Empowered to Serve: The Holy Spirit's Call
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the dynamic and transformative power of the Holy Spirit as seen in the early church, particularly through the lens of Acts chapters 14 and 15. We reflected on the question of why the Holy Spirit's movement seems less evident in our time compared to the early church. The same Spirit that empowered the apostles is available to us today, urging us to serve and spread the gospel with the same fervor and dedication. The early church was marked by its commitment to service, and we are reminded that if we are truly saved, we are saved to serve. This service extends beyond the church walls into our communities and the world, fulfilling the Great Commission to spread the gospel to all nations.
We also discussed the challenges and conflicts that arise when sharing the gospel. The early church faced persecution and division, yet they remained steadfast, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This serves as a reminder that the gospel is meant to change us and, through us, change the world around us. The power of the Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit are central to this transformation. The Word of God, when preached with boldness and sincerity, has the power to convict and convert, as seen in the miraculous events of the early church.
Furthermore, we examined the importance of humility in ministry. Paul and Barnabas exemplified this by deflecting glory from themselves and pointing others to Jesus. The Holy Spirit always directs us to Christ, and our lives should reflect this truth. As we navigate conflicts and challenges, whether within the church or in the broader cultural context, we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus, ensuring that our actions and attitudes align with His teachings.
In conclusion, the call to action is clear: we must be active participants in the work of the Holy Spirit, serving, sharing, and living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. The same Spirit that moved in the early church is at work today, and we are invited to join in this divine mission.
Key Takeaways:
- The Call to Serve: Being saved means being called to serve. The early church exemplified this through their commitment to serving both within the church and in the broader community. We are reminded that our salvation is not just for personal benefit but to serve others and spread the gospel. [44:47]
- The Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome challenges and boldly share the gospel. This same Spirit that moved in the early church is available to us today, urging us to act out our faith in tangible ways. [47:47]
- The Importance of Humility: Paul and Barnabas demonstrated humility by pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking glory for themselves. The Holy Spirit always directs us to Christ, and our lives should reflect this truth. [01:16:39]
- Handling Conflict with Grace: Conflicts are inevitable, but how we handle them reveals our spiritual maturity. The early church navigated disagreements by seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and prioritizing unity in Christ. [01:25:16]
- The Transformative Power of the Word: The Word of God, when preached with boldness and sincerity, has the power to convict and convert. It is essential for believers to be rooted in Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through it into our lives. [01:04:20]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:38] - Gratitude and Greetings
[41:36] - Introduction to Acts 14 and 15
[42:39] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[44:47] - Saved to Serve
[46:33] - Making a Difference Locally and Globally
[47:47] - Acting Out the Holy Spirit's Work
[49:43] - The Personal Challenge of the Holy Spirit
[50:57] - Intentional Missionary Work
[55:28] - Conflict and the Gospel
[57:03] - Power of the Word and Presence
[01:02:56] - The Power of Miracles
[01:16:39] - Humility in Ministry
[01:25:16] - Handling Conflict in the Church
[01:30:32] - Keeping Eyes on Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 14:1-7
- Acts 15:1-11
- Ephesians 4:11-13
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 14:1-7, what were the reactions of the Jews and Greeks to the preaching of Paul and Barnabas, and how did this lead to conflict? [57:03]
2. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to the division and opposition they faced in Iconium, according to Acts 14:3? [57:03]
3. What was the main issue that arose in Acts 15:1-2, and how did Paul and Barnabas address it? [01:19:33]
4. How does Ephesians 4:11-13 describe the purpose of spiritual gifts in the church, and how does this relate to the call to serve mentioned in the sermon? [44:47]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do you think the Holy Spirit's movement seems less evident today compared to the early church, as discussed in the sermon? How can believers today experience the same empowerment? [42:39]
2. How does the example of Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14 demonstrate the importance of humility in ministry, and why is this significant for modern believers? [01:16:39]
3. In what ways did the early church handle conflicts with grace, and what can we learn from their approach to disagreements within the church? [01:25:16]
4. How does the transformative power of the Word, as seen in Acts 14, challenge believers to live out their faith boldly and sincerely today? [01:04:20]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you feel the Holy Spirit is urging you to serve more actively? What steps can you take to respond to this call? [44:47]
2. Consider a recent conflict or disagreement you have experienced. How can you apply the principles of handling conflict with grace, as demonstrated by the early church, in your situation? [01:25:16]
3. Humility is a key theme in the sermon. How can you practice humility in your daily interactions, ensuring that your actions point others to Jesus rather than seeking personal glory? [01:16:39]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of being rooted in Scripture. What specific plan can you implement to ensure you are regularly engaging with the Word of God? [01:04:20]
5. Identify one area in your community where you can make a tangible difference by serving others. What practical steps can you take this week to begin serving in that area? [46:33]
6. The sermon mentioned the challenge of balancing busy schedules with serving God. What is one activity you can reduce or eliminate to create more time for serving and growing in your faith? [48:24]
7. Think of a person in your life who may be resistant to the gospel. How can you approach them with love and grace, sharing your testimony in a way that reflects the power of the Holy Spirit? [01:10:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Saved to Serve: A Call to Action
The early church was characterized by its unwavering commitment to service, both within the church and in the broader community. This commitment was not just a duty but a natural response to the transformative power of salvation. Being saved is not merely for personal benefit; it is a call to serve others and spread the gospel. The early believers understood that their salvation was a gift meant to be shared, and they lived out this truth by actively engaging in acts of service and evangelism. Today, we are reminded that our salvation comes with a responsibility to serve and make a difference in the world around us. The call to serve is a call to action, urging us to step out of our comfort zones and into the lives of those who need to hear the good news. [44:47]
Matthew 20:26-28 (ESV): "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Reflection: Who in your community or church can you serve this week, and how can you practically extend the love of Christ to them?
Day 2: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit played a crucial role in empowering the early church to overcome challenges and boldly share the gospel. This same Spirit is available to believers today, urging us to act out our faith in tangible ways. The early church faced persecution and division, yet they remained steadfast, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This serves as a reminder that the gospel is meant to change us and, through us, change the world around us. The power of the Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit are central to this transformation. As believers, we are called to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance, trusting that He will equip us to fulfill the Great Commission. [47:47]
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 and guidance today?
Day 3: Humility in Ministry
Paul and Barnabas exemplified humility in their ministry by deflecting glory from themselves and pointing others to Jesus. The Holy Spirit always directs us to Christ, and our lives should reflect this truth. In a world that often seeks recognition and praise, the example of Paul and Barnabas challenges us to remain humble and focused on Christ. Humility in ministry means acknowledging that any success or impact we have is not of our own doing but is the work of the Holy Spirit through us. As we navigate conflicts and challenges, whether within the church or in the broader cultural context, we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus, ensuring that our actions and attitudes align with His teachings. [01:16:39]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: How can you practice humility in your interactions with others this week, ensuring that Christ is glorified in all you do?
Day 4: Handling Conflict with Grace
Conflicts are inevitable, but how we handle them reveals our spiritual maturity. The early church navigated disagreements by seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit and prioritizing unity in Christ. This approach serves as a model for us today, reminding us that conflicts should not divide us but rather be opportunities for growth and deeper understanding. Handling conflict with grace requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to listen and learn from others. It also involves seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance to resolve disagreements in a way that honors God and strengthens the body of Christ. [01:25:16]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Think of a recent conflict you experienced. How can you approach it with grace and seek reconciliation in a way that honors God?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of the Word
The Word of God, when preached with boldness and sincerity, has the power to convict and convert. It is essential for believers to be rooted in Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through it into our lives. The early church witnessed miraculous events as a result of the bold proclamation of the Word, and this same power is available to us today. Being rooted in Scripture means more than just reading it; it involves meditating on it, applying it to our lives, and allowing it to transform us from the inside out. As we engage with the Word, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit's work, enabling us to live out our faith with authenticity and conviction. [01:04:20]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."
Reflection: How can you make time this week to engage deeply with Scripture, allowing it to transform your heart and mind?
Quotes
1) "If you are saved, hear me, if you are saved, you are saved to serve. And I don't think, somebody else say amen. And I don't mean just the deacons and I don't just mean the staff. Hey, you know what the staff gets paid to do? They're supposed to do all the work of the church. No, what you need to understand, if I understand Ephesians, my job is to equip you to go do the work of the church. Oh, by the way, by the power of the Holy Spirit. And if you don't wanna serve, see, here's my question. Do you have the Holy Spirit? Because everybody who had the Holy Spirit in the early church, guess what? They did, they served. They served somewhere. And I don't think it's just one place. I think there's multiple places you can serve in the church." [45:24] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "If the Holy Spirit's in you, you would be making a difference. Wherever you are, you find these folks in the early books of Acts that have the power of the Holy Spirit on them, that are saved and have the Spirit of God dwelling in them. They didn't have to muster up to go do something for God. They had the Holy Spirit inside of them pushing them out to do the work of God. Amen? And my question is, why don't we have that? Why isn't the Holy Spirit pushing us out if he lives within us? To carry the gospel to Rome and Floyd County, to the ends of the earth, to some of you to Moldova, some of you to Mexico, to other places. Why isn't he pushing us out into where we work and where we live?" [47:11] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The New Testament church acted out what the Holy Spirit had put in them at salvation. And the same thing ought to be true of us today. So that's my challenge, folks. That's the... And I know that's a... Sometimes that's a hard pill to swallow. And I know some of you, I know... I know how some people are today. Well, I got all I can do. I'm so busy all the time. I'm only watching like six series and two movies right now. Huh? I only have an hour a day to keep up with everybody on Facebook and social media. Why aren't you using some of that time for God?" [47:47] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The power of the word. Man, when they, Paul would go into that, that synagogue and he would preach the word of God. He would take, he would take the Old Testament and show them Jesus in the Old Testament. And when he would do that, the power of the word is what converts. Matter of fact, when I got saved, it was the power of the word and the power of the Holy Spirit that saves me. When you got saved, it was the power of the word and the power of the Holy Spirit that saves you. It's not Baptist that saves you. It's not an altar that saves you. It's not a baptistry that saves you. It's not a religion that saves you. It's not a church that saves you. It's the word and the Holy Spirit. Amen." [01:02:56] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The Holy Spirit will always, always, always point you to Jesus. The Holy Spirit's not here to glorify David Harper. David deserves nothing but hell outside of Jesus. The Holy Spirit won't glorify you. He won't glorify the musicians. The Holy Spirit will always point us to Jesus. And that's exactly what Paul's going to do here. He's going to, in humility, he and Barnabas are going to say, man, they're going to point, give the glory to God. God's the one that did the healing. We didn't do the healing. We didn't heal that lame man. God, healed that lame man. We're not God's. He's God. And point them to Jesus, the son of God. That's what the Holy Spirit will always do." [01:16:01] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Jesus fulfilled all the legal requirements for us to come to God. And the only way you get to God is through Jesus. Not your good works, not coming to church, not being Baptist, not showing up on Sunday morning, not reading your Bible and praying. There are no legalistic, ways to get to God. You go to God through Jesus. He kept the law completely and perfectly for every one of us. So he could be the sacrifice to die for us. And there'd be now our high priest who sets between us and God to intervene between God and you, God, and me praise God. I don't have to earn my way to heaven. Jesus has already done that. Amen." [01:29:24] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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