EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

Title: EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

Main Text: Acts 1:8 
Supporting Texts: Luke 4:18-19, Acts 2:1-4, Ephesians 3:16-17

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

INTRODUCTION

Being empowered by the Spirit is a vital aspect of Christian life and ministry. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower believers to be His witnesses and to perform works of power and service (Acts 1:8). This empowerment is not just about personal enrichment but is crucial for effective ministry and fulfilling God’s purpose. This sermon will explore what it means to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, the results of this empowerment, and how we can live a Spirit-empowered life.

1. THE MEANING OF BEING EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

a) Divine Enablement for Ministry and Service (Luke 4:18-19; Acts 1:8)
Being empowered by the Spirit means receiving divine enablement to carry out God's work. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus speaks of being anointed by the Spirit to preach the Gospel and perform acts of service. Similarly, Acts 1:8 emphasizes that the Holy Spirit gives us power to be witnesses for Christ and to advance His Kingdom.

b) Transformation and Renewal (Ephesians 3:16-17; Romans 12:2) 
The empowerment of the Spirit brings transformation and renewal in our lives. Ephesians 3:16-17 speaks of being strengthened with power through the Spirit in our inner being. This inner renewal enables us to live according to God's will and to manifest His character.

c) Equipping for Spiritual Gifts and Fruit (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; Galatians 5:22-23) 
The Holy Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts for ministry and produces fruit in our lives. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 lists various spiritual gifts given by the Spirit, while Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes qualities like love, joy, and peace, essential for a Spirit-empowered life.

2. THE RESULTS OF BEING EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

a) Boldness in Witnessing and Proclamation (Acts 4:31; 2 Timothy 1:7)
Empowerment by the Spirit results in boldness to witness and proclaim the Gospel. Acts 4:31 describes how the early believers spoke the Word of God boldly after being filled with the Holy Spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7 highlights that the Spirit gives us power, love, and self-discipline, countering any fear.

b) Effectiveness in Ministry and Service (Acts 2:43; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5)
The empowerment of the Spirit makes our ministry and service more effective. Acts 2:43 shows that signs and wonders were performed through the apostles as a result of the Spirit’s empowerment. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 underscores that our faith should rest on God’s power, not human wisdom.

c) Spiritual Growth and Maturity (Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:10)
Being empowered by the Spirit promotes spiritual growth and maturity. Ephesians 4:13 speaks of reaching unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God, growing to maturity in Christ. Colossians 1:10 encourages living a life worthy of the Lord and bearing fruit in every good work.

3. HOW TO RECEIVE AND MAINTAIN THE SPIRIT’S EMPOWERMENT

a) Surrender and Obedience (John 14:15-17; Acts 5:32)
Receiving the Spirit’s empowerment requires surrender and obedience to God’s commands. John 14:15-17 promises the Holy Spirit to those who love and obey Jesus. Acts 5:32 indicates that the Spirit is given to those who obey God.

b) Continual Seeking and Prayer (Luke 11:13; Acts 1:14) 
We must continually seek the Holy Spirit through prayer and seeking God's presence. Luke 11:13 assures that God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Acts 1:14 shows the early believers devoted themselves to prayer in anticipation of the Spirit’s coming.

c) Cultivation of a Spirit-Led Life (Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 5:18)
Maintaining the Spirit’s empowerment involves living a Spirit-led life. Galatians 5:16 urges us to walk by the Spirit to avoid fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Ephesians 5:18 calls us to be filled with the Spirit, living under His influence daily.

4. THE IMPACT OF BEING EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT

a) Transformation of Communities (Acts 8:5-8; Matthew 5:14-16) 
Empowerment by the Spirit leads to the transformation of communities. Acts 8:5-8 describes how Philip’s ministry brought great joy to the city of Samaria. Matthew 5:14-16 calls believers to be the light of the world, impacting their communities for Christ.

b) Advancement of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18) 
The Spirit’s empowerment advances God’s Kingdom through our witness and service. Matthew 28:18-20 commands us to make disciples of all nations, and Mark 16:15-18 promises signs accompanying those who believe, advancing the Gospel.

c) Demonstration of God’s Power (1 Corinthians 2:4-5; Hebrews 2:4) 
Being empowered by the Spirit demonstrates God’s power through miracles and signs. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 emphasizes that our faith should rely on God’s power. Hebrews 2:4 confirms that God bears witness with signs, wonders, and various miracles.

CONCLUSION

Being empowered by the Spirit is crucial for effective Christian living and ministry. It transforms us, equips us with gifts, and enables us to witness boldly and serve effectively. By surrendering, seeking, and living a Spirit-led life, we maintain this empowerment and witness the impact of God’s power in our lives and the world.

PRAYER POINTS

1. "Lord, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and empower me for Your service."
2. "Father, help me to live in total surrender and obedience to Your commands."
3. "Holy Spirit, guide and empower me to be bold in witnessing for You."
4. "Lord, equip me with the spiritual gifts needed for effective ministry."
5. "Father, renew my strength and enable me to serve You effectively."
6. "Holy Spirit, help me to walk in Your power and not in human wisdom."
7. "Lord, lead me in continual seeking and prayer for Your empowerment."
8. "Father, help me to live a Spirit-led life, bearing fruit in every good work."
9. "Holy Spirit, demonstrate Your power through my life and ministry."
10. "Lord, let the impact of Your empowerment be evident in transformed lives and communities."

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that you are empowered afresh by the Holy Spirit for effective ministry.
2. I decree that you will walk in boldness and confidence in your witness for Christ.
3. I proclaim that spiritual gifts are activated in your life, equipping you for service.
4. I declare that you are filled with divine strength and effectiveness for God's work.
5. I decree that God’s power will be demonstrated through your ministry and service.
6. I proclaim that your life will reflect a continuous seeking and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
7. I declare that you will bear fruit in every good work, living a Spirit-led life.
8. I decree that your community will be transformed through the power of the Spirit in you.
9. I proclaim that God’s Kingdom will advance through your empowered service and witness.
10. I declare that you are a vessel of God’s power, impacting lives and glorifying His name.

May you be continually empowered by the Spirit, living a dynamic and impactful Christian life for God’s glory!