THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

INTRODUCTION. This is an age that is power conscious. On every hand we see a demonstration of man-made power. What we need is a demonstration of spiritual power. In Acts 1:8 we read of the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us note three things taught in this verse.

I. TO WHOM THIS POWER IS GIVEN.

A. The people of God. He speaks of believers. Those who knew Christ as Saviour and Lord.

B. This power is for all who believe.

John 7:37–39 KJV 1900

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

II. FOR WHAT THIS POWER IS TO BE USED.

A. To carry out the program of God in making Christ known.

B. The program was to witness in: Jerusalem and Judea; Samaria; and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

C. This program was carried out:

1. Jerusalem and Judea. Acts 2:1–6.

2. Samaria. Acts 8:1–5.

3. The uttermost part of the earth. Acts 13:1–5.

D. The early church started this program of evangelism; we are to continue to preach the Gospel till Jesus comes.

III. THE POWER OF GOD IS GIVEN THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT.

A. We must be obedient to have power.

Luke 24:49 KJV 1900

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

Acts 2:1–4 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. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

B. When the Spirit came upon the early Christians they had power to:

1. Witness. Acts 2;

Acts 4:4 KJV 1900

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Acts 5:14 KJV 1900

And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Acts 6:7 KJV 1900

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

2. To live a victorious life.

Note: Peter before Pentecost was a coward,

Matthew 26:58 KJV 1900

But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

matt. 26:67–75. After Pentecost he was a fearless preacher, Acts 2:14, 22–24. Charging the Jews with killing Christ.[1]