Study Guide: Carriers of the Latter Glory

Key Verse

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on 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 (NIV)

Overview

The Holy Spirit was never meant to stop with the person who receives it — it is a commissioning, not just a comfort. Like a skilled tradesperson who drives to the job site fully equipped but never picks up a tool, too many believers carry the power of the Holy Spirit without stepping into the mission it was given for. When we stay filled with the Spirit and follow its leading, witnessing becomes less of a burden and more of a natural, Spirit-opened door.

Discussion Questions

1. Think of a time when someone unexpectedly showed up in your life at just the right moment. What made that encounter meaningful to you?
2. The pastor described the disciples in Acts as thinking "politically" and "thinking small" about Jesus's mission. What did you notice about how easily we can do the same thing — focusing only on what the Holy Spirit does for us rather than through us?
3. The sermon draws a clear connection: "You will receive power and you will be my witness — you can't separate the two." What does it mean that the power of the Holy Spirit and the call to witness are inseparable gifts, not two different options?
4. Is there someone in your life right now — like a "Kevin" needing a "Tim" — whom the Spirit may already be preparing you to reach? What has been holding you back from stepping toward that person?
5. The pastor used the image of a tradesperson sitting in a fully loaded truck, drinking coffee at the job site. Honestly, in what area of your spiritual life are you fully equipped but still parked? What would it look like to finally step out this week?

This Week's Challenge

Identify one specific person in your life who may be longing to hear an encouraging word or experience the love of God, and take one intentional step toward them this week — whether that's a phone call, a text, a cup of coffee, or simply a prayer asking the Holy Spirit to open the door.

Prayer Focus

Ask the Holy Spirit to move your group from simply receiving His presence to boldly carrying it into every relationship and conversation this week.