The Holy Spirit: Presence, Power, and Pentecost
Summary
In this exploration of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, we delve into the apparent contradiction regarding the Spirit's presence before and after Pentecost. While some scriptures suggest the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, others indicate His active presence long before. The Holy Spirit was indeed operative in the Old Testament, evident in creation, sustaining life, and bestowing common grace. He empowered individuals like Samson, Moses, and the prophets, demonstrating His work long before Pentecost. The New Testament further illustrates the Spirit's presence, as seen in John the Baptist, Elizabeth, and others, even before the Pentecost event.
The coming of Jesus Christ marked a significant shift in the Holy Spirit's work. His death, resurrection, and ascension introduced a new era, where the Spirit's work became more extensive and inclusive. The prophecy of Joel, fulfilled at Pentecost, emphasized the Spirit's outpouring on all flesh, transcending previous limitations to include all nations and peoples. This event marked the formation of the Church as the body of Christ, uniting believers into one entity.
The unity of the Church, as the body of Christ, was a pivotal outcome of Pentecost. Before this, believers existed, but the Church as a unified body did not. The Holy Spirit's descent at Pentecost was the public inauguration of the Church, bringing together Jews and Gentiles into one body. This unity was further demonstrated in the events at Cornelius' house, where Gentiles received the Spirit, affirming their inclusion in the Church.
The distinction between the Spirit's work before and after Pentecost lies in the nature of His indwelling. In the Old Testament, the Spirit was with individuals, but in the New Testament, He dwells within believers, signifying a deeper, more personal relationship. This indwelling is a permanent presence, marking a new era in the Spirit's work.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit's presence and work were evident long before Pentecost, as seen in creation, sustaining life, and empowering individuals like Samson and Moses. This demonstrates that the Spirit's activity was not confined to the New Testament era. [01:13]
- The coming of Jesus Christ introduced a new phase in the Holy Spirit's work, marked by a more extensive and inclusive outpouring, as prophesied by Joel. This shift highlights the Spirit's role in uniting all believers into one body, transcending previous limitations. [15:54]
- Pentecost marked the public inauguration of the Church as the body of Christ, uniting believers into one entity. This unity was a significant development, demonstrating the Spirit's role in forming the Church and bringing together Jews and Gentiles. [25:14]
- The distinction between the Spirit's work before and after Pentecost lies in His indwelling presence. In the New Testament, the Spirit dwells within believers, signifying a deeper, more personal relationship and marking a new era in His work. [39:35]
- The events at Cornelius' house affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church, demonstrating the Spirit's role in uniting all believers. This inclusion highlights the Spirit's work in breaking down barriers and forming a unified body of Christ. [28:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit's Presence
- [00:55] - The Holy Spirit Before Pentecost
- [02:29] - Evidence of the Spirit's Work in the Old Testament
- [05:27] - Prophecy and the Holy Spirit
- [08:11] - The Spirit in the Lives of Old Testament Saints
- [09:23] - The Spirit in the New Testament Before Pentecost
- [12:22] - Jesus and the Promise of the Spirit
- [14:09] - Reconciling the Spirit's Presence
- [15:54] - The Prophecy of Joel and the Spirit's Outpouring
- [17:41] - The Spirit's Work in the New Testament
- [21:17] - The Formation of the Church
- [25:14] - Unity in the Body of Christ
- [30:07] - Inclusion of Gentiles in the Church
- [39:35] - The Spirit's Indwelling Presence
- [42:55] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 2:1-4
2. Joel 2:28-29
3. John 14:17
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Observation Questions:
1. What evidence from the Old Testament shows the Holy Spirit's activity before Pentecost? Consider the examples of Samson and Moses. [03:05]
2. How does the prophecy of Joel describe the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and what significance does this have for all people? [15:54]
3. What was the significance of the events at Cornelius' house in relation to the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church? [28:23]
4. How does the New Testament describe the change in the Holy Spirit's presence from being "with" believers to "in" believers? [17:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the difference in the Holy Spirit's work before and after the coming of Jesus Christ? What implications does this have for understanding the Spirit's role in the Church today? [14:45]
2. In what ways does the unity of the Church, as described in the sermon, reflect the work of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost? How does this unity challenge or encourage modern believers? [25:14]
3. How does the sermon interpret the prophecy of Joel in the context of the New Testament Church? What does this suggest about the inclusivity of the Spirit's work? [15:54]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence in believers, and how does this differ from the Old Testament experience? [39:35]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that the Holy Spirit was active before Pentecost. How does this understanding affect your view of the Spirit's work in your life today? [01:13]
2. The sermon highlights the unity of the Church as a significant outcome of Pentecost. How can you contribute to unity within your own church community, especially across cultural or denominational lines? [25:14]
3. Consider the prophecy of Joel and its fulfillment at Pentecost. How does this inspire you to embrace the Spirit's work in breaking down barriers in your own life and community? [15:54]
4. The sermon discusses the Spirit's indwelling presence as a deeper, more personal relationship with God. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of the Spirit's presence in your daily life? [39:35]
5. Reflect on the events at Cornelius' house and the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church. How can you be more inclusive in your faith community, welcoming those who may feel like outsiders? [28:23]
6. How does the understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in forming the Church as the body of Christ influence your participation in church activities and ministries? [21:39]
7. The sermon emphasizes the Spirit's role in empowering believers. Identify one area in your life where you need the Spirit's empowerment and consider practical steps to seek this empowerment. [03:05]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit's Timeless Activity
The Holy Spirit's presence and work were evident long before Pentecost, as seen in creation, sustaining life, and empowering individuals like Samson and Moses. This demonstrates that the Spirit's activity was not confined to the New Testament era. The Spirit's involvement in the Old Testament is a testament to His timeless nature and His integral role in God's plan. From the very beginning, the Spirit was active in creation, hovering over the waters and bringing life into existence. Throughout the Old Testament, the Spirit empowered leaders, judges, and prophets, equipping them for God's purposes. This ongoing activity highlights the Spirit's enduring presence and His commitment to guiding and sustaining God's people. [01:13]
Genesis 1:2 (ESV): "The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters."
Reflection: Consider how the Holy Spirit has been active in your life, even before you were aware of it. Can you identify moments where His presence was evident in guiding or sustaining you?
Day 2: A New Era of the Spirit's Work
The coming of Jesus Christ introduced a new phase in the Holy Spirit's work, marked by a more extensive and inclusive outpouring, as prophesied by Joel. This shift highlights the Spirit's role in uniting all believers into one body, transcending previous limitations. With Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension, the Spirit's work expanded to include all nations and peoples, fulfilling the prophecy of Joel. This new era signifies a broader and more inclusive reach of the Spirit, breaking down barriers and uniting believers from diverse backgrounds into one body. The Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of this new phase and the formation of the Church. [15:54]
Joel 2:28-29 (ESV): "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Spirit's work of uniting believers from different backgrounds in your community today?
Day 3: The Church's Inauguration at Pentecost
Pentecost marked the public inauguration of the Church as the body of Christ, uniting believers into one entity. This unity was a significant development, demonstrating the Spirit's role in forming the Church and bringing together Jews and Gentiles. Before Pentecost, believers existed, but the Church as a unified body did not. The descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost was the moment when the Church was publicly established, bringing together diverse groups into one body. This unity was further affirmed in the events at Cornelius' house, where Gentiles received the Spirit, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Church. [25:14]
Acts 2:1-4 (ESV): "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. 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."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the unity of the Church in your local congregation or community?
Day 4: The Spirit's Indwelling Presence
The distinction between the Spirit's work before and after Pentecost lies in His indwelling presence. In the New Testament, the Spirit dwells within believers, signifying a deeper, more personal relationship and marking a new era in His work. This indwelling is a permanent presence, offering believers a constant source of guidance, comfort, and empowerment. The Spirit's presence within each believer signifies a personal relationship with God, transforming lives from the inside out. This new era of the Spirit's work is characterized by an intimate connection with God, made possible through the Spirit's indwelling. [39:35]
1 Corinthians 3:16 (ESV): "Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?"
Reflection: How does the knowledge of the Holy Spirit dwelling within you change the way you approach your daily life and decisions?
Day 5: Breaking Down Barriers
The events at Cornelius' house affirmed the inclusion of Gentiles in the Church, demonstrating the Spirit's role in uniting all believers. This inclusion highlights the Spirit's work in breaking down barriers and forming a unified body of Christ. The Spirit's work at Cornelius' house was a powerful demonstration of God's desire for inclusivity and unity within the Church. By pouring out His Spirit on the Gentiles, God affirmed that His love and salvation were available to all, regardless of background or ethnicity. This event serves as a reminder of the Spirit's ongoing work in breaking down barriers and fostering unity among believers. [28:23]
Acts 10:44-45 (ESV): "While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles."
Reflection: What barriers exist in your life or community that the Holy Spirit might be calling you to help break down? How can you be a part of fostering unity among believers?
Quotes
The Holy Spirit was operative at creation; the second verse in the Bible, for instance, the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Secondly, we pointed out that it is the Holy Spirit that sustains the universe, including the life of man. Thirdly, we dealt with what is commonly called common grace. [00:01:49]
The Holy Spirit has given special gifts to certain men. Take, for instance, a man like Samson. Samson was a man of unusual strength and physical vigor. That strength, we are told, was given to Samson by the Holy Spirit. It was because he hadn't realized that the Lord of the Spirit had left him after his hair had been shaved. [00:02:57]
The prophecy of Joel, in that second chapter, which was portrayed by, you remember, by Peter in his sermon on the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem, the emphasis is placed upon the word "pour." It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. [00:15:46]
The emphasis is upon the extent; it's going to be more general. Also, there is an emphasis upon the fact that it's going to be upon all types and kinds: your sons and your daughters, your young men, your old men, even your servants and your handmaidens. On all these, I will pour out in those days of my spirit, and they shall prophesy. [00:16:09]
The formation of the church as the body of Christ. Now, before this, there were believers. The Apostles were obviously believers before the day of Pentecost. You mustn't regard the Apostles as unbelievers until the day of Pentecost. We know perfectly well that they were believers even before our Lord's death. [00:21:49]
The church in that sense could not have existed before our Lord had completed the work which he had come to do, and he only completes that work as he ascends into the presence of the Father. But the moment he does that, he has completed the work which was necessary for the purchase of the church. [00:23:57]
The church was to consist of Jews and Gentiles, Gentiles and Jew. Now, that's the great theme of Paul, isn't it? Not in the third chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians, the thing that had been hid from the previous generations, that the Gentiles were to be made fellow heirs. [00:30:07]
The Holy Spirit was with the men or that he came upon them; he worked upon them from without, as it were. And what David even said, you remember, was, "Take not the Holy Spirit from me," as if the Holy Spirit was with him. That's the Old Testament terminology. [00:39:35]
The New Testament terminology is in, within, and he works from within, and he abides. In the Old Testament, he came upon men and left. He comes in the New Testament now because we are members of the body, and he abides within us because we are all parts of the and members of the body of Christ. [00:39:52]
The special thing emphasized by the rushing mighty wind, emphasized by the cloven tongues as of fire, which was never repeated again, that is all meant to emphasize this baptizing into the unity of the body, the inauguration of the church. So you have the special phenomena, cloven tongues of fire. [00:41:35]
The church becomes his body, and the Spirit is given to fill the body. That's the thing that is emphasized at Pentecost. Well, having dealt with it, we shall now be in a position to go on to consider in detail the work of the Holy Spirit as he comes to deal with them to apply the work of redemption completed by our Lord and Savior. [00:42:55]
Help us to learn the personal lessons that come to us as the result of the things that we have been considering. Help us all to know that we have been baptized into that body, that we are indeed members of the body of Christ. Ye are the body of Christ and members in particular. [00:43:35]
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