Chosen and Equipped by the Spirit

Scripture Readings

“In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh”

Acts 2:17 (NRSVUE)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 1:8 (NRSVUE)

Introductory Remarks: 

The Holy Spirit is not simply given to make us feel spiritual, but to make us effective for life. In fact, metaphysically, the Holy Spirit represents the whole Spirit of God coming alive in human consciousness. Throughout Acts, being filled with the Spirit is not merely a one-time experience, but an ongoing empowerment for new assignments, challenges, and opportunities.

The Spirit calls us differently, equips us specifically, and ultimately demonstrates itself through the evidence of our lives. When the Spirit calls you, the Spirit equips you; and when the Spirit equips you, your life becomes evidence of the Spirit at work. The question is not simply, “Am I chosen?” but “What is Spirit choosing to express through me?”

Major Points:

1. Spirit chooses.

2. Spirit equips.

3. Spirit demonstrates.

Quote:

“God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called.”

– Chuck Smith

ASSIGNMENT:

Stepping Into My Calling 

READ & REFLECT 

Acts 1:8 and 1 Corinthians 12:4–7. Then, take 10–15 minutes of quiet time this week to reflect on these three core questions, then listen to God within for inspiration:

1.    Chosen: Where might God be calling me to serve, lead, encourage, make a difference, or to show up differently?

Clue: What gift, responsibility, relationship, opportunity, or area of growth keeps coming to my attention?

I am chosen and called to ____________________________________.

2.            Equipped: What gifts, abilities, experiences, or qualities has the Spirit already placed within me?

Tip: Don’t focus on what you think you lack; identify 1-3 things you confidently possess - a gift, skill, relationship, experience, resource, or opportunity - that could be used for your chosen assignment.

I have  ____________________________________.

3.            Demonstrated: What is one specific action I can take to bring evidence to my obedience to my calling?

My obedient action is ____________________________________.

Tip: It will bless you and someone else too. 

Affirm: I am chosen. I am equipped. I am the evidence of God’s magnificent work.