Filled: The Continual Work of the Spirit

Sunday, May 4^th 2025

 John 14:15-17; 16:7-11; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-13

 Introduction

Christmas is about God with us. Easter is about God for us. Pentecost is about God in us.

 The NT Church was Birthed with the Arrival of the Promised Holy Spirit

 The Promise of the Holy Spirit

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth…” Jn 14:16,16

 “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:7

 John 16 clearly indicates that the Holy Spirit is not merely a power but a person, just like the Father and the Son. Jesus asks His Father for another Helper who is called the Spirit of truth.

 “He is another Helper, not a different Helper.” W. Hendrickson

Another means “one like myself” who will take my place, do my work.

 The Holy Spirit is called “another Helper” or “another Paraclete.” This word paraclete means that he is a person “called to the side” in order to help.

 “But Paul’s view of the relationship between Christ and the Spirit has clear parallels with the idea present in the Johannine witness: the Son and the Spirit share an identity of ministry. The Son is parakletos, the Spirit is allos parakletos. Both functions as paracletes and do so successively in the earthly realm, the Spirit being another of the same kind as the Son…Thus to have the Spirit is to have Christ; to have Christ is to have the Spirit. Not to have the Spirit of Christ is to lack Christ. To have the Spirit of Christ is to be indwelt by Christ.” S. Ferguson

 Just as Jesus has comforted the disciples, so now the Spirit will comfort them. Just as Jesus admonishes the disciples, so now the Spirit will admonish them. Just as Jesus has taught the disciples so now the Spirit will teach them. Just as Jesus guided the disciples so now the Spirit will guide them.

1. The Coming of the Holy Spirit

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.” Acts 2:1,2

 Pentecost - The Day of Pentecost was an annual Jewish feast that was held in Jerusalem and was likely the best attended of the three required feasts. Pentecost is also called the Day of First-fruits because on that day the first loaves made from the wheat harvest were offered to the Lord.

 “And suddenly…” - The fact that they did not know the exact time of the Spirit's arrival (Acts 1:5) explains Luke's use of suddenly which describes something as happening quickly and without warning. 

 “mighty rushing wind…” - It is the very blast of God’s breath. It reaches the earth all the way from heaven. This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Jesus said would happen in a few days. Literally being engulfed with the Holy Spirit.

 “And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:3,4

 Acts 2:5-13 – Jews from everywhere in Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost hear these common people “telling them in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” They are trying to find meaning behind this and conclude that these people are drunk.

 Acts 2:14-35 - Peter then proclaims the gospel to the masses and interprets for them what is happening. Quoting from the prophet Joel and then proceeding to preach Jesus and how God has raised him from the dead and seated him at His right hand.

 Acts 2:36-41 – “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

 That day 3000 people were saved and baptized! The NT church was birthed that day and is still moving in power today calling us to be witnesses and fulfilling God’s mission.

 Pentecost invites us to remember the arrival of the Holy Spirit and his ongoing outpouring in our lives as we engage with God and others through the church!