“The Spirit Poured Out” - Acts 2:17-18
Sermon series: Unstoppable Work of the Holy Spirit
Sermon Title: The Spirit Poured Out
Scripture: Acts 2:17-18
Introduction:
The promise of Jesus is finally realized as the Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost. This moment is remarkable as like the Old Testament prophecies, the promises of the Holy Spirit to come (the newness of life, the indwelling power of the Spirit, the cleansing power and power to live differently as empowered witnesses) has become a reality, not only for the disciples but even for us today.
Overview:
In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples on the day of Pentecost
The scandal of the event was that those who received the Spirit started prophesying.
But as the prophet Joel said – the spirit shall be poured out on all people and all shall prophesy
We need to be reminded that all people who belong to Jesus Christ are anointed and the spirit is poured out on them
Power and life of the spirit is available for all
Implications:
The Spirit breaks down walls that separate people
“Your sons and daughters will prophesy”
“Your young men will see visions; your old men will dream dreams”
Even on my servants… I will pour out my spirit”
All people are uniquely positioned to be used by God
The word ‘prophesy’ in our passage refers to the speaking and proclaiming of the greatness of God for the sake of “upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” (1 Cor 14:3)
In addition to just speaking of God’s greatness in my life, prophesying can also be lived out – our lives become the word and it is saturated with the life of God
The good news of Christianity is that, since the Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, God has been pouring out His Spirit – yet we do not want to get wet
We choose to live our lives covered with umbrellas of:
Fast-paced life
Unforgiveness
Control
Toxic relationships
Religiosity
Fear of the unknown
The invitation is for us to simply let ourselves get wet in the love, power, and peace of the Spirit
Living a Spirit-filled life is asking ourselves: How do I let this umbrella go?
We are called to prophesy in all areas of our lives, in living out the Word and the Life of God to glorify His Kingdom and build up the world around us
Key Bible passages:
Acts 2:1-18
Joel 2:28-29
1 Corinthians 14:3
Post-sermon questions:
Meditate: What is your life saturated with right now? What do you dream about, or what looms in your mind as you sit or stand in the stillness? As our tongues are the pressure valves of our inner life – what saturates your inner life that you speak about?
Reflect: Given what your life is saturated, how are you hindering the Spirit to speak of, praise, and exhort the word and work of God in your life? Why is this umbrella in your life blocking the flow of God’s spirit over you?
Application: Pray that we may not be drunk on wine, the fleeting pleasures and securities of this world, but instead be filled with the Spirit, which brings true indwelling and cleansing power across all areas in our lives.
