Full of the Holy Spirit
The True Human Community
July 30, 2023
Rev. James Sutton
Using Acts 11:19–30, the sermon shows that being 'full of the Holy Spirit' means joining an unbeatable, expansive, and intimate mission in which persecution is used by God for growth, the Spirit works through ordinary people (exemplified by Barnabas in Antioch), and believers are sustained in weakness—calling the church to active participation and prayer, including support for the pastor's struggle with depression.
Summary
The sermon centers on Acts 11:19–30 to teach that the Holy Spirit fills and empowers the church for mission: wide-reaching (all nations), strategic (Antioch as a gateway), and personally sustaining (intimate comfort and strength in weakness). Even hostile opposition and suffering are used by God to advance the gospel and grow believers. The Holy Spirit operates through ordinary, often unexpected people—Barnabas is highlighted as a Spirit-filled encourager who incarnates ministry in Antioch. The preacher closes with pastoral vulnerability, asking the congregation to pray as he shares his own struggle with depression and seeks the Spirit's sustaining comfort.
Key Points
- Text: Acts 11:19–30 framed around the theme "Full of the Holy Spirit"
- Core claim: being filled with the Spirit means participating in an unbeatable, expansive, and intimate mission
- Persecution and opposition are real but can be used by God for growth and the spread of the gospel
- "All nations" is universal mission—Antioch is highlighted as a strategic, historic gateway for the church
- The Holy Spirit works through ordinary, sometimes anonymous people; Barnabas exemplifies encouragement and presence
- Word study note: the exhortation in verse 23 connects to Barnabas' name and role as encourager
- Distinction noted between being like Christ and being Christ; the Spirit empowers likeness and witness, not replacement
- Pastoral transparency: preacher shares a season of depression and frames weakness as a context for God's strength and the church's prayers
- Call to action: recognize the Spirit's work through you, participate in the mission, and support one another in prayer.
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