Empowered Witnesses: Living Out Our Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gather to reflect on the significance of Pentecost Sunday, a day that commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days with His disciples, teaching and preparing them for the arrival of the Holy Spirit. This event, which took place 50 days after Easter, is a cornerstone of our faith, marking the moment when the Holy Spirit began to work through us, empowering us to be real witnesses for Christ.
In Acts 1:4-8, Jesus instructs His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He assures them that they will receive power to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This power is not just for knowledge but for action—action that demonstrates the truth of who Jesus is. Jesus wants us to be witnesses who can attest to His reality, His divinity, and His role as the Savior of the world. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him.
Being a witness for Christ involves more than just words; it requires a life that reflects our faith. James 2:26 tells us that faith without works is dead. Our faith must be alive, demonstrated through obedient actions that align with God's will. This obedience is a testament to the life-altering power of the Holy Spirit within us. We are called to be co-workers with God, engaging in labors of love that serve others and glorify Him.
One of the ways we can be real witnesses is by examining our lives for idols—anything that we prioritize over God. If we are willing to disobey God to keep something in our lives, it may be an idol. We must be willing to let go of these idols to fully align our lives with God's will. This alignment is a powerful witness to others, showing that our faith is genuine and transformative.
Our witness is also strengthened through our service to others. When we serve, we demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. Whether it's through organized church activities like Team Orange or personal acts of kindness, our service speaks volumes about our faith. People are more likely to listen to our words when they see our actions reflecting the love of Christ.
Enduring hope is another crucial aspect of our witness. Life is filled with challenges, but as Christians, we grieve and face adversity with hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us that we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Our hope in Christ assures us that even in the darkest times, God is working for our good. This hope is a powerful testimony to the world, showing that our faith sustains us through all circumstances.
In conclusion, being a real witness for Christ involves a combination of faith, obedience, service, and hope. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives that reflect these qualities, drawing others to the truth of who Jesus is. As we go forth, let us strive to be witnesses who not only speak the truth but live it out in every aspect of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost Sunday reminds us of the promise and fulfillment of the Holy Spirit's arrival. Jesus assured His disciples that they would receive power to be His witnesses, not just in knowledge but in action. This power enables us to live out our faith authentically and boldly, demonstrating the truth of who Jesus is. [01:32]
2. Faith and Obedience: True faith is demonstrated through obedient actions that align with God's will. James 2:26 emphasizes that faith without works is dead. Our obedience is a testament to the life-altering power of the Holy Spirit within us, proving that our faith is alive and transformative. [14:53]
3. Identifying and Removing Idols: Anything that we prioritize over God can become an idol. If we are willing to disobey God to keep something in our lives, it may be an idol. We must be willing to let go of these idols to fully align our lives with God's will, showing that our faith is genuine and transformative. [18:22]
4. Serving Others as a Witness: Our service to others is a powerful witness to the love of Christ. Whether through organized church activities or personal acts of kindness, our service speaks volumes about our faith. People are more likely to listen to our words when they see our actions reflecting the love of Christ. [23:19]
5. Enduring Hope in Adversity: As Christians, we face adversity with hope, knowing that God is working for our good. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us that we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Our hope in Christ assures us that even in the darkest times, God is working for our good, providing a powerful testimony to the world. [30:21]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:32] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
3. [03:06] - The Role of a Witness
4. [05:36] - Jesus is the Real Deal
5. [09:05] - Jesus as Savior and Advocate
6. [14:53] - Faith and Obedience
7. [18:22] - Identifying Idols
8. [23:19] - Serving Others
9. [30:21] - Enduring Hope
10. [35:56] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Pentecost Sunday
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:4-8: "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' Then they gathered around him and asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'"
2. James 2:26: "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
3. 1 Thessalonians 4:13: "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope."
#### Observation Questions
1. What command did Jesus give to His disciples in Acts 1:4-8 regarding the Holy Spirit? ([01:32])
2. According to James 2:26, what is the relationship between faith and works?
3. How does 1 Thessalonians 4:13 describe the way Christians should grieve compared to the rest of mankind?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized waiting for the Holy Spirit before the disciples began their mission? ([01:32])
2. How does the concept of faith without works being dead challenge or affirm your understanding of living out your faith? ([14:53])
3. In what ways does the hope described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 serve as a witness to others during times of adversity? ([30:21])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit. How did it impact your ability to witness for Christ? ([01:32])
2. Identify an area in your life where your actions may not align with your professed faith. What steps can you take to bring them into alignment? ([14:53])
3. Are there any idols in your life that you need to let go of to fully align with God's will? How can you begin to address this? ([18:22])
4. Think of a recent act of service you performed. How did it reflect the love of Christ to others? What more can you do to serve as a witness through your actions? ([23:19])
5. How do you handle grief and adversity? In what ways can you demonstrate enduring hope to those around you during difficult times? ([30:21])
6. Consider your current involvement in church activities or personal acts of kindness. How can you increase your service to others as a witness for Christ? ([23:19])
7. Reflect on the statement, "Faith without works is dead." What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your faith in a tangible way? ([14:53])
Devotional
Day 1: The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit
The arrival of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday is a pivotal moment in Christian faith. Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses, not just in knowledge but in action. This power enables believers to live out their faith authentically and boldly, demonstrating the truth of who Jesus is. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is not just for personal edification but for the purpose of being effective witnesses for Christ in the world. This empowerment is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission and living a life that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel. [01:32]
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: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily life to be a more effective witness for Christ?
Day 2: Faith in Action
True faith is demonstrated through obedient actions that align with God's will. James 2:26 emphasizes that faith without works is dead, meaning that our faith must be alive and active. This obedience is a testament to the life-altering power of the Holy Spirit within us, proving that our faith is genuine and transformative. When we live out our faith through our actions, we show the world the reality of Christ's love and power. Our lives become a living testimony of God's grace and truth, drawing others to Him. [14:53]
James 2:26 (ESV): "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your faith in a tangible way?
Day 3: Removing Idols from Our Lives
Anything that we prioritize over God can become an idol. If we are willing to disobey God to keep something in our lives, it may be an idol. We must be willing to let go of these idols to fully align our lives with God's will. This alignment is a powerful witness to others, showing that our faith is genuine and transformative. By identifying and removing idols, we make room for God to work more fully in our lives, allowing His will to be done. This process requires self-examination and a willingness to surrender anything that hinders our relationship with God. [18:22]
1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
Reflection: What is one thing in your life that you might be prioritizing over God? How can you begin to let go of it today?
Day 4: Serving Others as a Witness
Our service to others is a powerful witness to the love of Christ. Whether through organized church activities or personal acts of kindness, our service speaks volumes about our faith. People are more likely to listen to our words when they see our actions reflecting the love of Christ. Serving others not only meets their physical and emotional needs but also opens doors for sharing the Gospel. It demonstrates the selfless love of Christ and shows that our faith is not just about words but about living out the love of God in practical ways. [23:19]
Galatians 5:13 (ESV): "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Reflection: How can you serve someone in your community this week in a way that reflects the love of Christ?
Day 5: Enduring Hope in Adversity
As Christians, we face adversity with hope, knowing that God is working for our good. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us that we do not grieve like those who have no hope. Our hope in Christ assures us that even in the darkest times, God is working for our good, providing a powerful testimony to the world. This enduring hope is a testament to our faith and trust in God's promises. It shows that our faith sustains us through all circumstances and that we believe in God's ultimate plan for our lives. [30:21]
1 Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV): "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God more fully and hold on to hope? How can you remind yourself of His promises today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Jesus wants people to know that he is the real deal, that he is the son of God, he is the one and only son of God. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the father, scripture says, except through him. He wants people to know that he's the prince of peace. He's the wonderful counselor. He's able to give great counsel. He's able to give us peace that surpasses all understanding. Jesus wants people to know that he is the lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. How many of you glad that Jesus took your sins away? Come on, he is the lamb of God. He is the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. He is the great I am." [05:36]
2. "Today is Pentecost Sunday. Yes, some of you say, what is Pentecost Sunday? Well, Jesus walked, talked, taught, ate with his disciples after he rose from the grave for 40 days. Some people don't realize that. And he promised his disciples that he would send the Holy Spirit in Acts 1-8. We're going to take a look at that scripture in just a minute. But Pentecost Sunday represents the 50th day after Easter. And it also commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit, the promise being made, but also Jesus making good on that promise that he gave to his disciples, that the Holy Spirit would come." [01:32]
3. "Jesus wants people to know he is our advocate as well as our savior. Come on, and it pays to have an advocate. An advocate, a lawyer, is someone who can actually get you off even when you're guilty. I have learned this. My son had a reckless driving. He was guilty. He knew he was guilty. I knew he was guilty the first time he went to plead his case. The judge was tough. She was locking people up. She said, young man, I recommend that you get a lawyer. And the guy said, oh no, I don't think I need a lawyer. 30 days in prison, speeding." [10:36]
4. "We are real witnesses for Christ when we exude or offer hope. Especially in the face of adversity. Come on. This life is hard. Bad things happen to good people. First Thessalonians 4, 13. Let's read it brothers and sisters. We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind who have no hope. Christians don't grieve like the world grieves. Now, this scripture is not saying that we don't grieve. Grieving is healthy, but we don't grieve as as the world grieves. We grieve with an understanding that in Christ it's all good even when it appears to be all bad." [30:21]
5. "If we're going to be real witnesses, we have to really love people and those labors of love. Here's the things about, about labor's labors of love. Our witnesses with words, everybody say with words at some point when we witness, we have to open our mouths, right? Whether it's telling our story, inviting somebody to church or maybe presenting the truth. Hopefully that's done through relationship. Um, but there is a witness without words. Our witness with words is generally more believable and receivable, when preceded by labors of love services, influence people don't care what we know until they know that we care." [27:48]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are real witnesses for Christ when our trust or confidence in Christ prompts obedient action toward God. Everybody say obedient action. James 2, 26 says, for as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. We need the Holy Spirit of God to help us to have faith that is alive, faith that brings about obedience to God's word and to his will. And we are saved by faith, but the kind of faith that is life-giving and life-altering. Godly obedience is proof of the life-altering spirit of God being active in our lives." [14:53]
2. "If we're willing to disobey God to have it in our lives, we may have an idol on our hands. If we can't give it up to the degree that we're willing to disobey God's Word that we know, it's a very good chance that it's an idol in our lives, and we need to get rid of it. I'm going to tell you the amazing thing. Even people who don't go to church know Christ-like behavior. God's law is written on our hearts. God's goodness is known by people. People know deep down what is right and what is wrong. And when they see people beginning to do right who were doing wrong, it is a profound witness to them that something has happened." [18:22]
3. "When we serve the Lord by serving others, we are being a real witness for Christ. First Corinthians, says this in 3.9. It tells us that we are actually co-workers with God. How many of you know that when you accept Christ, you become a co-worker with him? I didn't know that. I didn't understand that. I actually prayed a prayer one day, God, I want to work for you. And I understood that to be that I was supposed to be in full-time ministry. Now, I ended up in full-time ministry. I'm thankful that I thought that. I don't, mean, I don't regret anything. But I didn't understand that any person who accepts Christ automatically is welcomed and actually expected to do the work of the ministry." [23:19]
4. "We have a great opportunity as Christians to not grieve as the world grieves and to give, to be people of hope. And when we are people of hope by the help of the Holy Spirit, we help others to know there's something about this Jesus that I need to check out. Listen, the Thessalonians, the scriptures, the scripture says that the word of God and faith in God rang out all across that region, the region of Macedonia because of their Christian witness. Wouldn't it be awesome if all of this region, there were people who were filled with the knowledge and a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ as Lord, because Community Church has some real witnesses who are willing, willing to serve others, willing to have faith, full obedience and willing and able to actually endure hardness as soldiers of Jesus Christ." [35:56]
5. "We used to ask a question in our old foundations course, and this was the question that we asked, how do you know you've placed your faith in Christ? How do you know? And some people will say, well, you were there. You prayed with me. Remember, I said a prayer. I said a prayer. I got goosebumps. When you prayed, I was like, oh, that person sure can pray. How many of you think that's a good question? How do you know you've placed your faith in Christ? How do you know you've placed your faith in Christ? How do you know that you have actually put your faith in Christ? Well, when we know when there has been a change in our lives, we know when Jesus is actually Lord, that word Lord means boss, and you can't have a boss if you don't allow your boss to actually tell you what you need to do. We begin to align our lives with what God's word actually says rather than what we want to do." [16:43]
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