Pentecost

Introduction

Acts 2:1–13 HCSB

1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech. 5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 And they were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it that each of us can hear in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking the magnificent acts of God in our own languages.” 12 They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What could this be?” 13 But some sneered and said, “They’re full of new wine!”

Pray

The events at Pentecost are meant to be descriptive not prescriptive.

What is Pentecost?

Pentecost was one of three major feasts that the nation of Israel celebrated.

It occurred 50 days after Passover.

It is also known as the Feast of Weeks and Feast of First Fruits.

Jews from far and wide would come to Jerusalem for this feast. (V.9-11)

“Suddenly” this was an unexpected, they were not praying for this to happen, this was a God appointed moment.

A “SOUND” “LIKE” that of a violent rushing wind.

Imagery attributed to the presence of God.

The sound in the house is what drew the crowd.

Tongues “LIKE” flames of fire - The Presence of God in scripture is often seen in the image of fire.

Burning Bush. Tabernacle and Temple. Pillar of Fire.

Filled with the Holy Spirit. This is something that is prescriptive.

They began speaking in different languages.

The Greek word is translated languages and context confirms that they are speaking known languages.

“As the SPIRIT gave them ability for speech.”

Being filled with the Spirit enables us to fulfill our mission.

There is a difference between the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:11 HCSB

11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Acts 1:5 HCSB

5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

1 Corinthians 12:13 HCSB

13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a one time event that occurs at salvation. You experience it as you would adoption and justification…you don’t.

Being filled with the Spirit is an on going activity enabling us to fulfill our mission.

Acts 1:8 HCSB

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

John 14:26 HCSB

26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit —the Father will send Him in My name—will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.

Matthew 10:19–20 HCSB

19 But when they hand you over, don’t worry about how or what you should speak. For you will be given what to say at that hour, 20 because you are not speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you.

Ephesians 5:18 HCSB

18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:

Acts 4:8 HCSB

8 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders:

Acts 4:31 HCSB

31 When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.

Acts 6:3 HCSB

3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty.

Acts 7:55 HCSB

55 But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw God’s glory, with Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said,

Acts 9:17 HCSB

17 So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 13:9 HCSB

9 Then Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at the sorcerer

Acts 13:52 HCSB

52 And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit came in this way as a vivid proof of the Spirits internal dwelling.

Acts 10:44–48 HCSB

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and declaring the greatness of God. Then Peter responded, 47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

An example of this is here when Cornelius a Gentile came to faith in Christ. A physical proof in the same manner in which the Jews recieved the Holy Spirit is unmistakable and undeniable that the Gospel was for all people.

Application

Ephesians 5:18 HCSB

18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless actions, but be filled by the Spirit:

You need to be filled with the Holy Spirit

Salvation - Gotta be saved

Reading and Studying your Bible

Prayer

Obedience

*Is the spirit controlling your life?

You can only accomplish the mission if you are filled with the Spirit.

He provides the power

He provides the words

He provides the salvation

*How are you fulfilling your kingdom mission?

What proof can you offer of a life transformed by the Spirit?