Acts 2:4
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…”
The Holy Spirit is the driving force behind all the ministry that will take place in the book of Acts. Jesus had commanded His disciples to go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel message, but before they went, they were to wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Their personal lives, their ministries, and their world, would forever be changed because the Holy Spirit came upon them.
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, on His church and the individual Christian, is a work of God. Jesus promised He would baptize them with the Holy Spirit. However, that does not mean the disciples played no part in the event. I think it is important that we understand their involvement, as the promise of God was being fulfilled in them.
First off, they were obedient to the Word. Jesus commanded them to wait in Jerusalem, and wait they did. Next, we find them in prayer. Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would be given to those who ask; but He also explained that we should ask persistently. Jesus told a story of a man who knocked on his neighbor’s door in the middle of the night seeking bread. He continues to knock until the man gave him what he was seeking. The man finally gave in because of the persistence of the petitioner (Luke 11:5-8). Jesus is not teaching us to bug our neighbors to get what we want. Instead, His point was to teach the need for persistent prayer for the Holy Spirit. Finally, they were in one accord. Rather than bickering about petty things, or focusing upon their differences, they were all together with a heart and mind fixed on their need for more of Jesus. It was in this setting, that the Holy Spirit was poured out upon His church. The lives of these men and women were forever transformed.
There is no special formula behind receiving the Spirit and gifts of God. I am not suggesting that we must travel to Jerusalem, fill a room with 120 people, and wait ten days if we want to receive the Spirit of God. I am saying, we are active participants in the work of God. If we desire a greater work of God in our lives, we must obey Him and seek Him.
Let’s take some time this morning to ask God to fill us again with His Spirit. Certainly, the world is in desperate need of men and women who have been transformed by the power of God.
Pastor Jim
Questions for Acts 2
- An exciting moment has taken place; the Holy Spirit has come on the Day of Pentecost. Verse 6 says “everyone heard them speak in his own language.” Verse 13 implies that some people thought they were drunk. Have you ever felt Gods Spirit move you to do something so amazing the world thought you were a bit intoxicated?
- In Peter’s first sermon, he quotes the prophet Joel 2:28-32. Remember there should always be a scriptural basis for what is happening in our lives by the Holy Spirit. What things do you see here?
- Peter also points out that the Crucifixion of Jesus was not an accident. His death was the plan of God. Read Psalm 16:8-11
- According to verse 33, where is Jesus now?
- The conviction of God moved on the people; what is Peter’s instruction?
- The instruction from God brought the most amazing gift from being obedient. How many were saved from this outpouring of the Holy Spirit?
- They continued “steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Which of these areas is the Lord speaking to you about?
Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 27- Choose
Deuteronomy 28- Head Or Tail
Jim Gallagher 