The Spirit Empowers the Believer & the Church get_app

It is the Holy Spirit who enlightens and empowers the believer and the Church. The Spirit is often called Helper, and that is exactly what we need – a helper who empowers us to worship, evangelize, and serve the Church as we ought.

Read John 16:7.

• Who is speaking in this verse?
  (Jesus)
• Who is he speaking to?
  (the Apostles)
• What truth does he tell them?
  (it is actually better that he leaves, because then he will send them a Helper – the Holy Spirit)

Read Acts 1:8-11.

• According to verse 8, when will Jesus’ followers receive power?
  (when the Holy Spirit comes; the Spirit will empower them)
• What are they receiving power for?
  (to be witnesses for Christ until he returns; that is, for evangelism)

Read Philippians 3:3.

• How do true believers worship?
  (by the Spirit of God, exalting Christ just as the Spirit does, and not putting confidence in ourselves)

In Let the Nations Be Glad, John Piper says, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” Perhaps this will help us tie these things together. The Church has a mission, to make disciples. The Spirit gives the Church’s members various gifts to serve the Church and its mission (1 Cor 12). The Spirit also convicts people of sin (Jn 16:8), points them to the Savior (Jn 15:26), and empowers us for evangelism (Acts 1:8). Missions and evangelism exists to make more worshippers who will bring God worship, praise, and glory by the Spirit (Phil 3:3). It’s all tied together, and the work of the Spirit is vital and inextricable in each part – service, evangelism, and worship.

Close in prayer, thanking God for sending us a Helper as we seek to make more worshippers who will serve the Church and its mission to make even more worshippers – that we might bring God glory and enjoy him forever!