The Holy Spirit Comes

Introduction

The origin of Pentecost precedes the birth, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It’s one of the seven feasts of Jehovah and one of the three major Pilgrimages Feasts. Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Passover, on the Sabbath, and was also called the “Feast of Harvest” and the “Feast of First fruits.” God presented these holy feasts to Moses, and it was required that the children of Isreal observe them annually (Leviticus 23:5-21). Pentecost is symbolically related to the Jewish holiday Shavuot or the “Feast of Weeks,” which celebrates Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai, In the New Testament, Pentecost takes on yet another meaning. Christians celebrate Pentecost as a commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit and the outpouring of the gifts of the Spirit. The parallel between Shavuot and Pentecost is interesting. Shavuot also represents the Jews being freed from bondage to Egypt, while Pentecost represents humankind being freed from slavery to sin.

Key Points

POWER OF AGREEMENT

Acts 2:1–3 KJV 1900

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

What appeared to those present in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost?

Tongues of fire fell on them.

THE SPIRIT LED LIFE

Acts 2:4–5 KJV 1900

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

What happened when the Holy Spirit fell on those in the Upper Room?

They began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

MIRACLE OF THE SPIRIT

Acts 2:6–13 KJV 1900

Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

In an attempt to explain away the miracle, what did the mockers in the crowds say about the apostles?

The apostles were drunk with wine.

Implications and Applications

Understand that God wants all people to know His love

Appreciate the value of living by faith

Commit to a closer walk with God

Conclusion

Move Out By The Holy Spirit

There are so many hurting people in today's world. Homelessness, poverty, illness, addiction, violence, injustice, and loneliness are just a few of the problems that plague our society. Even Christians can be overwhelmed when we look around and see all the suffering and need. It would be easier to stick our heads in the sand and let someone else deal with it, and many people do just that. Remember that the Holy Spirit empowers us to come out of our comfort zones and to reach out and help others.

STUDENTS' RESPONSES

AIM: That your students will ask the Holy Spirit to call them to action in their communities.

The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is at work in faithful hearts, to reach out to lost, hurting souls and unite a community. When you look around your community, what do you see? Who is hurting, who needs help, and who needs to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ? There are so many. Are you going to answer the Holy Spirit's call to action, or are you going to leave the burden for someone else?