June 7th, 2025 (2)

We Can’t Do This Alone. Empowered to Witness: The Promise of the Spirit

Bible Passage: Acts 2:1–21, John 14:8–17

Summary: These passages describe the promise and gift of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that believers are empowered to carry out Christ's mission through His presence.

Application: This message encourages Christians to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength in their daily lives and in sharing their faith, particularly during challenging times or in daunting circumstances.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the Holy Spirit is a fundamental gift for every believer, equipping them to understand God more fully, live out their faith authentically, and witness to others effectively.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the Bible, Christ's promise of the Holy Spirit signifies His ongoing presence with believers, reinforcing the reality that through Christ, the Spirit empowers and equips the church to continue His work in the world.

Big Idea: The presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer is crucial for empowerment, guidance, and active participation in the mission of sharing the gospel.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider looking into the historical context of Pentecost found in Acts 2, and how it shapes the understanding of the Spirit’s arrival. Utilize Logos to explore various commentaries on both Acts and John for insights on the role of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, examining early church reactions and the transformative impact of the Spirit could provide depth to your message.

1. Power of Unity and Anticipation

Acts 2:1–4

You could emphasize the power of unity and expectation among the disciples, as they gathered together on the day of Pentecost. The Spirit descended as a result of their obedience and anticipation, symbolizing that the Holy Spirit empowers those who come together in Christ’s name. This suggests that working collaboratively with fellow believers in unity can provide strength for witnessing. Moreover, focusing on the Spirit's descent like a rushing wind could highlight the untamed and dynamic nature of this divine empowerment, encouraging believers to anticipate transformation that breaks barriers and crosses boundaries.

2. Proclaim Across Boundaries

Acts 2:5–13

Perhaps these verses illustrate how the Holy Spirit enables believers to communicate the gospel across cultural and linguistic boundaries, as seen during Pentecost. The arrival of the Spirit allowed the disciples to speak and be understood by all in their respective languages; a reminder that God’s message is universal. You might suggest that the Holy Spirit can help believers overcome barriers they face in sharing their faith, encouraging them to trust the Spirit to break through to others. This shows that God's power transcends human limitations, a freeing concept for those reluctant in their witness.

3. Prophetic Courage Unleashed

Acts 2:14–21

Maybe, we see Peter boldly stepping up, inspired and empowered by the Spirit, to address the crowd. This sermon point can reflect how the Holy Spirit gives courage and clarity to believers, illuminating God's truth through their words. You might encourage Christians to trust the Spirit to help them speak boldly about Jesus, despite fear or insecurity. This segment emphasizes fulfillment of prophecy, affirming that believers participate in God’s grand narrative, a vital aspect that can embolden one’s faith journey through assurance and purpose of being part of God's plan.

4. Perceive Divine Unity

John 14:8–11

You could focus on Christ’s assurance to Philip that He and the Father are one, emphasizing that seeing Jesus is seeing God. This part of the message highlights that believers have direct access to divine wisdom through Christ’s revelation. Drawing from this, you can suggest that understanding this deep unity can empower believers to know God’s mind and heart more fully, facilitating their witness. This understanding cultivates confidence in believers, providing strength in their mission as conduits of God's love, compassion, and truth.

5. Perform Greater Works

John 14:12–17

Perhaps here, focus on the promise of greater works through the faithful because of Christ’s return to the Father and sending of the Spirit. This passage emphasizes the intimacy and accessibility given to believers through prayer and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. You could encourage Christians to recognize that through the Spirit, they possess substantial capacity for miracles and transformation in the world. This reflects the teaching that communion with God empowers believers to be dynamic agents of change, leading others to Christ through impactful and Spirit-led initiatives.