Empowered Witnesses: Living Out the Holy Spirit
Summary
The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the responsibility of believers to be positive influences in the world. The speaker challenges individuals to consider whether they are being a destructive force or a source of warmth and guidance, both physically and spiritually. The importance of relying on Jesus and the grace of God is underscored, with a call to be witnesses and actively spread the gospel through words and actions.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is likened to being soberly intoxicated, where it should be evident in one's life, just as intoxication is noticeable. The speaker warns against being like a campfire Christian who is out of control and harms others, instead of serving and loving them. Consistency between profession and lifestyle is stressed, with repentance being necessary for when one falls short.
The speaker draws parallels between the events at Mount Sinai and Acts chapter 2, describing the former as a precursor to the latter, where God's promises and plan to include Gentiles into his covenant family are fulfilled. The significance of the Fire on the Mountain is discussed, connecting the events of Pentecost to Exodus chapter 19 and emphasizing the continuity of God's faithfulness throughout history.
The Christian life is portrayed as a journey of intimacy and knowledge of Jesus, with believers encouraged to actively wait for God's presence and participate in his work until all of creation is reconciled to Jesus. The role of believers is to be witnesses of the good news and to conform people into the image of God, not to build their own kingdoms.
The speaker also touches on the pattern of God's faithfulness and promise throughout the scriptures, from Jerusalem to the ends of the Earth, and the empowerment of believers by the Holy Spirit to preach the good news. The sermon concludes with a prayer expressing gratitude for God's grace and acceptance.
The speaker shares personal stories from their background in the "chocolate church" and emphasizes the unfinished work of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to participate in God's redemptive work. The importance of both proclaiming and demonstrating the Gospel is highlighted, with the speaker reminding that the Holy Spirit's business is for the Earth to be filled with God's glory.
The sermon also discusses the day of Pentecost, the significance of the Holy Spirit coming in Acts chapter 2, and the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant family. The speaker concludes by expressing his pleasure to be in Colorado and sharing personal anecdotes, emphasizing the Jewishness of God's faithfulness and the church's continuity in God's plan.
Key Takeaways:
- Believers are called to be a positive influence in the world, reflecting the warmth and guidance of Jesus Christ. This involves active participation in spreading the gospel and living a life that is consistent with the teachings of Jesus. The transformative power of the Holy Spirit enables individuals to be witnesses of God's love and grace, despite their imperfections. [29:57]
- The Holy Spirit's presence in a believer's life should be as evident as the effects of intoxication, manifesting in a life characterized by love and service. Christians are cautioned against being self-focused and destructive, as this undermines the witness of Jesus. Instead, they should strive for a life that aligns with their profession of faith, with repentance being a key aspect of their spiritual journey. [27:27]
- The events of Pentecost are connected to the historical events at Mount Sinai, demonstrating God's consistent plan and promise to include all people into his covenant family. This continuity shows that the church is not a new concept but a part of God's ongoing faithfulness to his people. Believers are reminded of the importance of understanding the Jewish roots of their faith. [12:27]
- The role of believers is not to pursue personal agendas or build their own kingdoms but to actively wait for and participate in God's presence, working towards the reconciliation of all creation to Jesus. This involves a deep, personal relationship with Jesus and a commitment to being witnesses of the good news that Jesus is king. [21:14]
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to transcend cultural and language barriers, enabling them to proclaim the Gospel effectively. This empowerment is not based on personal performance but on the Spirit of God. Believers are challenged to examine their relationship with Jesus and ensure they are aligned with God's mission rather than their own. [18:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 2:1-13
- Exodus 19:16-19
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event is described in Acts 2:1-13, and how does it relate to the Jewish festival of Pentecost? ([03:35])
2. In Exodus 19:16-19, what were the physical manifestations of God's presence on Mount Sinai, and how do they compare to the events in Acts 2? ([12:27])
3. According to the sermon, what was the reaction of the people when they heard the disciples speaking in different languages in Acts 2? ([04:50])
4. How does the speaker describe the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to be witnesses of the Gospel? ([19:58])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of the Holy Spirit coming on the day of Pentecost, and how does it fulfill God's promises from the Old Testament? ([09:56])
2. How does the speaker's analogy of "sober intoxication" help us understand the visible effects of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? ([27:27])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the events of Acts 2 are a continuation of God's plan rather than a new beginning? ([14:27])
4. How does the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant family, as discussed in the sermon, reflect the broader mission of the church? ([16:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be more of a "campfire Christian" who harms rather than helps others? How can you change this? ([28:45])
2. The speaker emphasizes the importance of both proclaiming and demonstrating the Gospel. What are some practical ways you can do this in your daily life? ([08:37])
3. How can you actively wait for God's presence and participate in His work, rather than passively waiting for heaven? ([21:55])
4. The sermon challenges believers to examine their relationship with Jesus. How can you ensure that your actions align with God's mission rather than your own? ([19:58])
5. Think about a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to transcend cultural or language barriers. How did that experience impact your faith and witness? ([18:37])
6. The speaker mentions the importance of repentance. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent and seek God's forgiveness? How can you take steps towards that this week? ([29:19])
7. How can you be a positive influence in your community, reflecting the warmth and guidance of Jesus Christ? Identify one specific action you can take this week to make a difference. ([29:57])
Devotional
Day 1: Reflecting Christ's Warmth and Guidance
As believers, one's life should radiate the love and guidance of Jesus, serving as a beacon of hope and direction in a world that often feels cold and lost. This requires a conscious effort to embody the teachings of Jesus, not just in words but through actions that demonstrate His compassion and wisdom. Active engagement in sharing the gospel is essential, as is living a life that visibly aligns with the grace and love of Christ. [29:57]
Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection: How can you be a more visible beacon of Christ's love in your daily interactions with others?
Day 2: Manifesting the Holy Spirit's Presence
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit should be as discernible in a believer's life as the signs of intoxication are in a person. This presence is characterized by a life of love, service, and a commitment to the teachings of Christ. It is a call to live authentically, aligning one's actions with their faith, and turning to repentance when they fall short. The Spirit's work in us should be evident to those we encounter. [27:27]
Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Reflection: What fruit of the Spirit do you need to cultivate more in your life, and how can you begin that process today?
Day 3: Embracing the Continuity of God's Faithfulness
The events at Pentecost and Mount Sinai are not isolated incidents but part of a continuous narrative of God's faithfulness and promise. This historical connection reminds believers of the rich Jewish roots of their faith and the inclusive nature of God's covenant, which extends to all people. Understanding this continuity helps believers appreciate the depth and breadth of God's plan for humanity. [12:27]
Ephesians 3:6 - "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How does recognizing the Jewish roots of your faith change your perspective on God's inclusive promise?
Day 4: Pursuing God's Kingdom, Not Our Own
Believers are called to a life of active waiting for God's presence, participating in His work, and not being distracted by the pursuit of personal kingdoms. This journey involves intimacy with Jesus and a commitment to being witnesses of the good news, aligning one's life with the mission of reconciling all creation to Christ. The focus is on God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else. [21:14]
Colossians 3:1-2 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: What is one way you can shift your focus from personal ambitions to God's kingdom work today?
Day 5: Empowered to Proclaim Across Barriers
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers, enabling them to share the gospel effectively with all people. This divine empowerment is a testament to God's desire for His message to reach every corner of the earth, relying not on human ability but on the Spirit's power. Believers are encouraged to embrace this empowerment and align themselves with God's redemptive mission. [18:37]
Acts 1:8 - "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."
Reflection: What is one step you can take to reach out to someone from a different cultural or linguistic background with the love of Christ?
Quotes
"May people see our lives as ones who are soberly intoxicated, who smell like the spirit of God, who love like the spirit of God, who give like the spirit of God, who care that the world will be different." [33:27] (Download)
"God, thank you that you are so holy and so righteous and so loving that we can't mess up enough to be a PR disaster that you won't still accept us to be part of your family." [34:42] (Download)
"Can you truly say that Jesus makes life better, that people actually want the Jesus that you claim to preach? Are you being a campfire that destroys or are you being a campfire that is lighting the way of warmth for those who need it physically and spiritually?" [29:57] (Download)
"Failure doesn't hinder us from being used by God; failure is actually the pathway for our understanding that God will use you and love us in spite of our failures. That's our God." [31:21] (Download)
"Our active waiting remembers for us to do the work that God has called us to do, both proclaiming the gospel with our mouth and by demonstrating the gospel with our hands and our feet. It's not about us going to heaven; it's about heaven coming down." [32:38] (Download)
"Your Christian life is not about performance; it's a journey of intimacy and knowledge of knowing Jesus." [21:14] (Download)
"We exist to tell the world that Jesus is the king and his kingdom has come; that is our role." [23:50] (Download)
"Is it evident that you're soberly intoxicated with God the Holy Spirit? Is it actually noticeable that you are actually filled with the Holy Spirit? Do your friends sense something different about you?" [27:27] (Download)
"We are called to proclaim and demonstrate the Good Deeds of Jesus and the good news of the Kingdom. This is our call. The fire has been lit in generations past." [28:07] (Download)
"The pattern was from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria to the ends of the Earth. Friends, we are the ends of the Earth and until God comes and makes all things right and reconciled in him, we have work to do." [25:04] (Download)
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