READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l After Jesus’ resurrection, He instructed the disciples to stay in the city until they had been clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). He promised the disciples that they would be baptised with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). This experience of the disciples in Acts 2:1-4 on the Day of Pentecost is still relevant for us today. Also known as the birthday of the Church, it documents the Church’s first of the following-
- Encounter with the ascended and glorified Christ
- Experience of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
- Empowerment of the Holy Spirit to be God’s witnesses to the ends of the earth
We too can experience the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit daily, just like the early Church did!
Who is the Holy Spirit?
We need to get to know the Holy Spirit.
1.He is the one who makes our relating with God possible. He enables us to give of ourselves to Christ.
2.He has a distinctive new covenant role and can be likened to a floodlight shining on our Saviour.
What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
1.The Holy Spirit COMFORTS us in our challenges (John 14:16-17)
The Holy Spirit is also known as the Spirit of truth and our Advocate. The word ‘advocate’ can also be used interchangeably with helper, comforter, encourager, or someone called alongside to assist. The Holy Spirit provides us with peace and assurance of God’s presence in times of difficulty, sorrow, and distress.
2.The Holy Spirit ENLIGHTENS us to God’s truth (John 14:17, 26)
The Holy Spirit inspires Scripture and illumines it so we can understand God’s grace, His redemptive power, and the mysteries of God’s kingdom. The Holy Spirit will teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus has said to us (v26). This is how we can understand God’s Word and to be convicted by His truth!
3.The Holy Spirit COMMISSIONS us for God’s work (John 20: 21-23, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
The Holy Spirit has been empowering God’s people since the Old Testament to accomplish God’s work. Gideon was empowered to lead the Israelites in battle against their enemies (Judges 6:34); Samson was granted supernatural strength to defeat the Philistines (Judges 14:6, 15:14).
However, it was only during (and after) Pentecost that Scripture describes the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and permanent indwelling of God’s people. The Holy Spirit wants to work through us and has therefore bestowed on us different spiritual gifts to do God’s work for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
4.The Holy Spirit EMPOWERS us to be a Witness (Acts 1:8, Acts 4:31, Ephesians 5:18)
The potential of the power of God is given to us when we receive Jesus into our lives. The Holy Spirit dwells in each of us and we must live continually filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. It was only through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that the early Church was able to multiply and spread the gospel across the world.
We have to activate the power of God by tapping into the Holy Spirit daily!
How to live a Spirit-filled life – (i.e. receive the continued influence, guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit):
- Sincerely desire to be empowered by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 5:6, John 7:37-39)
- Confess our sins. By faith, thank God that He has forgiven all our sins because Christ died for us (1 John 1:9)
- Surrender every area of our lives to God (Romans 12:1)
- By faith, claim the fullness of the Holy Spirit because we know this is God’s will. Jesus commands us to be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18) and He promises to answer when we pray according to His will (1 John 5:14-15)
Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time experience, and each of us will have different and personal experiences with the Holy Spirit. A clear sign that we are living a Spirit-filled life is when we are transformed and Christ is magnified! Take up God’s invitation and promise today to be filled with the Holy Spirit!
(Sermon notes by Stella Chiam)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- What is your key take away from today’s message?
- What is your personal understanding of the Holy Spirit?
- Share an experience of the work of the Holy Spirit in your life where you have experienced His comfort in challenges or His enlightenment of God’s truth.
- What is your understanding of being filled with the Spirit? Do you think you are living a Spirit-filled life today?
- How would you live out a Spirit-filled life today?
