The Spirit’s Power: Living as Children of God

Pentecost Sunday June 8, 2025

John 14:8-17 (25-27)

Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." 9Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. 15"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. 25"I have said these things to you while I am still with you. 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."

Romans 8:14-17

For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!"16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ-if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

Acts 2:1-21

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes 11 Cretans and Arabs — in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18 Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show portents in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 20 The sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. 21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”

Introduction:

This past Sunday, we gathered to commemorate Pentecost, the defining moment in the history of redemption when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, fulfilling the promises of God and inaugurating the era of the Spirit. In the tradition of Reformed theology as set forth by men such as Luther, Calvin, and Knox, we say Pentecost highlights the sovereignty of God in the work of the Spirit, underscoring how the Spirit awakes and sustains faith. However, these men also emphasized the Spirit's presence is not confined to dramatic manifestations as depicted in Acts chapter 2, but is evident in everyday acts of faith, obedience. God the Spirit in our lives is the assurance of God's presence in all Christian lives. God the Spirit connects us all.

As we reflect on the Spirit's role, let’s delve into Scripture to understand how the Spirit reveals Christ to us, equips us to live as children of God, and empowers the church to be a beacon of hope in a broken world. Pentecost is a reminder to embrace the Spirit's work in our lives with renewed gratitude and commitment.

I. The Spirit Unveils the Glory of Christ (John 14:8-17, 25-27)

When Philip requests to see the Father, Jesus affirms that to see Him is to see the Father, for He and the Father are one. Through the lens of Pentecost, we see the Spirit’s role is to illuminate the glory of Christ, revealing His nature, work, and abiding presence within the hearts of believers. By the indwelling of the Spirit, Christ’s words and deeds are brought to life in the believer, nurturing faith and fostering a life of obedience. Promised as the Helper and Comforter, the Spirit delivers peace, not as the world gives, but as a divine assurance of sustaining love and peace. This peace is not defined by the absence of conflict but by the undeniable, unshakable presence of God, affirming our identity and security in Christ even in the midst of life’s uncertainties.

To break it down, in laymen’s terms—God the Spirit is all about the sovereignty of God and the effect it has on our lives. The guidance of the Spirit helps us live like Christ. This isn’t something we can accomplish on our own; it’s a divine process, a powerful act of grace where the Spirit transforms our hearts and shapes our lives. The Spirit doesn’t just plant the seed of faith but nurtures it, allowing it to grow and flourish into something beautiful. God the Spirit is the catalyst for our sanctification as Christians, our transformation from worldly to heavenly.

And here’s the key: the Spirit keeps us going. It’s the guarantee that even when we falter, we’ll endure in faith, be repentant, and continue to be molded into Christ’s likeness. This isn’t optional or an afterthought—it’s essential; sanctification is at the core of God’s plan. The Spirit’s work is the foundation of our assurance, the lifeline that connects us to God’s promises and keeps us tethered to His covenant. This is why embracing the Spirit’s transformative power is so urgent as believers—it’s the heartbeat of what it means to live as God’s children.

II. The Holy Spirit Empowers the Church for Witness and Sanctification (Acts 2:1-21; Romans 8:14-17)

God the Spirit is multifunctional and never resting. Just as He empowers us to be more like Jesus in all we do, the Spirit also empowers the Church for bold witness to the promises of Jesus being brought to life. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit wasn’t an isolated event in Acts 2 but the beginning of a movement that formed and reshapes the Church continuously. The apostles, who once wrestled with fear and doubt, were emboldened by the Spirit to proclaim the Gospel with clarity and conviction. This isn’t just about speaking—it’s about speaking in ways that connect across barriers. Think of it: they spoke in languages they hadn’t learned, reaching people from all nations, cultures, and backgrounds. That’s the Spirit at work, breaking down division and reinforcing the truth that the Gospel is everywhere and for everyone.

If we pause to consider this through the lens of Reformed theology, it’s evident that this empowerment isn’t something the apostles mustered on their own—but a divine act. It’s God sovereignly equipping His people for mission, fulfilling His covenant promises to gather a people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. The Spirit doesn’t just give the ability to speak; God the Spirit gives the courage, the passion, and the assurance that the message has eternal significance. We’re not called to witness in our strength but in the strength of the Spirit, who enables us to live out and share the Gospel with authenticity and boldness.

And here’s where it gets practical: As I said, the Spirit’s work in the church isn’t limited to dramatic moments like Pentecost. It’s ongoing, present in the everyday lives of believers. It’s the Spirit who empowers us to love our neighbors, to stand firm in the face of trials, and to reflect the light of Christ in a broken world. The Spirit’s boldness is essential—it’s the heartbeat of the church’s mission to be a beacon of hope and truth, shining brightly amidst the shadows of conflict and despair. It unifies all Christians across all walks of life.

Does this mean that all Christians will always agree? No, we can’t even agree on an order of worship, whether we play an organ or use guitars in worship, if we use bulletins or just follow the Spirits direction or just fall out in the isles because someone yells, “Be Healed!” That’s just a few reasons we can throw a stick in the Bible belt and hit a church. Even with all that makes us different, one thing keeps us coming back to the font and table, Jesus Christ.

Paul’s message in Romans 8 was clear: He told the church in Rome that the Spirit leads believers, enabling them to live as children of God. Through the Spirit’s work within us, our identity as heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ is affirmed, and sanctification becomes an ongoing, Spirit-driven process. It’s not merely about striving in our own efforts, but about being transformed into the likeness of Christ as the Spirit molds and shapes our lives according to God’s covenant promises. (If I may be so bold as to paraphrase Paul.)

III. Conclusion:

Let’s reflect for a moment: the Holy Spirit isn’t some distant, historical, mystical force—God the Spirit is the very presence of God actively working in and through us. This isn’t abstract theology; it’s reality. God the Spirit reveals Jesus Christ to us in a way that transforms our hearts and minds. God the Spirit empowers the church—not just for big, dramatic moments, but for the everyday, ordinary acts of faithfulness that carry eternal weight. And God the Spirit sanctifies us, molding us day-by-day into the likeness of Christ in a way we could never achieve on our own.

We all know someone who is led by the Spirit. That someone who is always seeking to glorify God by their actions. We see them, even when life beats them down, still working for God’s glory: Cancer patients who collect food for the homeless, people living on a fixed income who still give beyond their tithe, and the plethora of other examples we can see if we just open our eyes within our own faith communities. God the Spirit is like the wind by which we first encounter Him in Genesis 1, impossible to see but His effect is impossible to ignore.

Here’s the gospel truth: the Spirit’s work is indispensable. Without God the Spirit, we are powerless. Calvin said it best, “Our will cannot long for good without the Holy Spirit.” (Calvin, 1960) But with Him, we are equipped—not just to survive in this world, but to bear witness boldly, to love deeply, and to live as heirs of God’s promises. This grace we’ve been given isn’t something we can take lightly. It’s a call to action, a call to live out our faith beyond the walls of the church and bring the Gospel into a world that is hurting and lost. So, let’s not settle for complacency. Let’s let God the Spirit lead us, both in bold proclamation and quiet obedience. I believe it isn’t optional; this is the heartbeat of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We are called to embody the Gospel—to be living testimonies of God’s grace—for the glory of His name and the good of His kingdom.

Here’s the question: Are you letting the Spirit lead you? Are you allowing the Spirit to empower your words and actions, to shape your heart and guide your steps? This isn’t about half-hearted effort or occasional moments of inspiration—it’s about surrendering fully to the Spirit’s transformative work in your life. Without it, we’re powerless. But with the Spirit’s guidance, we are equipped to bear witness boldly, to love deeply, and to live as heirs of God’s promises.

Think about this moment seriously. How are you living out your faith beyond the walls of the church? If the Spirit isn’t central in your life, then what are you relying on? Your own strength? Your own wisdom? Let me be clear: that won’t be enough. The Spirit is the lifeline, the heartbeat of your sanctification. It’s the only source of power that can enable you to stand firm, to endure trials, and to testify of Christ’s love in a broken world. Take this to heart, because much is at stake. Let the Spirit lead. Let the Spirit awaken in you a bold proclamation and quiet obedience. Don’t ignore this reminder found in Pentecost—it’s not optional. It’s the very core of what it means to live a life for Christ.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. AMEN.

Bibliography

Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion [Book] / auth. Calvin John / ed. McNeill John T. / trans. Battles Ford Lewis. - Philadephia : The Westminster Press, 1960. - Vol. I : II : p. 287. - 2.2.27.

NRSVue [Book]. - Wahington D.C. : National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America., 2021.

The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books [Book] / ed. Meeks Wayne A. [et al.]. - New York : Harper Collins Publishers, 1993.