God's Power for Life

Empowered for Impact: Living in the Spirit's Strength

Bible Passage: Acts 1:4–11

Summary: In this passage, Jesus commands His disciples to wait for the promised Holy Spirit, assuring them that this power will enable them to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. The ascension of Christ marks a pivotal moment in which the disciples are reminded of their mission and the empowerment they will receive.

Application: This passage encourages Christians to recognize their need for the Holy Spirit in their daily lives. Many struggle with feeling inadequate or powerless in their faith walk. By understanding that we are not to rely on our own strength, believers can find confidence in the Spirit's power to enable them to live out their faith effectively for Christ.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that empowerment for the Christian life comes from the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of waiting on God's timing and relying on His strength. The commission to be witnesses is not based on individual ability but on divine empowerment through the Spirit.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage foreshadows the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, linking the ministry and presence of Christ on earth to His continuing work through the Church. It highlights the unity of God’s plan—Christ's work, the Spirit's empowerment, and the call to evangelism, all centered on the redemptive mission of Jesus.

Big Idea: The big idea is that through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to witness effectively for Christ in every area of their lives, demonstrating that God's power equips us for His mission.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider diving into the themes of empowerment and commissioning in the context of Acts using your Logos library. Look into commentaries on Acts 1:4-11 to address any exegetical nuances related to the terms 'witness' and 'power.' Additionally, explore background studies on the significance of Christ’s ascension and the implications of the Holy Spirit’s arrival, especially concerning the Jewish context and early church growth.

1. Patience Leads to Power

Acts 1:4–5 “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.””

Maybe we need to remember the importance of waiting on God's promise, as the disciples were commanded to wait for the Holy Spirit. This patience reflects our reliance on God's timing rather than our own plans. The promise of the Holy Spirit is foundational for Christian living, assuring us that God will provide the power we need to fulfill His mission. You could focus on how this waiting aligns our hearts with God’s purpose and enables us to receive His strength for impactful witnessing.

Consider the biblical story of Simeon. He waited for years, filled with the promise from the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah. His patience and faithfulness led him to the temple at just the right moment. When he finally met Jesus, his heart overflowed with joy. Simeon’s life teaches us the beauty of divine timing; sometimes our waiting might feel long, but God orchestrates every moment perfectly. Our faithfulness in waiting on the Holy Spirit primes us for divine encounters.

“This is the good news: we are no longer waiting for the Holy Spirit—He is waiting for us. We are no longer living in a time of promise, but in the days of fulfillment.”1

Charles Stanley

2. Purpose of the Power

Acts 1:6–8 “So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 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.””

Perhaps we should see that understanding the purpose of the Holy Spirit is essential; Jesus defined it clearly for His disciples. The Spirit empowers believers not just for personal growth but for the broader mission of witnessing to Christ. The commission involves every aspect of life, suggesting reliance on divine power for effective service. This part of the passage recalls the central role of the Spirit in the believer's journey as witnesses to the ends of the earth.

Think about the story of John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace." Newton started as a slave trader, but after a life-changing encounter with God, he became a devoted Christian and advocate for the abolition of slavery. His transformation illustrates how the power to witness is not just about sharing our message but living out our faith authentically. Our past can serve as a powerful testimony to others seeking redemption.

Personal evangelism is spiritual warfare and must be engaged on a spiritual level. The witness is to go in the power of the Holy Spirit. We have no ability to win souls on our own.

Will McRaney

3. Promise and Expectation

Acts 1:9–11 “And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.””

Consider the significance of the ascension in relation to receiving the Holy Spirit. The ascension underscores the promise of Christ's return and the ongoing mission of the Church. You could discuss how the early disciples understood their charge to be witnesses to the heavenly reality they witnessed. This reminder to the Church today is as relevant as it was to the first disciples, urging believers to depend on the Spirit as we await Christ's return and actively engage in the mission.

A wise pastor once explained that life is much like a movie preparing for its climax. Each scene builds up to an exciting conclusion, where everything comes together. In the same way, we are living in the buildup to the greatest event in history: Christ’s return. Every moment matters, and while we live, we should focus on our roles and actions, contributing to His kingdom and being prayerfully prepared for His glorious coming.

POSSIBLE APPLICATION:

You may sometimes feel complacent in your spiritual life at church due to routine or familiarity. To rekindle your excitement about Jesus’ return, participate actively in a church missions trip or outreach program. Step out of your comfort zone by serving in a new role, like leading a Bible study or volunteering for community service. Before you go, meditate on Matthew 28:19-20, which calls us to make disciples. As you share the Gospel with others, your anticipation of Christ's return will grow, igniting your passion for spreading His message.

Jesus Christ never asks anyone to define his position or to understand a creed, but “Who am I to you?” Jesus Christ makes the whole of human destiny depend on a man’s relationship to himself.

Oswald Chambers (Lecturer and Missionary)