Transformed by Truth: Empowered for Mission Acts 1:8
Text: 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.”
Introduction
Today, we consider into a pivotal verse in the book of Acts, a verse that sets the stage for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the early church. Acts 1:8 is not just a historical account; it is a living mandate for us as followers of Jesus today.
Our sermon today is titled “Empowered for Mission,” and we will explore three critical aspects of this verse: The Promise, The Power, and The Purpose.
1. The Promise: Receiving the Holy Spirit
Acts 1:8 (NLT): “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…”
Before His ascension, Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive the Holy Spirit. This promise was a continuation of what He had told them earlier in John 14:16-17 (NLT): “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.”
The Greek word for power, "dynamis", signifies not just strength but also the ability to perform miracles. This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). The coming of the Holy Spirit was not just to comfort but to empower the disciples to fulfill their mission.
As believers, we too have received this promise. The Holy Spirit dwells within us, equipping us to live out our faith boldly. In times of doubt or fear, we can rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.
Ephesians 1:13-14 (NLT): “And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised…”
Francis Chan once said, “The Holy Spirit is the forgotten God. We need to depend on the Spirit of God in everything we do.”
2. The Power: Enabled for Witnessing
Acts 1:8 (NLT): “…And you will be my witnesses…”
The empowerment by the Holy Spirit was not an end in itself. It had a clear purpose: to enable the disciples to be witnesses of Jesus. The term “witnesses” in Greek is "martyres," which not only means someone who testifies but also can refer to those who bear witness to the point of death.
Being a witness involves both proclaiming the Gospel and living a life that reflects Christ. It requires courage and conviction, which come from the Holy Spirit.
In our daily lives, we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love and grace. This can be through our words, actions, and attitudes. In a world that often rejects the Gospel, our witness should be consistent and compassionate.
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.”
David Platt emphasizes, “Every saved person this side of heaven owes the Gospel to every lost person this side of hell.”
3. The Purpose: Reaching the Ends of the Earth
Acts 1:8 (NLT): “…telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus outlines a clear geographical progression for the spread of the Gospel: starting locally in Jerusalem, then expanding to Judea and Samaria, and ultimately to the ends of the earth.
This progression signifies that the mission of the church is both local and global. It begins in our immediate context but must extend beyond our comfort zones to places and people who have not heard the Gospel.
We are called to be active participants in the Great Commission. This might mean supporting missionaries, engaging in local outreach, or even being willing to go where God calls us. The Gospel is for everyone, and we have a role in ensuring it reaches every corner of the earth.
Romans 10:14-15 (NLT): “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?”
John Stott once said, “We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.”
Conclusion and Call to Action:
In conclusion, Acts 1:8 reminds us of the promise of the Holy Spirit, the power we receive to be witnesses, and the purpose of reaching the ends of the earth with the Gospel. We are empowered for mission, and this mission requires us to rely on the Holy Spirit, boldly witness for Christ, and extend our reach beyond our local communities.
As we go forth this week, let us seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, be intentional in our witness, and support the global mission of the church. Let’s pray for opportunities to share the Gospel and be a light in a world that desperately needs the hope of Christ.
Encouragement and Application:
Remember, God has equipped you for this mission. Lean on the Holy Spirit, embrace your role as a witness, and be proactive in spreading the Good News. Your life and testimony can make an eternal difference.
Let us pray: “Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Empower us to be bold witnesses for Christ. Give us the courage to share the Gospel and the compassion to reach out to those in need. Guide us as we seek to fulfill the Great Commission. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
May God bless you and keep you as you go forth, empowered for His mission.
