Power of the Spirit

Acts 2:14-21

Power exists in various forms, dimensions, and magnitudes. However, none surpasses the potency of the Holy Spirit. Peter and the individuals in the Upper Room witnessed this power directly. Similarly, Paul encountered this experience while on the road to Damascus. We, too, are capable of experiencing this firsthand if we permit Him to operate within our lives.

This Power is demonstrated in Peter’s sermon. The inaugural sermon of the Church was delivered on Pentecost. Pentecost, meaning “the fiftieth” day after Passover, was the Feast of Weeks, which occurred in June, a convenient time for travel. Jerusalem was crowded. The sermon was impactful due to its simplicity. First, Peter addressed their inquiry. Second, he conveyed information about Christ; third, he called for their commitment.

The sermon was exemplary due to its scriptural foundation, Christ-centered focus, practicality, compelling nature, and relevance. In the initial segment of his discourse, Peter eloquently expounds with authority why these men are not intoxicated. We observe the Holy Spirit’s power manifesting through him. Luke delineates three essential requirements for believers to possess the Spirit’s power. The first requirement is to take a decisive stand and audibly proclaim it. The second requirement is to recall scripture. The third requirement is to preach the Gospel. There is a question I want us to ask ourselves.

Why is it necessary for believers to have the Power of the Spirit?

Take a Stand and Raise Voices:

A paraphrase of the statement attributed to Edmund Burke and John Stuart Mill is: “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” For evil to persist in prevailing over loved ones and the community, those who possess all that is good, dear, luminous, and hopeful within them must stand up and raise their voices with the truth—truth that not only can shatter darkness but also dispel it. Peter did not hesitate any longer; instead, with the power of the Spirit, he stood and spoke with an authoritative voice.

Reflect upon a time when you assumed a leadership role in a group project—there is invariably a moment that necessitates stepping forward to communicate with all members. Peter’s courageous act of standing and voicing his opinions exemplifies that leadership frequently stems from genuine intent and a willingness to contribute. Although it may be somewhat awkward, exhibiting courage often constitutes the initial step toward effecting meaningful change.

Peter stood up and fulfilled his responsibilities, as well as those of others. This is a fundamental expectation for everyone. When we possess the truth, it is our duty to share it with the world. Withholding the truth constitutes an injustice. In judicial proceedings, one may be held in contempt for failing to disclose the full truth, and may face charges of obstruction for withholding information. How much more so are we accountable for not sharing the truth? Consider the words of Christ in Matthew 10:33: by not disseminating His truth, are we not effectively denying Him?

Matthew 10:33 LSB

“But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.

Stand up and be His voice in a world that is confused.

Recall Scripture:

With the Holy Spirit residing within us, we should possess the desire to cultivate a relationship with Him. This is achieved through engaging with His Word and beginning to comprehend it via His discernment, which is imparted to us. However, empowered by the Spirit, He has the capacity to reveal His Word in a supernatural manner. Although Peter was merely a fisherman, all Jewish boys were educated in the Mishnah and were familiar with the Word of God, particularly various prophecies. Therefore, when we study the Word, it becomes easier for the Holy Spirit to manifest His Word within us.

How many of you recall being required to memorize the Gettysburg Address during your school years? I remember pondering how I would be able to recall such a lengthy speech. However, an remarkable event occurred when I stood up and began to recite it; I remembered most of it. Similarly, the same principle applies when we focus our attention on reading and memorizing the Word of God. When the time comes for you to speak, the Holy Spirit will speak on your behalf.

Matthew 10:19-20 did not Jesus indicate that, during times of need, the Holy Spirit will serve as our Advocate? That it will be He who will remind you of the scriptures to cite? The primary concern is that we do not provide the Holy Spirit with sufficient tools to facilitate this process. I have heard individuals claim that studying and referencing certain verses is unnecessary. However, I also do not require a saw, axe, pick, shovel, hoe, or chainsaw for a task; yet, possessing more tools certainly simplifies the job. The same principle applies to studying scripture and commentaries.

Matthew 10:19–20 LSB

“But when they deliver you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given to you in that hour what you are to say. “For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Replace distractions with His words so when the time comes, you are prepared to recall His Words.

Preach the Gospel:

Because Peter was prepared to stand and raise his voice, and because he was willing to be guided by the Holy Spirit and recall Scripture, this led to the power of the Spirit being realized through the preaching of the Gospel. What is the consequence when the Gospel is proclaimed? People will acquire the ability to invoke the Name of the Lord. And what ensues when they call upon the Name of the Lord? They will attain salvation.

What made this sermon and the preaching so magnificent was that Peter exhilarated it. His life was living it out while he was speaking it. Something was different about him, and they saw it. Preaching the Gospel is one thing, but preaching it and people seeing it in your life is another. Harry Ironside is a great example of a preacher full of God’s word. Under his mother’s guidance, Harry began to memorize Scripture when he was three. By age fourteen, he had read through the Bible fourteen times, “once for each year.”

The story of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's conversion to Christ in a Siberian prison camp is a remarkable testimony to the power of the Gospel. Solzhenitsyn was being examined one day by a fellow prisoner, a Jewish physician who had been won to Christ by the example of another prisoner. Noticing the misery in Solzhenitsyn’s eyes, the doctor recounted his story, including his faith in Christ. Solzhenitsyn came to faith through the physician's testimony and survived to share the message of the Spirit's power over human evil.

Transformation comes from the Power of the Spirit through the preaching of the Gospel.

If you want to be a truly successful speaker, advises J. Oliver Crom, president of Dale Carnegie and Associates, remember three Key Es: Increase your “Expertise” on your subject; be “Eager” to share your knowledge; and generate “Excitement” by the way you present your speech.

Application:

1. Stand up and be His voice in a world that is confused.

2. Replace distractions with His words so when the time comes, you are prepared to recall His Words.

3.  Transformation comes from the Power of the Spirit through the preaching of the Gospel.