Hank's Bible Study Resources

The Holy Spirit and the Mission of God

Acts 1:8

INTRODUCTION

It was an unlikely group to change the world. Eleven men, plus a handful of women and other followers—perhaps 120 in total. They were not wealthy, not politically connected, not highly educated by the world’s standards. Most were from Galilee, the rural backwater of Palestine. They had no institutions, no buildings, no budgets, no strategic plans.

Their leader had been publicly executed as a criminal just weeks before. The movement He started seemed destined to become a footnote in history—another failed messianic sect among many in first-century Judaism. The Roman Empire stretched from Britain to Mesopotamia, from the Rhine to the Sahara. What could this tiny band possibly accomplish against such power?

Yet within three centuries, that empire would bow to the faith these few proclaimed. Within a generation, churches would be planted in every major city of the Mediterranean world. The message that began in an obscure corner of the empire would become the dominant faith of Western civilization and eventually spread to every continent on earth.

How? The answer is found in the last words Jesus spoke before His ascension—words that would define the church’s mission and provide the power to accomplish it.

Acts 1:8 (NKJV): “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

This single verse contains the blueprint for Christian mission. It identifies the source of power, the nature of the task, and the scope of the calling. Everything the church has accomplished in evangelism flows from this promise and mandate.

This morning we examine the Spirit’s role in witness. We will discover that evangelism is not primarily a human activity empowered by the Spirit but a divine activity in which humans participate. The Spirit is not merely our helper in witness; He is the primary witness through whom we speak. Apart from Him, all our efforts are futile. With Him, a handful of ordinary people can turn the world upside down.

PART ONE: THE PROMISE OF POWER

A. The Context of the Promise

Acts 1:8 is Jesus’ final word to His disciples before His ascension. The setting is deeply significant.

The disciples had just asked the wrong question: “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). They still expected a political kingdom, an immediate restoration of Israel’s national glory. Jesus redirected them: “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority” (v. 7). The Father’s timetable is not their concern.

Then comes the great “But” of verse 8: “But you shall receive power…” Jesus does not rebuke their kingdom expectation but reorients it. The kingdom will come, but not through political revolution. It will advance through Spirit-empowered witness. Their task is not to speculate about timing but to receive power and bear witness.

B. The Nature of the Power

“You shall receive power” translates lempsesthe dunamin (λήμψεσθε δύναμιν). The word dunamis (δύναμις, Strong’s G1411) is rich with meaning. It refers to inherent power, ability, or capability—the word from which we derive “dynamic,” “dynamite,” and “dynamo.” It describes power that accomplishes, energy that produces results, force that overcomes obstacles.

In the New Testament, dunamis is used for God’s power in creation (Romans 1:20), the power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20), the power inherent in the gospel itself (Romans 1:16), the miracles of Jesus and the apostles (Acts 2:22; 6:8), and the power at work in believers for sanctification (Ephesians 3:20).

This is the power promised to the disciples—the same power that created galaxies, that raised Jesus from death, that transforms sinners into saints. This power would come “when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” The Spirit Himself is the source; dunamis is what He imparts.

C. The Purpose of the Power

The power is not given for personal advancement, spiritual entertainment, or even primarily for sanctification. It is given specifically for witness: “You shall be witnesses to Me.”

The word “witnesses” is martures (μάρτυρες, Strong’s G3144), from which we derive “martyr.” Originally, martus simply meant a witness—one who testifies to what they have seen, heard, or experienced. The word later came to mean one who bears witness even to the point of death, because so many early Christians sealed their testimony with their blood.

The disciples were uniquely qualified as witnesses because they had been with Jesus from the beginning. They had seen His miracles, heard His teaching, witnessed His death, and encountered Him risen. But witnessing is not only recounting past events. It is testifying to present reality—the risen, reigning Christ who continues to transform lives.

D. The Scope of the Mission

Jesus outlines an expanding scope: “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” This is not merely geographical but strategic.

Jerusalem — Start where you are. Begin in your immediate context, among those who know you best.

Judea — Expand to your region, your cultural context, those who share your background.

Samaria — Cross barriers to reach those who are different. The gospel crosses every barrier of race, culture, and prejudice.

The end of the earth — Go to the uttermost. The mission has no geographic limit. Until Christ returns, there are peoples to reach.

The Book of Acts follows this outline. Chapters 1-7 focus on Jerusalem. Chapters 8-12 describe expansion into Judea and Samaria. Chapters 13-28 trace the mission to the Gentile world, ending with Paul in Rome. The structure of Acts is the fulfillment of Acts 1:8.

PART TWO: THE SPIRIT AS THE PRIMARY WITNESS

A crucial theological point must be grasped: the Spirit is not merely our helper in witness; He is the primary witness. We participate in His witnessing activity.

A. Jesus’ Teaching on the Spirit’s Witness

In the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus described the Spirit’s witnessing ministry. John 15:26-27 (NKJV): “But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.”

Notice the order: first, “He will testify of Me”; then, “you also will bear witness.” The Spirit’s testimony is primary; ours is secondary. He testifies; we also testify. Our witness is joined to His, enabled by His, effective through His.

B. The Spirit’s Convicting Work

Jesus further explained the Spirit’s role in John 16:8-11 (NKJV): “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”

The word “convict” is elencho (ἐλέγχω, Strong’s G1651), meaning “to expose,” “to convict,” “to reprove,” or “to bring to light.” The Spirit prosecutes the case against unbelief, exposing sin, demonstrating righteousness, and announcing judgment.

This is crucial for evangelism. We cannot convict anyone of sin—only the Spirit can do that. We cannot open blind eyes or create faith. We proclaim the message; the Spirit applies it. We speak to ears; He speaks to hearts.

C. Human Inability and Divine Necessity

Scripture is clear about human inability apart from the Spirit. Paul declares: “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV).

Jesus told Nicodemus: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). He told the disciples: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44). Divine drawing is necessary for anyone to come to Christ.

This is why the Spirit’s role is essential, not optional. Apart from His work, our evangelism is futile. With His work, the most hardened sinner can be reached. The difference between fruitful witness and fruitless witness is not primarily our technique but the Spirit’s accompanying power.

D. Partnership in Witness

This does not mean we are passive. We are genuine partners with the Spirit—”co-laborers” with God (1 Corinthians 3:9). We speak; He empowers. We proclaim; He illuminates. We invite; He draws. We plant and water; He gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

Peter modeled this partnership at Pentecost. He stood up and preached—a genuine human activity. But the Spirit was working simultaneously—convicting hearts, opening minds, creating faith. The result: three thousand converted. Neither Peter alone nor the Spirit alone (apart from human proclamation) produced this result. It was divine-human partnership.

PART THREE: THE SPIRIT’S EMPOWERMENT IN ACTS

The Book of Acts records the Spirit’s work through the early church. Let us trace how the Spirit empowered witness.

A. Pentecost: The Paradigm (Acts 2)

Pentecost is the paradigmatic display of Spirit-empowered witness. “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). The immediate result of Spirit-filling was speaking—specifically, speaking “the wonderful works of God” in languages understood by the international crowd.

Peter then stood and preached—explaining what was happening, proclaiming Jesus as crucified and risen Lord, calling for repentance and faith. The result: “about three thousand souls were added to them” (v. 41). Pentecost establishes the pattern: Spirit-filling produces witness, and Spirit-empowered witness produces conversion.

B. Boldness Before Opposition (Acts 4)

After Peter and John were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin, “Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them…” (Acts 4:8). Fresh filling produced fresh boldness. Peter proclaimed Christ fearlessly to the very authorities who had killed Him.

Released with threats, the believers gathered to pray—not for safety but for boldness: “Grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word” (v. 29). The answer: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness” (v. 31).

The word “boldness” is parresia (παρρησία, Strong’s G3954), meaning “freedom of speech,” “openness,” “confidence,” or “fearless proclamation.” The Spirit produces parresia—the ability to speak freely about Christ regardless of consequences.

C. Stephen: Wisdom and Power (Acts 6-7)

Stephen was chosen as a deacon because he was “full of faith and the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5). When opponents debated him, “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke” (v. 10). This fulfills Jesus’ promise: “I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist” (Luke 21:15).

Even facing martyrdom, Stephen remained full of the Spirit: “He, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God” (Acts 7:55). His final words were Spirit-empowered witness to the very end.

D. Philip: Directed Witness (Acts 8)

Philip’s ministry illustrates Spirit-directed evangelism. After successful ministry in Samaria, “an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south…’” (Acts 8:26). There he found an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah. “Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot’” (v. 29).

Philip obeyed, engaged the man, explained the Scripture, and led him to faith in Christ. This account shows the Spirit directing every aspect of witness: where to go, whom to approach, what to say. Spirit-empowered evangelism is Spirit-directed evangelism.

E. Paul: Verbal and Demonstrative Witness (Acts 13-28)

Paul’s missionary journeys showcase Spirit-empowered witness in diverse contexts:

The sending (Acts 13:2-4). “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’… So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went.” The mission was Spirit-initiated, Spirit-directed, Spirit-sent.

Confronting opposition (Acts 13:9-11). “Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said…” Spirit-filling gave discernment and authority in spiritual warfare.

Directional guidance (Acts 16:6-10). “They were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia… the Spirit did not permit them.” The Spirit closed some doors and opened others, directing the mission into Europe.

PART FOUR: WHAT THE SPIRIT EMPOWERS US TO DO

The Spirit’s empowerment is specific. Let us examine what the Spirit enables in witness.

A. Proclamation: Speaking Forth the Gospel

The Spirit empowers proclamation. Several Greek words describe this:

Kerusso (κηρύσσω, Strong’s G2784) means “to herald,” “to proclaim,” “to announce.” It pictures a herald making a public announcement on behalf of a king. Spirit-empowered preaching is heralding the King’s message.

Euangelizo (εὐαγγελίζω, Strong’s G2097) means “to announce good news,” “to evangelize.” It emphasizes the content: good news—the gospel of salvation through Christ.

Martureo (μαρτυρέω, Strong’s G3140) means “to bear witness,” “to testify.” Spirit-empowered witness is testimony—telling what we have experienced and know to be true about Christ.

Dialegomai (διαλέγομαι, Strong’s G1256) means “to reason,” “to discuss,” “to discourse.” Paul “reasoned” in synagogues and marketplaces. Spirit-empowered witness includes reasoned explanation and dialogue.

B. Boldness: Overcoming Fear

Perhaps the most needed empowerment is boldness. Fear is the great silencer—fear of rejection, ridicule, conflict, or consequences. The Spirit gives parresia to overcome this fear.

Paul requested prayer specifically for boldness: “Praying… for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel… that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:18-20, NKJV). Even the apostle Paul needed prayer for boldness.

C. Wisdom: Knowing What to Say

Jesus promised: “For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (Matthew 10:19-20, NKJV). The Spirit provides words when we need them.

Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV) instructs: “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside… Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” The Spirit gives wisdom—knowing how to answer each one, individualized wisdom for specific people.

D. Love: Compassion for the Lost

Effective witness flows from genuine love. The Spirit produces love (Galatians 5:22)—including love for the lost. Paul wrote: “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14, NKJV). Christ’s love, experienced through the Spirit, compels witness.

Romans 5:5 (NKJV) declares: “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” This poured-out love transforms our motivation for evangelism. We witness not from duty but from love—love for Christ and love for those He came to save.

E. Power: Demonstration of the Spirit

Spirit-empowered witness may include demonstration of supernatural power. Paul wrote: “My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4, NKJV).

“Demonstration” (apodeixis, ἀπόδειξις, Strong’s G585) means “proof” or “showing forth”—evidence that confirms the message. This might include healings or other supernatural manifestations. It also includes the undeniable transformation of lives—the “living proof” of changed sinners.

PART FIVE: HINDRANCES TO SPIRIT-EMPOWERED WITNESS

If the Spirit empowers witness, what hinders that empowerment? Several obstacles can block the flow of Spirit-power in evangelism.

A. Fear of Man

“The fear of man brings a snare” (Proverbs 29:25, NKJV). Fear of what people will think, say, or do silences more potential witnesses than any other factor. The early church faced this fear. The disciples were locked in a room “for fear of the Jews” before receiving the Spirit. Only after Pentecost did fear give way to boldness.

Fear of man is overcome by fear of God. “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28, NKJV).

B. Unconfessed Sin

Sin grieves the Spirit and hinders His empowerment. Unconfessed sin creates a barrier between us and the Spirit’s power. We cannot be effective witnesses while harboring known sin. Furthermore, sin undermines the credibility of our witness. Hypocrisy destroys testimony.

C. Prayerlessness

The early church’s witness was bathed in prayer. They prayed while waiting for the Spirit (Acts 1:14). They prayed for boldness after opposition (Acts 4:24-31). They prayed before sending missionaries (Acts 13:3). Witness without prayer is witness without power.

Paul consistently linked prayer and proclamation: “Continue earnestly in prayer… praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word” (Colossians 4:2-3, NKJV). Prayer opens doors that human effort cannot.

D. Self-Reliance

We can rely on our own ability—our eloquence, our arguments, our training, our techniques—rather than the Spirit. Paul intentionally avoided impressive rhetoric: “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2, NKJV). He chose not to rely on human wisdom lest faith rest on persuasion rather than divine power.

E. Lack of Compassion

Jesus looked at the crowds and “was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36, NKJV). Compassion moves to action. Without it, we remain passive observers of people heading toward eternity without Christ. The Spirit must rekindle compassion—helping us see people as Jesus sees them.

F. Ignorance of the Message

Peter commanded: “Always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV). Readiness requires knowing the gospel clearly—being able to explain what Christ has done and how people can respond. Many believers cannot articulate the gospel simply and clearly. This is a hindrance the Spirit can help overcome—but we must do our part by studying and preparing.

PART SIX: CULTIVATING SPIRIT-EMPOWERED WITNESS

How do we position ourselves for Spirit-empowered witness? What practices cultivate this empowerment?

A. Be Filled with the Spirit

The foundational requirement is Spirit-filling. “Be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Filling involves yielding control to the Spirit, removing hindrances, and asking for fresh empowerment. Filled believers are effective witnesses. The correlation in Acts is unmistakable: “filled with the Holy Spirit” is followed by bold proclamation repeatedly.

B. Pray for Boldness and Opportunities

The early church specifically prayed for boldness (Acts 4:29). Paul asked for prayer that doors would open and words would be given (Colossians 4:3-4; Ephesians 6:19-20). We should make these requests our regular prayers. Pray also for specific people you hope to reach. Prayer prepares hearts—both theirs and ours.

C. Be Available and Sensitive

Philip was available when the Spirit said, “Go near and overtake this chariot.” Availability requires margin—time and attention not consumed by busyness. Sensitivity requires listening—tuned to the Spirit’s promptings. The Spirit arranges divine appointments. We must be available to keep them and sensitive to recognize them.

D. Know the Gospel Clearly

The Spirit empowers the message He has inspired. Know the gospel thoroughly. Be able to explain clearly: the human condition (sin and separation from God), God’s provision (Christ’s death and resurrection), and the required response (repentance and faith). Know key Scriptures. Practice explaining it simply. The Spirit will bring to remembrance what you have learned.

E. Live a Consistent Life

Your life is the context for your words. Peter instructs us to maintain “good conduct” so that unbelievers “by your good works which they observe, [may] glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12, NKJV). A consistent life validates the message. This includes integrity in all areas, visible love among believers, and responding differently to trials—with hope rather than despair. Your life preaches continuously.

F. Step Out in Faith

Spirit-empowerment often comes in the act of witness, not before. You may not feel powerful beforehand. But as you open your mouth in faith, the Spirit provides what you need. Peter did not feel a surge of power before speaking to the Sanhedrin; he was filled as he began to speak (Acts 4:8). Stop waiting to feel powerful and start stepping out in obedience. The Spirit honors faith.

G. Trust the Results to God

Ultimately, conversion is the Spirit’s work, not ours. We are responsible for faithful witness, not successful outcomes. Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). This frees us from unhealthy pressure. We are not failures if someone does not believe. We are faithful if we witness in the Spirit’s power. Some will believe; some will not. Our task is faithful proclamation; conversion is God’s prerogative.

CONCLUSION: THE UNFINISHED TASK

We return to that unlikely group—120 followers of a crucified Rabbi, about to change the world. They did not change it by their own power but by the Spirit’s. They did not succeed by human strategy but by divine empowerment. And the same Spirit who empowered them empowers us.

The task remains unfinished. “To the end of the earth” has not yet been reached. Billions have never heard the gospel clearly. Thousands of people groups have no witness among them. And even in our own communities, neighbors and colleagues live without Christ.

But the power also remains available. The same Spirit who filled the apostles fills believers today. The same power that turned the Roman world upside down is accessible to us. We do not face our generation with less power than the early church faced theirs.

D.L. Moody, the great nineteenth-century evangelist, once said: “The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully consecrated to Him.” Moody determined to be that man. And God used him mightily—not because Moody was extraordinary but because God is, and Moody made himself available.

What might God do through you? Through our church? The same Spirit who accomplished so much through so few is ready to work again. The question is not whether He is willing but whether we are available.

“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” That promise has been fulfilled—the Spirit has come. “And you shall be witnesses to Me.” That mandate stands—we are called to witness. “To the end of the earth.” That scope remains—the mission is global and incomplete.

May we be those who receive the power, bear the witness, and reach our generation with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Go in the power of the Spirit. Be witnesses to Christ. Reach the ends of the earth.

Amen.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS

Opening Reflection

1. How would you describe your current effectiveness and confidence in sharing the gospel? What role has the Spirit played in your witness experiences?
2. The disciples asked about the kingdom’s timing, but Jesus redirected them to power for witness. How does this redirection apply to questions Christians ask today?

Understanding Spirit-Empowered Witness

3. The sermon emphasized that the Spirit is the primary witness and we participate in His work. How does this perspective change how you approach evangelism?
4. John 16:8-11 describes the Spirit’s convicting work. Why is it important to understand that conviction is the Spirit’s work, not ours?
5. Review the examples from Acts. Which example is most instructive for you? Why?

What the Spirit Empowers

6. The sermon listed things the Spirit empowers: proclamation, boldness, wisdom, love, and power. Which do you most need in your witness?
7. What does Spirit-given boldness (parresia) look like practically? How is it different from human assertiveness?

Hindrances and Cultivation

8. Of the hindrances discussed (fear, sin, prayerlessness, self-reliance, lack of compassion, ignorance), which most affects you? What steps can you take?
9. The early church regularly prayed for boldness and opportunities. How often do you pray specifically for evangelistic boldness?
10. Philip was available and sensitive when the Spirit directed him to the Ethiopian. How can we cultivate this availability in our busy lives?

Practical Application

11. Can you clearly explain the gospel in a few minutes? Practice summarizing it with your group.
12. Identify one or two people in your life who need Christ. Commit to praying for them and asking the Spirit for opportunities.
13. What would it look like for you to be more fully available to the Spirit for witness?

Closing Prayer Focus

Pray for fresh filling of the Spirit specifically for witness. Ask for boldness, opportunities, wisdom, and love for the lost. Pray by name for people who need to hear the gospel.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

— Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.”

— John 15:26-27 (NKJV)

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”

— Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

KEY GREEK TERMS REFERENCE

Terms for Power

dunamis (δύναμις, G1411) — power, ability, capability; inherent power that accomplishes

Terms for Witness

martus (μάρτυς, G3144) — witness; one who testifies; later: martyr

martureo (μαρτυρέω, G3140) — to bear witness, to testify, to give evidence

Terms for Proclamation

kerusso (κηρύσσω, G2784) — to herald, to proclaim, to announce publicly

euangelizo (εὐαγγελίζω, G2097) — to announce good news, to evangelize

dialegomai (διαλέγομαι, G1256) — to reason, to discuss, to discourse

parresia (παρρησία, G3954) — boldness, freedom of speech, confident openness

Other Important Terms

elencho (ἐλέγχω, G1651) — to convict, to expose, to reprove

apodeixis (ἀπόδειξις, G585) — demonstration, proof, showing forth

euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον, G2098) — gospel, good news

SUMMARY: THE SPIRIT AND WITNESS

THE PROMISE OF ACTS 1:8

• Power (dunamis) — inherent ability to accomplish

• Source — “when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”

• Purpose — “you shall be witnesses to Me”

• Scope — Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of the earth

THE SPIRIT AS PRIMARY WITNESS

• “He will testify… you also will bear witness” (John 15:26-27)

• Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness, judgment (John 16:8-11)

• Divine-human partnership in witness (1 Cor 3:6-9)

WHAT THE SPIRIT EMPOWERS

• Proclamation — heralding, evangelizing, testifying, reasoning

• Boldness (parresia) — fearless, confident speech

• Wisdom — knowing what to say, how to answer

• Love — compassion for the lost (Rom 5:5; 2 Cor 5:14)

• Power — demonstration confirming the message (1 Cor 2:4-5)

HINDRANCES TO EMPOWERED WITNESS

• Fear of man — silencing through fear of consequences

• Unconfessed sin — grieving the Spirit, undermining credibility

• Prayerlessness — witness without prayer is witness without power

• Self-reliance — trusting technique over Spirit

• Lack of compassion — indifference to the lost

• Ignorance of the message — inability to articulate the gospel

CULTIVATING EMPOWERED WITNESS

• Be filled with the Spirit — continuous yielding (Eph 5:18)

• Pray for boldness and opportunities (Acts 4:29; Col 4:3-4)

• Be available and sensitive to Spirit-arranged appointments

• Know the gospel clearly — prepared to give an answer

• Live a consistent life — validating the message

• Step out in faith — power comes in the act of witness

• Trust results to God — responsible for faithfulness, not outcomes