Empowered by the Spirit: Living Out Our Pentecost Calling Acts 1:8
Introduction:
Today, as we gather on this seventh Sunday after Pentecost, we reflect on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The number 7 in the Bible is deeply intertwined with themes of divine perfection, completeness, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Whether reflecting on the creation week, God’s covenants, the call to forgiveness, or apocalyptic visions, the symbolic significance of seven encourages believers to trust in the totality and perfection of God’s plans and purposes. Let us embrace the spiritual truths symbolized by this sacred number, finding rest, assurance, and hope in the completeness of God's work in our lives.
Pentecost marks the birth of the Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on believers. Our focus today will be on how this event transforms us and empowers us to live out our calling. Let’s dive into the Word of God and discover how we can be transformed by truth.
1. Empowered to Witness (Acts 1:8)
Acts 1:8 (NLT): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
In this passage, Jesus promises His disciples the power of the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. The Greek word for power here is "dynamis," which implies strength, ability, and miraculous power. This power is not for self-glorification but for proclaiming the Gospel.
The empowerment of the Holy Spirit equips us to share the Gospel boldly and effectively. It transcends our limitations and enables us to reach beyond our comfort zones. The disciples, once fearful and uncertain, became bold proclaimers of Christ’s resurrection. Similarly, we are called to share our faith with confidence and conviction.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT): "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
These verses, known as the Great Commission, are Jesus' final instructions to His disciples. They emphasize the importance of making disciples and teaching them to follow Christ's commands, with the assurance of Jesus' presence.
The Great Commission aligns with Acts 1:8 by underscoring our mission to spread the Gospel. Jesus' promise of His presence "even to the end of the age" assures us that we are not alone in this mission. The Holy Spirit empowers us, and Jesus is with us, making our witness effective and impactful.
As Pastor Francis Chan says, "The truth is that the Spirit of the living God is guaranteed to ask you to go somewhere or do something you wouldn't normally want or choose to do. The Spirit will lead you to the way of the cross, as He led Jesus to the cross."
Think of a lamp that needs to be plugged into an outlet to shine. Without the power source, it remains dark and ineffective. Similarly, without the Holy Spirit, our efforts to witness are like an unplugged lamp—powerless. With the Spirit, we shine brightly, illuminating the world with God’s truth.
2. Strengthened for Trials (James 1:2-4)
James 1:2-4 (NLT): "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."
James encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth. The Greek word for endurance, "hypomone," means steadfastness and perseverance. Trials test our faith, producing spiritual maturity.
Life’s challenges are inevitable, but they serve a divine purpose. The Holy Spirit strengthens us to face trials with joy and hope. Instead of being defeated, we emerge stronger and more resilient. Our response to trials can be a powerful testimony to others, demonstrating the sustaining power of God.
Romans 5:3-5 (NLT): "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
Paul explains that trials produce endurance, character, and hope. This hope is grounded in God's love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
These verses reinforce the idea that trials are purposeful. They are part of God’s refining process, building our character and strengthening our hope. The Holy Spirit’s presence in our hearts assures us of God’s love, enabling us to rejoice even in difficulties.
Rick Warren once said, "God changes caterpillars into butterflies, sand into pearls, and coal into diamonds using time and pressure. He's working on you too."
Consider the process of refining gold. It must go through intense heat to remove impurities. Similarly, our faith is refined through trials, and the Holy Spirit provides the strength to endure and emerge purer and stronger.
3. Sustained by God’s Presence (Psalm 46:1)
Psalm 46:1 (NLT): "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble."
This Psalm is a declaration of God’s protective presence. The Hebrew word for refuge, "machseh," implies a shelter, a place of trust. It reassures us of God’s constant presence and readiness to help.
In moments of fear and uncertainty, the Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s unchanging presence. We are not alone; God is our shelter and strength. This assurance empowers us to face life’s storms with peace and confidence, knowing that God is with us.
Psalm 91:1-2 (NLT): "Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him."
These verses emphasize the security and rest found in God’s presence. The imagery of shelter and shadow signifies protection and care.
Living in God’s presence means abiding under His protection. Trusting in God as our refuge gives us peace and confidence in every situation. The Holy Spirit assures us of this divine protection, encouraging us to rest in God's promises.
A.W. Tozer wrote, "God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves."
Imagine a child lost in a crowd, feeling scared and alone. The moment they see their parent, their fear melts away. The parent’s presence brings comfort and security. In the same way, God’s presence calms our fears and gives us strength.
Conclusion:
Friends, on this seventh Sunday after Pentecost, let us embrace the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We are called to witness, strengthened for trials, and sustained by God’s presence. As we live out these truths, may our lives reflect the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Call to Action:
Today, I encourage you to seek the Holy Spirit’s empowerment in your life. Be bold in your witness, find strength in trials, and rest in God’s presence. Let the Spirit transform you, and in turn, transform the world around you. Amen.
