Mari Ikeda
Audio
The Work of The Holy Spirit (Acts 2)
Albrecht Dürer [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
1. He caused the supernatural phenomenon (1-6)
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.
2. e gave the conviction and desire for Jesus (14-16)
14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: …
3. He moved people’s hearts (37, 41)
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” …41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
4. He created the community in which people love each other (44-47, Ephesians 3:14-21)
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
(Ephesians 3:14-21)14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Summary
Church was born by the Holy Spirit, who filled those who believed in Jesus. Church is no longer Church, once it has no room for the Holy Spirit to work. The Holy Spirit gives us the heart to believe in Jesus and the patience and hope to keep trusting in Him. He also enables us to sacrifice and love each other, just as Jesus did for us. No matter what miraculous experience we may have, it has nothing to do with the Holy Spirit if we have no trust in Jesus and love for each other.
For Discussion
1) In what situations should we seek the Holy Spirit?
2) Tell about your experience in which you felt the Holy Spirit at work.