Bible study week: Sharing Jesus part 5

Greetings to you all the readers of this blog. Welcome to the final leg of our series. I hope we are learning as we grow. Being a disciple is exciting but it does come with it's fair share of trials. Today are going to put the final touches on our series and also give the how part of sharing Jesus enjoy.

BE A WITNESS

Acts 1:8 (NIV):

"But 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."

Acts 1:8 carries deep significance, focusing on the empowerment of the disciples through the Holy Spirit and their role in spreading the Gospel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

1. Promise of Power:

Jesus promises that the disciples will receive power from the Holy Spirit. This power isn't just physical or political; it's spiritual strength to carry out the mission of God. The Holy Spirit's role is to guide, embolden, and equip believers to fulfill their divine calling.

2. Witnessing to Christ:

The disciples are called to be Jesus' witnesses. This means sharing the message of His life, death, and resurrection—what they had personally seen and experienced. Witnessing involves not only speaking but also living lives that reflect the truth of the Gospel.

3. Geographic Expansion of the Gospel:

The verse outlines the expanding scope of their mission:

Jerusalem: Start locally, with those closest to them (the city where they were).

Judea and Samaria: Move outward to neighboring regions, including those with cultural or historical tensions (like Samaria).

To the ends of the earth: Eventually, the Gospel would spread globally, transcending all boundaries of ethnicity,

John 14:26 (NIV):

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

This verse emphasizes how the Holy Spirit guides and teaches believers, helping them to represent Christ in their lives.

There are several key biblical principles related to being guided by the Holy Spirit, especially in representing Christ. Here are some core principles:

1. Dependence on the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:16: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Walking in step with the Spirit helps us live in a way that honors God.

2. Spirit-Led Wisdom

James 1:5:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

The Holy Spirit provides us with wisdom in our words and actions when we seek it.

3. Bearing Spiritual Fruit

Galatians 5:22-23:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

These are the attributes that manifest when we live guided by the Spirit.

4. Boldness in Witness

Acts 1:8:

“But 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.”

The Holy Spirit empowers us to boldly represent Christ and share His message with others.

5. Transformation of Mind and Heart

Romans 12:2:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The Spirit renews and transforms our mind, enabling us to live in alignment with God's will.

Conclusion

As we reflect, we need to realize that sharing our witness is a key element in displaying our faith. I hope and trust that this article has been a blessing. Juat remember to share these principles with others.

Let us continue making disciples.

Amen.