Reversing Babel

Reversing Babel Pastor Greg Stansel Acts 2:1-13 October 31, 2021 Sermon Notes Snapshot: The Holy Spirit enables the body of Christ to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. I. The Spirit empowers us to share the gospel (Acts 2:1-4) II. The Spirit draws in God’s people (Acts 2:5,6) III. The Spirit enables the gospel to spread to the ends of the earth (Acts 2:7-13) Scripture references: Deuteronomy 16:11; 8:3; 1 Kings 19:11; Job 38:1; Ezekiel 1:4, 28-2:3; Genesis 1:2; Ezekiel 37:9; Exodus 3:2-5; 13:21, 22; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Peter 4:14; Ephesians 5:18; John 20:29; Psalm 2:8 Connect What is something you have seen in this passage that you have never seen before? Study Point 1: The Spirit empowers us to share the gospel (Acts 2:1-4) READ Deuteronomy 16:9–12; Ezekiel 11:19, 20; Ephesians 5:15–21 1) How does the Deuteronomy passage inform you of God’s intention for His people through the Feast of Weeks? Who all was to be included in this feast? What reminder did it give to the people of Israel? In what way does the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 on Pentecost amplify the message of first-fruits in a salvific way? 2) In the Ezekiel passage, what does the LORD promise the Holy Spirit will do in His people? How does this work of the Holy Spirit lead to sharing the gospel? 3) In the Ephesians passage, Paul tells believers to be filled with the Spirit; does he mean once or continuously? If continuously, then how does one go about “being filled with the Spirit”? For what purpose(s) would we continually be filled with the Spirit? Point 2: The Spirit draws in God’s people (Acts 2:5,6) READ Hosea 2:14–23 4) The book of Hosea is addressing the unfaithfulness of Israel towards Yahweh; but in God’s mercy towards His promised people, what does Hosea prophesy? 5) In what way is Hosea’s prophecy fulfilled in Acts 2? In what way is Hosea’s prophecy being fulfilled since Acts 2? In what way are we longing for Hosea’s prophecy to be fulfilled when Jesus returns? Point 3: The Spirit enables the gospel to spread to the ends of the earth (Acts 2:7-13) READ Genesis 11:1–9 6) What was the sin of the people at the Tower of Babel? How do you see Acts 2 reversing the curse found in Genesis 11? What is the difference between the unity sought after in Genesis 11 and the unity in Christ in Acts 2? 7) How does God’s work beforehand in dispersing the nations aide in spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth? Pray the passage Lord, we praise you for you alone are in complete control, knowing the end from the beginning. You Lord are worthy of all praise, for from before the foundations of the world you have known how you would redeem your people through your Son and your plan of redemption. Thank you for the gift of your Spirit to the early church so that they could spread the gospel by your power to the ends of the earth. Thank you for giving us your Spirit at salvation so that we too can spread your kingdom message in our homes, neighborhoods, cities, states, nation, and to the ends of the earth. We ask that you would continue to fill us with your Spirit so that we have power to live out the mission you have called us to live. Give us the words to speak to those around us so that we can make your good news known to all. May you be glorified and all the nations hear of your great name Jesus . . . Amen! Memorize & Meditate “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Preparing for Next Week Read: Acts 2:14-41 Ask: questions of the text Pray: through text, for pastor as he prepares, for your heart to hear, for the congregation to hear, for all of us to be obedient.