Pentacost

Empowered for the Mission: The Promise of the Holy Spirit

Bible Passage: Acts 1:1-8

Summary: This passage recounts Jesus' instructions to His disciples before His ascension, emphasizing the promise of the Holy Spirit as a source of power for their mission to be His witnesses.

Application: This message encourages Christians to rely on the Holy Spirit for empowerment in their daily lives and outreach efforts, reminding them that they are not alone in their mission to spread the Gospel.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that the Holy Spirit is essential for effective Christian witness and mission, and that believers must actively seek the Spirit's guidance and empowerment for their calling.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this text, Christ is portrayed as the one who promises the Holy Spirit, highlighting His role as the mediator of God's empowering presence in the lives of believers, connecting to the broader biblical theme of God equipping His people for service through the Spirit.

Big Idea: Believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill the Great Commission and to bear witness to Christ in every aspect of their lives.

Recommended Study: As you prepare for this sermon, consider using Logos to delve into the historical context of Acts and the significance of the Holy Spirit's coming. Look into commentaries that explore the relationship between the ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Spirit, and examine any text-critical issues surrounding the verses in Acts 1:1-8 to deepen your understanding of the text's implications for missions.

1. Groundwork of Glory

Acts 1:1-3

You could explore how Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and teachings lay the groundwork for His ultimate promise of the Holy Spirit. This section emphasizes the importance of understanding our mission in the light of the resurrected Christ, who sets the stage for His disciples' empowerment. It suggests that reflecting on Jesus' actions and teachings will deepen our reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance.

2. Promise of Power

Acts 1:4-5

Perhaps you can discuss Jesus' specific command to wait for the Holy Spirit's coming, highlighting the necessity of patience and preparation for divine empowerment. This point can illustrate how waiting on God is crucial to receiving the strength needed for our mission, urging believers to anticipate God's promises expectantly.

3. Vision for the Victory

Acts 1:6-8

Maybe focus on Jesus' redirection of the disciples' focus from temporal concerns to the eternal mission empowered by the Holy Spirit. This can teach that the Holy Spirit enables believers to look beyond worldly expectations and align their lives with God's eternal purposes. Encouraging reliance on the Spirit, this point challenges us to envision broader horizons.