Bible Studies- Week 43

THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN WITNESSING

Review of Previous Lesson (5 Minutes)

1. What did you learn in the previous study?

2. What did you do to appreciate the Lord’s servants?

Main Text: Acts 1:4-8.

Memory Verse: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon 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.

Introduction

Before Jesus ascended to Heaven after His death and resurrection, He commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they had received the Father’ promise, which was the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The purpose for the baptism was to empower them to be witnesses of Christ in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the world. After the outpouring on the Day of Pentecost, we observe how with power and boldness the disciples preached about Christ in the temples, neighborhoods and on the streets. Christians today can likewise engage in effective witnessing only through the power and leading of the Holy Spirit.

Questions for Discussion

1. Why did Jesus command His disciples to wait in Jerusalem? Verse 4-5.

2. What did the disciples ask Jesus, and what was His response? Verse 6-7.

3. Discuss the purpose of the power the disciples were to receive. Verse 8.

4. Where were the disciples expected to witness about Christ? Verse 8b.

5. In which other ways does the Holy Spirit help believers to share their faith?

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit helps us in many ways to engage in effective witnessing. He gives us the boldness to preach the good news (Acts 4:31) and bears in us the character of Christ so we can live a pleasing lifestyle. He also gives us an understanding of the Word of God, reminds us of what we learn from it (John 14:26), and teaches us what to say at any point (Luke 12:11-12). As we witness to others, the Holy Spirit convicts them of sin and draws their heart to Christ (John 14:8). Clearly, we cannot do effective witnessing without the help of the Spirit. We must therefore learn to always wait on Him in prayer and allow Him to lead us.