MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
Acts 8:26–40 Pastor Calvary deJong
May 4th, 2025
Introduction: The Spirit Is Not Fiction
May 4th each year is “Star Wars Day.” Years ago, on our honeymoon, Lacey and I watched Star Wars together in a quiet cabin in the woods. What stuck with me wasn’t the sci-fi—it was the idea of the Force: an invisible power that enables people to stand, speak, and act with courage. But what Star Wars imagines as fiction, Scripture presents as fact. Not an impersonal energy—but the personal presence of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus doesn’t say, “May the Force be with you.” He says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you… and you will be my witnesses.”
Many of us want to live meaningfully, speak courageously, and know God’s presence in real ways. But we often feel unsure how. That’s why Luke’s two-part story—his Gospel and the book of Acts—matters. Luke doesn’t just tell us what to believe. He shows us what it looks like when the Spirit of God fills everyday people to speak, serve, and sacrifice in the name of Jesus.
1. The Spirit Was Promised from the Beginning (Luke 3:16; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49)
Acts isn’t a disconnected sequel—it’s part two of the same story. From the very beginning of Luke’s Gospel, the Spirit’s coming was anticipated.
•John the Baptist says Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
•Jesus promises the Spirit as the Father’s best gift—not just for leaders, but for all who ask.
•Jesus prepares His disciples for opposition by assuring them the Spirit will give them words to speak.
•Finally, in Luke 24, the risen Jesus tells His followers: “I am sending the promise of my Father upon you… Wait until you are clothed with power from on high.”
The Spirit’s arrival in Acts 2 isn’t random—it’s the fulfillment of Jesus’ ongoing work. Luke frames the story so we see: Jesus didn’t stop working when He ascended. He continues His mission through the Holy Spirit and through us.
2. The Spirit Empowers Ordinary People to Witness - (Acts 1–2)
Before ascending, Jesus gives His disciples a roadmap: “You will receive power… and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” That isn’t just a mission—it’s a pattern. The whole book of Acts follows that outline. In Acts 2, that promise explodes into reality. Wind. Fire. Speech. The Spirit fills the room and fills the disciples—and they begin declaring the wonders of God in many languages. The miracle isn’t about sensation. It’s about proclamation.
Then Peter stands. The same man who denied Jesus now preaches with boldness. He explains what’s happening, points to Scripture, and calls people to repentance and baptism.
This is the Spirit’s power on display: not vague emotion, but Spirit-enabled witness. The Holy Spiri is not given for show, but for service.
3. Stephen: A Spirit-Filled Life, Speech, and Death - (Acts 6–7)
Stephen is the first person in Acts described as “full of the Holy Spirit.” His life paints a vivid picture of what it means to live as a Spirit-empowered witness.
•In service: He’s appointed to care for widows—not because of charisma, but because he’s full of the Spirit and wisdom.
•In speech: He begins teaching, debating, and speaking truth. His opponents “could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him.”
•In sacrifice: When falsely accused, Stephen gives the longest sermon in Acts—a bold retelling of Israel’s history that reveals their pattern of resisting God.
His words are piercing: “You stiff-necked people… You always resist the Holy Spirit.” That’s the charge—loving the system more than the Spirit. As Stephen is stoned, he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God—a powerful image of Christ’s advocacy. His last words echo Jesus on the cross: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit… Do not hold this sin against them.” Stephen dies with boldness and with peace. He doesn’t just imitate Christ’s courage—he reflects Christ’s compassion.
4. Spirit Power + Peace Witness
Maybe you’ve seen spiritual emotionalism that lacks depth—or a cautious faith that keeps the Spirit at arm’s length. But Stephen shows us a better way. His words were bold, his death was peaceful. He was both fiery and forgiving. What we need is both: the power of the Holy Spirit and the peace of Christ. Spirit-filled courage and Christ-shaped love. Not spectacle, not passivity—but a Spirit-empowered witness that points to Jesus through word, service, and sacrifice.
Gospel Invitation: The Good News Behind the Witness
Sin matters—not just because of what we do, but who we sin against. As a kid, if I hit my sister, it was bad. If I hit a police officer, it’s worse. Sin against an all-holy God is infinitely serious. That’s why we don’t just need improvement—we need grace. The good news is that Jesus, whom Stephen saw standing in glory, came down. He lived the life we couldn’t live. He died the death we deserved. On the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them.” And then, “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” Because of Jesus, we can be forgiven. Because of Jesus, we can be filled with the Spirit. Because of Jesus, we can be witnesses—not just to what happened then, but what He’s doing in us now.
Prayer of Response
Gracious God, Thank You for the gift of Your Son and the power of Your Spirit. Make us bold like Stephen—faithful in word, in service, and in sacrifice. Fill us with courage and compassion, and let our lives point others to Jesus. In His name we pray—Amen.
Benediction
May the same Spirit who filled Stephen—who gave him words to speak, grace to forgive, and peace in death—fill you this week. May you see Jesus clearly. May you serve humbly. May you speak boldly. Now, go in peace, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.