Coming of the Holy Spirit

Coming of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:2-3 The coming of the Spirit involved "a sound to hear," a spectacle to see, and a miracle to experience. The "sound" that was from "heaven" and that "filled the whole house" was like a strong wind (strong, thick). The "wind" is one of several fluids that is used as a type of the Holy Spirit (oil, fire, water) and speaks of His sovereign and unpredictable movements (it has not been guessed to have said so).

I. Tongues like fire.

A. The spectacle to see was tongues like fire that, being distributed, rested on each of the disciples.

1. They spoke "tongues" as of fire.

2. The "fire" may denote (sign or hint, beginning of something) the "Holy Spirit" as the origin of this gift, and it may also describe the fearless (fearlessly coping with dangerous situations), fiery and enthusiastic proclamation that were to follow.

3. This thought of an enthusiastic proclamation seems especially apt (it meets the necessary conditions for a particular function or end), because "enthusiasm" (intense feeling of exaltation of the mood produced by the passionate admiration of someone or something, manifested in the manner of speaking or acting) is the normal condition of a Spirit-filled life, and its inevitable result is testimony.

4. (Matthew 3:11, 12) Now John addresses all his hearers, even true and false teachers.

5. He explained that there was a significant difference between his ministry and that of the "Messiah" who was about to arrive.

6. John baptized in water for repentance: the water was ceremonial and had no power to cleanse; repentance, even if real, did not lead a person to full salvation.

7. John regarded this ministry as preparatory and partial.

8. The Messiah would totally eclipse John.

9. He was to be "more powerful, more worthy, His work would reach beyond, for He will baptize us in the Holy Spirit and fire."

10. (Mark 1:8) It was to be known that John's baptism was "with water," not that it has little value is the difference when baptized with water: it is dying, it is repentance, a new person.

11. Jesus would baptize them "with the Holy Spirit; this baptism would produce a great influx (change, altering the way of thinking, acting, dominance, authority, power) of spiritual power.

12. (Acts 1:8) First they were to receive power, the power of the Holy Spirit.

13. "Power “is the great and inescapable (avoiding, shunning, avoiding) condition of Christian testimony.

14. One may have great talent, great education, and extensive experience, but he will be ineffective (does not produce the expected effect) if he lacks "spiritual power."

15. On the other hand, one may be uneducated, unattractive, and unrefined, but if he is endowed by the "power of the Holy Spirit, the world will turn to see him burn for God."

16. Those frightened disciples needed "power" to testify, a holy fearlessness (who fears no danger) to preach the gospel.

17. They would receive this "power" when the Holy Spirit "came over" them.

18. (John 3:5) He who is not born of water, that is, "of the Spirit," cannot enter the kingdom of God.

19. There must also be a spiritual birth if one wants to "enter the kingdom of God."

20. This spiritual birth is brought about by the Holy Spirit of God when a person believes in the Lord Jesus Christ.

21. (John 3:6) That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

22. When one trusts in Jesus, spiritual birth takes place.

23. When someone is born again through the Spirit, he "receives" a new nature, and is made fit for the kingdom of God.

24. The birth itself is a miraculous work of the Spirit of God that man cannot fully comprehend. Amen.