Topical · Week 3 of 6

Power to Witness

Acts 1:8, Acts 4:31

Empowerment for mission

Main Point

The Spirit's power isn't for your comfort — it's for your calling to be a witness.

Application Ideas

Ask the Holy Spirit for boldness to share your faith with one person this week. You might be surprised.

Discussion Questions

What kind of 'power' did the Spirit bring at Pentecost? How is the Spirit's empowerment different from human confidence?

Detailed Sermon Outline

Primary Text: Acts 1:8

Supporting Texts: Acts 4:31; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Acts 5:32

Big Idea: The Holy Spirit empowers believers with boldness and ability to witness effectively to the world about Jesus.

Target Length: 35-40 minutes

Introduction

The Holy Spirit gives gifts. Not all the same gift. Different gifts to different believers. And these gifts are meant to be used. Not hidden. Not despised. But exercised for the building up of the church.

Many Christians don't know their spiritual gifts. They haven't thought about how God has uniquely equipped them. They haven't considered what role they're supposed to play in the body of Christ.

Today we're exploring spiritual gifts and discovering how you fit into God's purpose.

I. Every Believer Has Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

'Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.' Not to some. To each one. You have gifts.

You might not believe you're gifted. You might be convinced you have nothing to offer. But that's a lie. The Spirit has given you gifts.
Your gifts might not be dramatic. They might be quiet. They might be behind the scenes. But they're valuable.

The question is: will you discover them and use them? Or will you bury them out of fear, false humility, or ignorance?

II. Gifts Are For Building Up, Not Showing Off (1 Corinthians 14:12)

'Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit... so that the church may be built up.' Your gifts are not for your benefit. They're for the church.

Some people use their gifts to draw attention to themselves. They want to be admired. They want to be the star. That's abuse of gifts.
The right use of gifts is humble. You use what God gave you to serve others, to strengthen the body, to advance God's kingdom.

If you're using your gifts and the outcome is that people admire you, something is wrong. The outcome should be that people admire Jesus.

III. Discover and Develop Your Gifts (Acts 4:31)

How do you discover your gifts? Through experimentation. Through service. Through paying attention to what you're good at and what brings you joy.

Volunteer for church roles. Try different things. See where you find joy. See where people thank you. See where you're effective.
Once you've discovered your gifts, develop them. Take classes. Read books. Get mentored. Get better at using your gifts.

A gift that's never developed is a gift wasted. God didn't give them to you to sit idle. He gave them so you could use them to build His kingdom.

Appeal

If you don't know your spiritual gifts, this week is your assignment. Take a spiritual gifts test online. Reflect on what you're good at. Ask others what they see in you.

Once you know your gifts, use them. Find a place to serve. Develop them. And watch as God multiplies what you offer through your unique, Spirit-given abilities.