Holy Spirit | Empowerment

While the disciples were with Him, Jesus ordered them to stay in Jerusalem until they had received the promise of Father, which was the indwelling Holy Spirit of God.

God’s Word

Acts 1:4–9 ESV

4 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; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 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.” 9 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.

Acts 1:5–8 ESV

5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 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.”

Acts 1:4-8

TRUTH: Christian’s possess the power of God for Jesus

What does this mean for the Christian? How does that truth affect the Christian’s everyday life?

I. The Holy Spirit Empowers Christians to Live for Jesus

Christian’s have the very power of God.

Wrong view of God’s strength | Weight lifting spotting

We aren’t called to tap into God’s strength through His Spirit once ours runs out. God is inviting us as Jesus followers to tap into His strength 100% all the the time. Not when we run out.

What’s going on in ?

The disciples asked, “Will it be at this time when you restore the kingdom of Israel?” (The disciples were still under the impression that Jesus came to restore the earthly nation of Israel God created in the beginning.”)

Jesus’ response was, “Don’t worry about the specifics, rely on God’s power in you for what God has planned for you.”

The Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the Christian is to empower him/her.

II. The Holy Spirit Empowers Christians to be a Witness

Acts 1:8 ESV

8 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.”

The Holy Spirit enables the Christian to be a witness of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit came in and indwelt the first Christians

Acts 2:1–14 ESV

1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.

-14

The Holy Spirit enables the Christian to be a witness of Jesus.

Do not confuse the empowering work of the Spirit with for everyday tasks. Yes, if we rely on the Spirit’s work in our lives, He will be our strength. But, the risk of leaning on God’s Spirit for selfish gain isn’t the job of the Spirit.

A lot of times in our lives as Christians, we think that’s the benefits of salvation are for ourselves only. What do I mean by this? “I am saved, forgiven, given eternal life, possess the power of God so I can tell God what to do.” We do it.

“God, give me the strength to play good today at my game.”

“God, give me the strength to ace my test that I somewhat studied for.”

“God, heal me of my sickness.”

Those are all good, but most of the times that’s the only time we go to God; we go to God to get stuff.

Here’s essentially what we’re saying when we try to use God for selfish reasons:

“God, let me tap into Your power for what I want to do with my life.”

CONCLUSION

Apple charger | no power source

TRUTH: Christian’s possess the power of God for Jesus

Christians cannot live for Jesus apart from the Spirit of God. It’s through His power we are His witnesses

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