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Power from on High: Embracing the Holy Spirit

Bible Passage: Ac 1:1–8

Summary: In Acts 1:1-8, Jesus prepares His disciples for the coming of the Holy Spirit, promising them power to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Application: This passage encourages Christians to seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for their daily lives and evangelistic efforts, reminding them that they are never alone in their mission to share the Gospel and face life's challenges.
Teaching: The sermon teaches that the Holy Spirit is essential for effective ministry and living a victorious Christian life, showing how Jesus' ascension paved the way for the Spirit's arrival and our empowerment.
How this passage could point to Christ: Christ's promise of the Holy Spirit signifies His ongoing presence and work in believers’ lives, demonstrating that through His ascension, He equips His followers for the mission through the Spirit, fulfilling the prophetic nature of His coming.
Big Idea: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers are called to be witnesses for Christ, carrying the Gospel to the world with boldness and assurance.
Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the context of the Acts narrative in Logos, examining how the promise of the Spirit relates to the disciples' understanding of the Kingdom. Additionally, look into the Old Testament foreshadowing of the Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost and how this fulfillment enhances the understanding of the entire redemptive story.

1. Promise of Power

Acts 1:1–2 “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:”

Explanation

Illustration

Application

You could emphasize that Jesus' final words and actions with His disciples set the stage for what is to come. His ascension underscores His lordship and highlights the importance of the coming Holy Spirit, who continues Christ's work. Encourage listeners to hold onto their faith, remaining expectant and open for God to move powerfully in their lives.

2. Preparation for Purpose

Acts 1:3 “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”
Perhaps focus on how Jesus reassured His disciples about the Kingdom of God during the forty days. His teaching laid the foundation for understanding the Spirit's role in fulfilling God's promises. Urge believers to immerse themselves in Christ's teachings, allowing them to shape their understanding and practice of faith today.

Explanation

Illustration

Many skeptics challenged the resurrection of Christ for centuries, yet countless individuals have encountered God and been transformed. Each transformed life is an infallible proof. These experiences build a living testament to the truth that God is active and present. Just as the early disciples shared their testimonies, we too are called to share our stories of faith as proof of God's work in our lives.

Application

3. Patience in Promise

Acts 1:4–5 “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

Explanation

Illustration

In the life of Moses, we find a powerful illustration of waiting for God's timing. After fleeing Egypt, Moses spent 40 years in Midian before God called him through the burning bush. His time of preparation was necessary, showing that often, God uses our waiting periods to equip us for the future. When seeking direction, it’s vital to allow God to prepare us to fulfill His will.

Application

Maybe explore the command to wait for the Holy Spirit as a pivotal instruction. Waiting on God can lead to renewal and empowerment. Encourage believers to seek God’s timing and direction, trusting that His promises are true and His Spirit is forthcoming.

4. Perspective of God's Plan

Acts 1:6–7 “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”

Explanation

Illustration

In Isaiah 61, the promise of God is to bring good news to the poor and bind up the brokenhearted. This reflects the heart of God for earthly restoration leading to spiritual fulfillment. As He announces the year of the Lord's favor, we see that God's intent is not only to heal our physical wounds but to restore our souls, leading us from despair to a place of joy and purpose in Him.

Application

You could discuss the disciples' questions about restoring the Kingdom as a lesson in focusing on God's timing and plans. Jesus redirects their attention from earthly restoration to spiritual fulfillment. Challenge listeners to shift their focus from personal agendas to God's redemptive work through the Spirit.

5. Power for Proclamation

Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Explanation

Illustration

In the early church, the apostles were transformed from fearful followers into bold proclaimers of the gospel after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). Their dramatic change exemplifies the power of God to change lives and embolden hearts. This power is still available to us today; we, too, can be witnesses if we let the Spirit move in us.

Application

Maybe center on the power promised through the Holy Spirit, which enables witness and mission. This power is not just for extraordinary moments but for daily Christian living. Empower your congregation to embrace this power, knowing that God's Spirit equips them to carry out the Gospel mandate beyond all barriers.
In your daily interactions with others in public life, you may encounter negativity or hostility. Being filled with the Holy Spirit equips you to handle these situations with a positive attitude. When faced with criticism or rudeness, take a moment to pause and pray for the Spirit's filling before responding. This will recalibrate your perspective, allowing you to be a source of joy and grace, creating a ripple effect of kindness amidst the chaos of daily life.
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