Empoweredનમૂનો

Empowered for Mission

Introduction

As we conclude the Empowered sermon series with a focus on the book of Acts, we reflect on how the early disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit for the mission Jesus gave them—to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit commissioned them to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), and today, we are called to continue this mission. This devotional will help us explore how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live on mission, bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world around us.

Scripture Reading

• Acts 1:8 (NIV):
  "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
• Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV):
  "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Devotional Content

Jesus left His disciples with a mission to go into the world and make disciples. However, this mission was not to be accomplished by their strength but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, we see Jesus promise the Holy Spirit’s power to His followers so they could be His witnesses. The disciples, once timid and fearful, became bold and fearless after being filled with the Spirit.

The book of Acts shows how the early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, spread the Gospel with unshakable zeal. The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, had his life radically changed after encountering Jesus. His mission was clear: to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, and he remained committed to it despite persecution and hardship.

Like Paul, we have been commissioned by the Holy Spirit to carry out God’s mission in our spheres of influence. Whether it's our family, workplace, school, or community, we are called to be the salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) in the world, bringing the love and truth of Jesus to those around us.

Application

1. Commissioning:
The Holy Spirit commissions us to represent Christ wherever we are. This isn't just about travelling to far-off places—it's about impacting the people and places we encounter every day. Whether you’re at home, work, school, or in your community, you are a witness for Jesus. Consider how you can practically share the Gospel in your current environment:

• At home: Be a role model of Christ’s love by being patient, kind, and generous in your interactions. Share with your family how God has impacted your life.
• At work: Uphold integrity in your dealings, showing Christ through your work ethic, honesty, and respect for others. Seek opportunities to encourage or pray with a colleague in need.
• In your community: Find ways to serve those around you—help someone in need, volunteer, or be a source of hope in your neighbourhood.
• In your church: Get involved in outreach programs, evangelism, or discipleship. You are not called to do this mission alone but in community with other believers.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you think of one person you can share the message of Jesus with this week. Consider inviting them to church or a Bible study, sharing your testimony, or simply being a compassionate friend who listens and loves like Jesus.

2. Commitment:
Being commissioned is the first step, but Commitment is what sustains the mission. Just as Paul remained steadfast despite trials, we too must stay focused, regardless of challenges. Often, distractions such as fear of rejection, busyness, or the pressures of life can keep us from fulfilling our mission. To stay committed:

• Prioritise time for God in prayer and reading Scripture, allowing Him to fill you with His Spirit daily.
• Stay accountable by surrounding yourself with a community of believers who encourage and support you in your mission.
• Step out in faith. You may not always feel ready, but trust that God equips those He calls. He doesn’t just send you out—He goes with you!

Write down the name of one person you will talk to about Jesus this week and one specific good deed you will do for someone in your family, workplace, or community. Maybe it's helping a neighbour, encouraging a co-worker, or serving at a local charity. Let your actions reflect the love of Christ.

Reflection

• Empowered by the Holy Spirit:
  Reflect on how the Holy Spirit has empowered you in the past. Was there a moment when you felt particularly led by the Spirit to speak to someone about Jesus or serve specially? How did that experience shape your faith and confidence in God’s leading? Ask God to remind you of those moments as encouragement for the future.
• Identify your sphere of influence:
  Think about the different areas of your life—your family, friends, workplace, school, and community. In what areas do you feel called to be more intentional about sharing your faith? Is there a group of people you’ve been avoiding or neglecting, where God might be calling you to step up as a witness? Reflect on specific situations or relationships where you feel the need for greater spiritual boldness.
• Barriers to commitment:
  Are there any barriers holding you back from fully committing to God’s mission? Maybe it's fear of being rejected, feelings of inadequacy, or uncertainty about how to begin. Recognise those barriers and bring them to God in prayer. Reflect on how you can overcome these obstacles with God’s help, remembering that the Holy Spirit empowers you for the work ahead.
• Impacting culture as salt and light:
  Consider what it means to be salt and light in a world that desperately needs to see God’s goodness. How can your words and actions help influence those around you? Reflect on one way you can let your light shine this week. It could be as simple as offering help to someone, defending the truth in a conversation, or standing up for a cause aligned with God’s values.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for empowering me with Your Holy Spirit. I ask for your strength and guidance to live out the mission you’ve given me. Help me to be a bold witness for You, and to reflect Your love and light in everything I do. Give me the courage to speak about You to those who don’t know You, and show me how I can serve others in a way that honours You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.