The Wonder of the Holy Spirit
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Good morning church,
Pray
Good morning,
This morning we are going to continue our Tales of Wonder series. This series is a look at stories in scripture that show us the wonder of God, the things that he’s done and where he is directing us.
I don’t know about you but I just love stories of things that are unexplanable. Stories that make you wonder and imagine and maybe even think. As a kid I loved watching a TV show called Unsolved Mysteries, not sure if you’ve seen it. The name of the show is a exactly what it was, there were situations and events that took place which people could not explain or had no understanding of why it happened. As a kid after a particularly scary episode this TV show would have me looking out the window a little afraid. But knowing and hearing about things that have taken place which didn’t have an answer kept me going back to watch and see. I’ve learned about myself that I love to read, hear and see things that are unexplanable. Things that just don’t make any sense to me but get me thinking and wanting to know more.
And you know what I think that mindset and thinking brings me back to the bible time and time again in wonder and amazement on what had taken place and in all to know that when things have happened that don’t make any sense that it was God who put it all together to reveal himself to us.
And so this morning we are going to look at the Holy Spirit and the wonder that it brings when it comes to God’s people. So please turn with me to page in the bibles in the seats.
This morning we are going to continue our Tales of Wonder series. This series is a look at stories in the bible that show us the wonder of God, the things that he’s done and where he is directing us.
- 1 On the day of Pentecost* all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,* as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Anyone like stories where they talk about things that are impossible or unexplainable?
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”
But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
“ ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,
and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
and your old men shall dream dreams;
even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
And I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
the sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. For David says concerning him,
“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
“Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’
Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.
13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”
Pray
New Living Translation Chapter 2
The Holy Spirit Comes
On the day of Pentecost* all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,* as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.
13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”
Peter Preaches to the Crowd
14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, “Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this. 15 These people are not drunk, as some of you are assuming. Nine o’clock in the morning is much too early for that. 16 No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘In the last days,’ God says,
‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit
even on my servants—men and women alike—
and they will prophesy.
19 And I will cause wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below—
blood and fire and clouds of smoke.
20 The sun will become dark,
and the moon will turn blood red
before that great and glorious day of the LORD arrives.
21 But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD
will be saved.’*
22 “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene* by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. 23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. 24 But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. 25 King David said this about him:
‘I see that the LORD is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
26 No wonder my heart is glad,
and my tongue shouts his praises!
My body rests in hope.
27 For you will not leave my soul among the dead*
or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave.
28 You have shown me the way of life,
and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’*
29 “Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn’t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. 30 But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. 31 David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave.
32 “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. 33 Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today. 34 For David himself never ascended into heaven, yet he said,
‘The LORD said to my Lord,
“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
35 until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.” ’*
36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”
38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away*—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
New Living Translation Chapter 2
The Holy Spirit Comes
On the day of Pentecost* all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,* as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.
13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”
New Living Translation Chapter 2
The Holy Spirit Comes
On the day of Pentecost* all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,* as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.
13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”
I don’t know about you, but I just love stories of things that are unexplainable. Of situations that just don’t make any sense in a rational mind. Stories that make you wonder and imagine and maybe even think. As a kid I loved watching a TV show called Unsolved Mysteries, not sure if you’ve seen it. The name of the show is exactly what it was, there were situations and events that took place which people could not explain or had no understanding of why it happened. I probably was told not to watch this, but who remembers what they are told not to do as a kid? I do remember that after particularly scary episodes of this show would have me looking out the window quite afraid with my imagination running. But knowing and hearing about things that have taken place which didn’t have an answer kept me going back to watch and see. I’ve learned about myself that I love to read, hear and see things that are unexplainable. Things that just don’t make any sense to me but get me thinking and wanting to know more.
Background
In the beginning of the book of Acts we see Jesus appearing to the Apostles after his death, speaking with them about the Kingdom of God. Throughout this we Jesus telling them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit, that will come to them in Jerusalem.
* 2:4 Or in other tongues.
This is such an incredible event that has taken place in the church to this point. Just before this we learn in that the disciples had just witnessed Jesus ascending into heaven after spending 40 days with them after his death. We learn that while Jesus was with them he spent time talking to them about the Kingdom of heaven, he tells them not to leave Jerusalem until the Father God sends them the gift that he promised. He is telling them that the Holy Spirit is coming.
Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015. Print.
And you know what I think that mindset and thinking brings me back to the bible time and time again in wonder and amazement on what had taken place and in all to know that when things have happened that don’t make any sense that it was God who put it all together to reveal himself to us.
I don’t know about you but there was a time in my life when I was like what is this Holy Spirit that the people in the church keep talking about. I can understand God and I can understand Jesus but then what is this Holy Spirit that is in the mix? Throughout the years I’ve learned and have begun to understand a little more about what the Holy Spirit is and how and what it’s functions are in our lives.
And so this morning we are going to look at the Holy Spirit and the wonder that it brings when it comes to God’s people. So please turn with me to page in the bibles in the seats.
We learn through the bible that the Holy Spirit is a separate person in the trinity which has its own personality and work to do. The bible tells us that
- 1 On the day of Pentecost* all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,* as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
-the Spirit teaches and is a Helper (, );
5 At that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. 6 When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.
- the Spirit tells people about and directs people to Jesus (, );
7 They were completely amazed. “How can this be?” they exclaimed. “These people are all from Galilee, 8 and yet we hear them speaking in our own native languages! 9 Here we are—Parthians, Medes, Elamites, people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, the province of Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the areas of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism), Cretans, and Arabs. And we all hear these people speaking in our own languages about the wonderful things God has done!” 12 They stood there amazed and perplexed. “What can this mean?” they asked each other.
- the Spirit provides guidance for God’s people ();
13 But others in the crowd ridiculed them, saying, “They’re just drunk, that’s all!”
- the Spirit provides conviction concerning sins and judgement ();
Background
- the Spirit changes God’s people (; ; );
This is such an incredible event that has taken place in the church to this point. Our story begins with the believers, the people who have accepted and trusted that Jesus is the son of God, are gathered together during Pentecost, a big Jewish feast that takes place 50 days after Passover. Just before this we learn in that the disciples had just seen Jesus going into heaven after spending 40 days with them after his death and resurrection. The bible says that while Jesus was with them, he spent time talking to them about the Kingdom of heaven, he tells them not to leave Jerusalem until the Father God sends them the gift that he promised. He is telling them that the Holy Spirit is coming.
- the Spirit intercedes for God’s people (, );
I don’t know about you but there was a time in my life when I was like what is this Holy Spirit that the people in the church keep talking about. I can understand God and I can understand Jesus but then what is this Holy Spirit that is in the mix? Throughout the years I’ve learned and have begun to understand a little more about what the Holy Spirit is and how and what it’s functions are in our lives.
- and the Spirit has the ability to command and direct God’s people (, ; ).
We learn through the bible that the Holy Spirit is a separate person in the trinity which has its own personality and work to do. The bible tells us that
The Holy Spirit has an important job and is something that we shouldn’t ignore. The Holy Spirit’s place and work in our lives is a gift from God. So we’re going to look at it in the context of our passage this morning and in the context of what is going on in the lives of the people in this story.
1. They were all together in one place. (Acts 2:1)
Firstly we see in the passage that the people were all together in one place. The believers who gathered were all together with one heart, the same love for God, the same trust in His promise and in the same place together. It is incredible what can and does happen when we are all together.
- the Spirit teaches and is a Helper (, ); (helps us through tough situations)
Its interesting. Jesus instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit to come once he left. They had no ides when this gift would come to them and so after Jesus ascended into heaven and they had days of no gift it would have been an opportunity to go back to their homes and get back to doing what they were doing. But they were so changed by Jesus words and living life with him they waited expectantly together. They didn’t desert one another but they continuned to meet together and anticipate what Jesus promised would come. I can imagine that while they waited they continued to do what Jesus instructed them to do and love one another, pray with one another, serve one another.
Were going to talk about the Community of believers more specifically next week but it is so important to remember and know the importance of meeting together. Community is so important in the life of a believer. To have someone to encourage you and to keep you accountable is very life giving.
- the Spirit tells people about and directs people to Jesus (, ); (reveals who Jesus is to us)
There are times I remember when I was struggling through things and it wasn’t after talking through it with another Christian and having them understand what I was going through and be willing to pray with and for me allowed for the weight of what I was going through to be lessened. The bible says in to, “2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” We are to be there for one another. Not sure if you remember but Bob encouraged us to do this a few weeks ago. He said that we need to be building into one another, sending each other scripture, sending encouragement. Being a Christian isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination, its tough, but when we are there for each other it really does allow the weight and stress of life to be relieved. This comes with a need to realize that we cannot do this on our own. That is key.
- the Spirit provides guidance for God’s people (); (helps us to navigate the ins and outs of this life)
2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.
You see, before we can be filled with the Spirit we must recognize that we cannot do it ourselves, and this is exactly what the disciples recognized. They knew that by gathering together, in obedience that they would see God work and be able to tackle whatever came up next, together. They knew that within themselves they didn’t have the resources to do anything they needed to rely on the work of God in their lives.
- the Spirit provides conviction concerning sins and judgement (); (the knot in the pit of your stomach when you do something that you shouldn’t)
Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015. Print.
2. When they did this they were able to see things that they never dreamed of. ()
- the Spirit changes God’s people (; ; );
Then the incredible happens. As they waited together in anticipation of what God would have for them God sends them the gift that they were promised. This loud sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven. This was a sign that God was about to accomplish a mighty work of renewal among these people. Then we get this picture of what looked life flames and fire appearing and settling on each person there. The flames and fire are the symbol of this renewal, of the presence of God who is doing the renewing work in the lives of these beleivers.
And not only that but they started to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability to. This is the cool part for me. These people didn’t have access to Duolingo or Rosetta Stone any other app like we do to learn these languages and be able to pull this off. They didn’t have the same educational opportunities that we have. You see this was something that could only have been done by the Spirit.
- the Spirit intercedes for God’s people (, ); (advocates to God on our behalf)
These people who were waiting for the Spirit was able to see it show up in a remarkable way. And not only were they able to speak a language that they weren’t able but they were able to interpret and understand other languages that others were speaking.
- and the Spirit has the ability to command and direct God’s people (, ; ).
Often when we hear this story the focus is on the fact that the people were able to speak and hear other languages, which is amazing and a wonder don’t get me wrong, but what is sometimes missed is what they were speaking about. The passage tell us that the people were speaking of and hearing about all the wonderful things that God has done. They spoke about all the great and wonderful things that God has done through them and for them. In receiving this gift of the Spirit and experiencing this speaking in other languages caused these believers to proclaim about all that God has done. That was the cry of their hearts. The first thing that popped into their heads. That is incredible.
The Holy Spirit has an important job and is something that we shouldn’t ignore. The Holy Spirit’s place and work in our lives is a gift from God. So we’re going to look at it in the context of our passage this morning and in the context of what is going on in the lives of the people in this story.
I know when good things happen to me at times I find myself stopping to give myself a pat on the back. Man I did this great thing. I was so good at this thing… I was able to do this. My strength and smarts are so excellent that I was able to accomplish whatever it is. There are times where I don’t stop to say thank you God for taking care of me and giving me what I needed to get through that situation. I don’t stop and recognize that it’s God who gives me what I need. And my right response in all of this is me sharing with others about the wonderful things that God has done.
I really believe that incredible things take shape and happen when believers come together. I’ve heard many stories of lives changed, people healed and amazing things happen as a result of God’s people gathering together in the name of Jesus. I’ve seen people decide to move away from destructive lives and situations when gathered together in places just like this. When we are gathered together we should be just like the disciples and people gathered together in this passage and look for incredible things to happen.
In the Cross and the Switchblade David Wilkerson writes “When you strip it of everything else, Pentecost stands for power and life. That's what came into the church when the Holy Spirit came down on the day of Pentecost.”
1. They were all together in one place. ()
3. People around them didn’t understand. ()
Firstly, we see in the passage that the believers were all together in one place. The people who believed Jesus was who he said he was and who followed him had gathered together with one heart, with the same love for God, the same trust in His promises, in the same place together. It is incredible what can and does happen when we are all together.
Our passage for today finishes off in a pretty interesting way. The passage finishes with the people who are witnessing all of this taking place being so unsure of what is going on that they label what they see as drunkeness. They chalk what is going on up to these people having had too much wine.
It’s interesting. Jesus instructed them to wait for the Holy Spirit to come once he left. They had no idea when this gift would come to them and so after Jesus ascended into heaven and they had days of no gift. It would have been an opportunity to go back to their homes and get back to doing what they were doing in their hometowns. But they were so changed by Jesus words and living life with him they waited expectantly together. They didn’t desert one another but they continued to meet together and anticipate what Jesus promised would come. I can imagine that while they waited, they continued to do what Jesus instructed them to do and love one another, pray with one another, serve one another.
In the verses that are following Peter reveals the time of day that all of this was taking place. And he says that it is 9:00am in the morning and it is way to early for someone to be drinking.
We’re going to talk about the Community of believers more specifically next week but it is so important to remember and know the importance of meeting together. Community is so important in our lives. To have someone to encourage you and to keep you accountable is very life giving.
You see, changes will take place in our lives and there will be people around us who will just not understand what is taking place. They will not understand the changes that they see and they will label it something else. They will try to explain it the only way they can. And so in this situation we see the Jews mocking the Christians because they didn’t understand what happening and because it probably looked really odd and unlike anything they’ve ever seen.
The bible explains what is happening to us in verses like:-
- 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
- 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ.* It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
There are times I remember when I was struggling through things and it wasn’t after talking through it with another Christian and having them understand what I was going through and be willing to pray with and for me allowed for the weight of what I was going through to be lessened. The bible says in to, “2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.” We are to be there for one another. Not sure if you remember but Bob encouraged us to do this a few weeks ago. He said that we need to be building into one another, sending each other scripture, sending encouragement. Being a Christian isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination, its tough, but when we are there for each other it really does allow the weight and stress of life to be relieved. This comes with a need to realize that we cannot do this on our own. That is key.
* 2:20 Some English translations put this sentence in verse 19.
Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015. Print.
I can tell you folks when we’ve given our hearts and lives to Jesus we start begin to change. Our lives change, things that we once did no longer are appealing to us. The way we talk and the way we view situations change. That’s the Spirit working in our lives, convicting us and encouraging us to be more and more like Jesus. People around us will see this change and for those who do not know Jesus they will be unsure of what is taking place. They will even try to explain what is taking place and may even distance themselves from you. This is where Christian brothers and sisters are so important to have in your life, because it is in these situations where they help us to navigate life.
You see, before we can be filled with the Spirit, we must recognize that we cannot do it ourselves, and this is exactly what the disciples recognized. They knew that by gathering together, in obedience that they would see God work and be able to tackle whatever came up next, together. They knew that within themselves they didn’t have the resources to do anything they needed to rely on the work of God in their lives.
Deitrich Bonhoeffer writes some super important things about Community in his book Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community, he says ““The brother is a burden to the Christian, precisely because he is a Christian. For the pagan the other person never becomes a burden at all. He simply sidesteps every burden that others may impose upon him.”
He also writes “The Christian, however, must bear the burden of a brother. He must suffer and endure the brother. It is only when he is a burden that another person is really a brother and not merely an object to be manipulated. The burden of men was so heavy for God Himself that He had to endure the Cross. God verily bore the burden of men in the body of Jesus Christ. But He bore them as a mother carries her child, as a shepherd enfolds the lost lamb that has been found. God took men upon Himself and they weighted Him to the ground, but God remained with them and they with God. In bearing with men God maintained fellowship with them. It was the law of Christ that was fulfilled in the Cross. And Christians must share in this law.”
2. When they did this they were able to see things that they never dreamed of. ()
We see as the passage continues that something incredible happens. As they waited together in anticipation of what God would have for them God sends them the gift that they were promised. This loud sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven. This was a sign that God was about to accomplish a mighty work of renewal among these people. Then we get this picture of what looked like flames and fire appearing and settling on each person there. The flames and fire are the symbol of this renewal, of the presence of God who is doing the renewing work in the lives of these believers.
And not only that but they started to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave them the ability to. This is the cool part for me. These people didn’t have access to Duolingo or Rosetta Stone any other app like we do to learn these languages and be able to pull this off. They didn’t have the same educational opportunities that we have. You see this was something that could only have been done by the Spirit.
These people who were waiting for the Spirit was able to see it show up in a remarkable way. And not only were they able to speak a language that they weren’t able, but they were able to interpret and understand other languages that others were speaking.
Often when we hear this story the focus is on the fact that the people were able to speak and hear other languages, which is amazing and a wonder don’t get me wrong, but what is sometimes missed is what they were speaking about. The passage tells us that the people were speaking of and hearing about all the wonderful things that God has done. They spoke about all the great and wonderful things that God has done through them and for them. In receiving this gift of the Spirit and experiencing this speaking in other languages caused these believers to proclaim about all that God has done. That was the cry of their hearts. The first thing that popped into their heads. That is incredible.
I know when good things happen to me at times, I find myself stopping to give myself a pat on the back. Man, I did this great thing. I was so good at this thing… I was able to do this. My strength and smarts are so excellent that I was able to accomplish whatever it is. There are times where I don’t stop to say thank you God for taking care of me and giving me what I needed to get through that situation. I don’t stop and recognize that it’s God who gives me what I need. And my right response in all of this is me sharing with others about the wonderful things that God has done.
The bible tells us that we need to recognize and give God the glory in these times;
- “1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 2 Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. 3 For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south.* 4 Some wandered in the wilderness, lost and homeless. 5 Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. 6 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. 7 He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. 8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 9 For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
from east and west, from north and south.* 4 Some wandered in the wilderness,
lost and homeless. 5 Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. 6 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. 7 He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. 8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 9 For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
- “31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015. Print.
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!
Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
3 For he has gathered the exiles from many lands,
from east and west, from north and south.* 4 Some wandered in the wilderness,
from north and south.*
4 Some wandered in the wilderness,
lost and homeless. 5 Hungry and thirsty, they nearly died. 6 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress. 7 He led them straight to safety, to a city where they could live. 8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 9 For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
5 Hungry and thirsty,
they nearly died.
6 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he rescued them from their distress.
7 He led them straight to safety,
to a city where they could live.
8 Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
9 For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015. Print.
I really believe that incredible things take shape and happen when believers come together. I’ve heard many stories of lives changed, people healed, and amazing things happen as a result of God’s people gathering together in the name of Jesus. I’ve seen people decide to move away from destructive lives and situations when gathered together in places just like this. When we come together, we should be just like the disciples and people gathered together in this passage and look for incredible things to happen.
In the Cross and the Switchblade David Wilkerson writes “When you strip it of everything else, Pentecost stands for power and life. That's what came into the church when the Holy Spirit came down on the day of Pentecost.”
3. People around them didn’t understand. ()
Our passage for today finishes off in a pretty interesting way. The passage finishes with the people who are witnessing all of this taking place being so unsure of what is going on that they label what they see as drunkenness. They chalk what is going on up to these people having had too much wine.
In the verses that are following Peter reveals the time of day that all of this was taking place. And he says that it is 9:00am in the morning and it is way to early for someone to be drinking.
You see, the Spirit will bring changes in our lives and there will be people around us who will just not understand what is going on. They will not understand the changes that they see and they will label it something else. They will try to explain it the only way they can. And so in this situation we see the Jews mocking the Christians because they didn’t understand what happening and because it probably looked really odd and unlike anything they’ve ever seen.
The bible explains what is happening to us in verses like:-
- “17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
- “20 My old self has been crucified with Christ.* It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
I can tell you folks when we’ve given our hearts and lives to Jesus we start to change. We probably won’t be in a situation quite like what the believers are going through in Jerusalem. But the Spirit working in our lives will cause us to be noticably different. People who’ve known us will see the difference. Our lives change, things that we once did no longer are appealing to us. The way we talk and the way we view situations will be different. That’s the Spirit working in our lives, convicting us and encouraging us to be more and more like Jesus.
Corrie Ten Boom says it great when he says, “Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”
In Jesus says “26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” The Spirit will continually guide us back to Jesus, it will cause our inner most desire to be that of Christs’ and so we natually graviate toward that being who we are.
Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015. Print.
People around us will see this change and for those who do not know Jesus they will be unsure of what is taking place. They will even try to explain what is taking place and may even distance themselves from you. This is where Christian brothers and sisters are so important to have in your life, because it is in these situations where they help us to navigate life.
Tim Keller says something profound when he says, “God directs his people not simply to worship but to sing his praises ‘before the nations.’ We are called not simply to communicate the Gospel to nonbelievers; we must also intentionally celebrate the Gospel before them.”
Conclusion
I want to close by just reminding us once again of the Spirit’s work that’s highlighted in this passage. We see the believers coming together expectantly waiting for the Spirit to come and do its work in their lives. They don’t know what will happen but they know that whatever it is is Jesus is in the center of it and they will be alright.
In this waiting they are able to see some really incredible things happen within their midst. God does some incredible things through them in their obedience.
And they are able to navigate this in the middle of the others looking and seeing the difference, and in some cases ridiculing them.
And they were able to do this all in and through the Spirit. That’s what we are to be eagerly expecting and asking God to give to us. Allowing the Spirit to help us, to guide us, to point us continually to Jesus. That folks is the best place to be.
Let’s pray.
