change course ensures that we are part of God’s perfect plan, rather than just pursuing what seems right in our own eyes. [32:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:35] - The Great Commission and God’s Purpose
[01:18] - Authority Given to Humanity
[02:42] - The Responsibility of God’s Call
[04:42] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[06:05] - Hearing God’s Voice
[08:00] - The Spirit Reveals Truth
[11:15] - The Spirit’s Role in Revelation
[13:14] - The Early Church and the Spirit’s Fire
[15:15] - Peter’s Vision: Breaking Tradition
[17:54] - The Challenge of Obedience
[22:04] - Philip and Divine Connections
[29:57] - Paul’s Redirection by the Spirit
[33:56] - Worship in the Prison: Paul and Silas
[40:47] - God’s Timing and the Danger of Complacency
[44:43] - Israel’s Example: Responding to God’s Voice
[47:59] - Call to Commitment and Worship

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide

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### Bible Reading

1. Matthew 28:18-20
_Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”_

2. Acts 10:9-20
_(Peter’s vision and God’s call to break tradition and reach Cornelius)_

3. Acts 8:26-39
_(Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch – God’s heart for the one and divine connections)_

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 28:18-20, what does Jesus say about authority and the mission He gives to His followers?
2. In Acts 10, what was Peter’s initial reaction to the vision God gave him, and why did he respond that way?
3. According to the sermon, what was significant about Philip leaving a revival to meet one man on the desert road? [[24:04]]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding and empowering believers, according to Acts 1:8 and the sermon? [[04:42]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says God chooses to work through people rather than bypassing them. Why do you think God entrusts His purpose and authority to us, even though we are imperfect? [[03:24]]
2. Peter’s story in Acts 10 is about more than Cornelius receiving the gospel. What does Peter’s transformation teach us about God’s heart and our own prejudices? [[16:31]]
3. Philip was called away from a thriving revival to minister to one person. What does this tell us about how God values individuals versus crowds? [[24:04]]
4. The sermon mentions that not every good idea is a God idea. How can we discern the difference between our own plans and the Spirit’s leading? [[32:03]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to step into the places God has positioned us—our families, workplaces, and communities. Where has God placed you right now, and what might it look like for you to be His representative there this week? [[04:03]]
2. The Holy Spirit is always speaking, but we may not be listening. What are some distractions or attitudes in your life that make it hard to hear God’s voice? What is one practical step you can take to be more attentive to the Spirit this week? [[07:27]]
3. Peter had to break with tradition and step into uncomfortable territory to obey God. Is there a “comfort zone” or tradition in your life that God might be asking you to move beyond? What would it look like to take that step? [[18:40]]
4. Philip valued the one as much as the many. Can you think of a time when God used you in a “small” way that turned out to be significant? Is there someone in your life right now who might need a Spirit-led conversation or act of kindness from you? [[24:44]]
5. Paul was redirected by the Spirit and had to wait for God’s timing. Is there an area in your life where you are struggling with God’s timing or direction? How can you practice waiting and listening for the Spirit’s guidance? [[32:03]]
6. The sermon warns against complacency, using Israel as an example. Are there areas in your faith where you have become complacent or are just going through the motions? What is one way you can renew your commitment to God this week? [[47:20]]
7. The Spirit’s power is available to all who are willing to say, “Here I am, send me.” What is holding you back from fully saying “yes” to God’s call? How can the group pray for you to take the next step in obedience? [[03:24]]

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Devotional

Day 1: God Calls and Empowers Us for His Purpose
God’s redemptive plan for the world is accomplished through people who are willing to respond to His call. From the very beginning, God gave humanity authority and responsibility, and He continues to look for men and women who will say, “Here I am, send me.” This calling is not just a task but a partnership with God, where He entrusts us with His mission and empowers us to fulfill it. The weight of this responsibility is great, but so is the privilege—to be the vessel through which God’s love and salvation reach others. Are you willing to step forward and be the person God uses in your family, workplace, or community? [01:56]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Where has God placed you right now, and how might He be calling you to be His representative to those around you this week?


Day 2: The Holy Spirit Empowers and Guides Us
God does not leave us to fulfill His purpose in our own strength; He empowers us with the Holy Spirit. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in every believer, equipping us to be witnesses and to walk in God’s authority. The Holy Spirit is not just a distant force but a present help, giving us wisdom, boldness, and the ability to discern God’s will. When we feel inadequate or unsure, we can trust that God’s Spirit is with us, enabling us to do what we could never do alone. [04:42]

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 area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than your own abilities today?


Day 3: The Spirit Reveals God’s Truth and Direction
The Holy Spirit is our guide into all truth, revealing God’s will and giving us understanding beyond our natural ability. There are times when we face decisions or read Scripture and feel confused, but the Spirit is faithful to illuminate God’s Word and lead us in the right path. Sometimes, God’s direction may challenge our traditions or comfort zones, as it did for Peter, but when we listen and obey, we align ourselves with God’s greater purpose. Are you listening for the Spirit’s voice, even when it leads you into unfamiliar territory? [08:00]

John 16:13 (ESV)
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Reflection: Is there an area where you sense God challenging your assumptions or traditions? How can you open your heart to the Spirit’s guidance today?


Day 4: Divine Connections and Obedient Responses
God orchestrates divine connections, sometimes leading us away from what seems successful or comfortable to reach the one who is searching for Him. Like Philip leaving a revival to meet the Ethiopian eunuch, we are called to be sensitive and obedient to the Spirit’s promptings, even when it doesn’t make sense to us. Every encounter can be a God-ordained moment, and our willingness to respond can change someone’s destiny. Don’t underestimate the impact of a single act of obedience—God sees and values the one. [24:04]

Acts 8:26-29 (ESV)
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.”

Reflection: Who is one person God might be prompting you to reach out to or encourage this week, even if it feels inconvenient or unexpected?


Day 5: Rejecting Complacency and Walking in Commitment
There is no place for complacency in the kingdom of God. God warns us through the example of Israel that it is possible to become hardened and miss out on His blessings by failing to respond in faith and obedience. We are grafted into God’s promises not by heritage or routine, but by a living, ongoing commitment to walk in His kindness and truth. Today, God calls us to examine our hearts, reject spiritual complacency, and recommit ourselves to wholehearted devotion, trusting that as we do, He will release His power and presence in our lives. [46:39]

Romans 11:20-22 (ESV)
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

Reflection: In what ways have you become spiritually complacent, and what is one concrete step you can take today to renew your commitment to God?

Quotes

God wants to use a man to which he is going to accomplish his purpose you see God's redemptive purpose is for all humanity but he chooses to use a man or a woman to accomplish that and there is a definite reason for that because in the beginning right back to the book of Genesis yeah right back to the book of Genesis can everyone say Genesis right genesis is the book of beginnings. [00:01:18]
You see when we hold back doing the purpose the plan and the will of God what we are doing is we are holding back the license for God to work because God has put that responsibility on humanity and God wants to work through a man that's why Jesus came in the form of a man to bring salvation to mankind. [00:02:42]
So we can't fail can we because when we step back what we're saying is God we don't care the responsibility you have given us we have chosen to sherk we have chosen to sherk the responsibility and you know what god holds us to account for it but he doesn't just tell you that you are the man and you are the woman he empowers you to be that man and to be that woman. [00:04:09]
It means that the same power that raised ch Jesus from the dead is the same power that's working in you you have the power to speak with the authority that God has given us you see the Holy Spirit wants to speak to you and I this morning he wants to speak to us every moment of the day. [00:05:34]
But the reality is that there's so much going on in our lives that we don't necessarily hear it's not that God isn't speaking in fact Romans chapter 1 says that all creation testifies to the glory of God so there is no way that God is not speaking god is speaking it's whether we are listening. [00:05:57]
Isn't that so exciting that the Holy Spirit will lead us into truth you know how many times have you read your Bible and said "Man I don't understand this." Anyone had that problem no no wow okay thank you thank you for being honest anyone else had that where you read something and you're like I don't get it yeah happens to me. [00:08:20]
And then you get this aha moment where the Holy Spirit reveals to you what you're reading and you're like "Oh God I get it god I get it i understand what you're trying to say." Because the Holy Spirit reveals truth and you know when we're struggling to find truth go to the Holy Spirit the Spirit leads us and gives us clarity on God's plans. [00:08:43]
You see God through the Holy Spirit ordains divine connections amen tell somebody else said God ordains divine connections come on i'm afraid you fall asleep on me otherwise right god ordains divine connections you may be in church this morning through a divine connection where God ordains a divine moment in the life of a person where he connects the two together and we find that there is a man who is hungry and thirsty to know the things of God. [00:23:06]
But God says "I see the one." And church you might be that one you might have been that one where God sent somebody and made a divine connection with you a divine connection that has changed the focus of your life a divine connection that has brought hope and we see this man the Ethiopian uni he's saying "How can I know no one is there to explain to me how can I understand the scripture unless somebody is willing to explain unless someone takes the time." [00:24:10]
And we find that Philillip his mind is not like "Oh you're a waste of time i'm having a whole revival here seriously this one man waste of time waste of time." You know sometimes in our minds that happens isn't it we got to be somewhere else we got to be in this place and God brings a divine connection and we're like God seriously one person what a waste of time i could be in church praising God at this time. [00:24:59]
I could be where the spirit is moving and God says I care for the one and I just look at Philillip and I think man this guy was not caught up in who he was and what it was about him he was caught up in obedience to the Holy Spirit and he sees a divine connection he sees the potential in a man who would otherwise be an outcast a reject he sees divine potential. [00:25:26]
You see for your life and mine God has a timing god wants us to be willing to discern the timing but how do we discern the timing through the Holy Spirit with a willingness to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit shall we stand together are we willing this morning to open our hearts and say "God God I want to respond to the Holy Spirit." [00:43:20]
You are saved by grace you are saved by your willingness to respond to the voice of God you see they thought they were Abraham's seed just because they were by lineage to Abraham and Paul speaks and says it's nothing about lineage it's about being willing to do what Abraham did being willing to obey like Abraham obeyed. [00:46:05]
If anyone is willing to obey like Abraham is obeyed obeyed he is grafted into the vine and this is what he says granted but they were broken off because of unbelief and you stand by faith do not be arrogant but tremble for if God did not spare the natural branches he will not spare you either therefore consider the kindness and sternness of God. [00:46:32]
There provided that you continue in his kindness you see Israel got complacent and I felt the Lord speaking and he said "Challenge my church this morning that there is no place for complacency in the kingdom of God." God is looking for a people who will walk upright in commitment to God and I just felt God put that on my heart and says "Speak it to your people this morning." [00:47:12]
But if God has spoken to you today and you're saying God I want to walk in the power of the spirit god I'm not going to compromise and walk in complacency anymore i'm going to walk devoted to God i challenge you just come to the front this morning i want to pray with you if God has spoken to you just leave your seat don't worry about the person next to you this is your time this is your moment. [00:48:18]

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