Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
Summary
The day of Pentecost is a pivotal, once-and-for-all event in Christian history, akin to the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. While these events are non-repeatable, believers share in them through their union with Christ. Just as we are crucified, raised, and ascended with Christ, we also partake in the gift of the Holy Spirit given at Pentecost. Abraham Kuyper's illustration of a town's waterworks helps us understand this: the water supply, once opened, continues to serve new developments and homes. Similarly, the Holy Spirit, given at Pentecost, continues to flow into the lives of believers.
The Holy Spirit's role in bringing us to faith in Jesus is through regeneration, or the new birth. This concept is vividly illustrated in Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. Despite Nicodemus' religious knowledge, he lacked understanding of the new birth, highlighting that religious knowledge alone is insufficient for salvation. Regeneration is a divine act, not a human achievement. It is a birth from above, initiated by the Holy Spirit, and it transforms our lives.
Jesus emphasizes that the new birth is a sovereign work of God, akin to the wind's unpredictable movement. We contribute nothing to our spiritual rebirth, just as we contributed nothing to our physical birth. This new birth is transformative, illuminating our minds, liberating our wills, and redirecting our affections towards Christ. It enables us to see and enter the kingdom of God, a reality previously obscured by sin.
The new birth is inseparable from faith in Jesus Christ. It is through this faith that we experience the effects of regeneration. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes, sets our wills free, and transforms our affections, leading us to trust and serve Jesus. This transformation is the evidence of being born again, and it is crucial for every believer to examine their faith in light of this truth.
Key Takeaways:
- Pentecost is a unique, non-repeatable event, yet believers share in its blessings through their union with Christ. Just as we are crucified, raised, and ascended with Him, we partake in the Holy Spirit's gift, which continues to flow into our lives like a perpetual water supply. [00:58]
- Regeneration, or the new birth, is a divine act initiated by the Holy Spirit. It is not something we can achieve through religious knowledge or effort, as illustrated by Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus. This birth from above is essential for entering the kingdom of God. [05:12]
- The new birth is a sovereign work of God, akin to the wind's movement. We contribute nothing to it, just as we contributed nothing to our physical birth. This humbling truth reminds us of our dependence on God's grace for our spiritual transformation. [13:35]
- Regeneration transforms our lives by illuminating our minds, liberating our wills, and redirecting our affections towards Christ. It enables us to see and enter the kingdom of God, a reality previously obscured by sin. This transformation is the evidence of being born again. [17:06]
- Faith in Jesus Christ is inseparable from the new birth. The Holy Spirit's work in us leads to trust and service to Jesus, marking the true evidence of regeneration. Believers must examine their faith in light of this truth to ensure they have experienced the new birth. [23:18]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Sharing in Christ's Events
[00:58] - The Gift of the Spirit
[02:18] - The Spirit's Role in Faith
[03:44] - Nicodemus and the New Birth
[05:12] - The Necessity of Regeneration
[06:38] - Understanding Regeneration
[07:17] - The Origin of New Birth
[09:21] - Born from Above
[10:48] - The Sovereignty of the Spirit
[13:35] - The Bestowal of New Birth
[15:45] - Transforming Effects of New Birth
[17:06] - Seeing the Kingdom of God
[19:13] - Liberation and Transformation
[21:11] - The Expulsive Power of New Affection
[23:18] - Faith and New Birth
[24:34] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:1-10
2. 1 Peter 1:23
3. Titus 3:5
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#### Observation Questions
1. What analogy does Abraham Kuyper use to explain the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives? How does this relate to the event of Pentecost? [00:58]
2. In John 3, what is Nicodemus' initial reaction to Jesus' teaching about being "born again"? [05:12]
3. According to the sermon, what are the effects of the new birth on a believer's mind, will, and affections? [17:06]
4. How does Jesus describe the work of the Holy Spirit in John 3:8, and what does this imply about our role in regeneration? [13:35]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of being "born from above" challenge the idea that religious knowledge or effort can lead to salvation? [05:12]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the new birth and faith in Jesus Christ? How are they interconnected? [23:18]
3. How does the analogy of the wind in John 3:8 help us understand the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in the process of regeneration? [13:35]
4. In what ways does the new birth transform a believer's life, according to the sermon? How does this transformation serve as evidence of being born again? [17:06]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Can you identify a moment when you experienced a transformation in your understanding or affections towards Christ? How did this change manifest in your life? [17:06]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of examining our faith in light of the new birth. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is genuine and rooted in a relationship with Jesus? [23:18]
3. Consider the analogy of the wind used by Jesus. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's work in your life, even when it is not immediately visible? [13:35]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for spiritual growth, rather than relying solely on your own efforts or religious knowledge? [05:12]
5. The sermon mentions the "expulsive power of a new affection." Identify an area in your life where your affections need to be redirected towards Christ. What practical steps can you take to make this shift? [21:11]
6. How can you support others in your community who may be struggling to understand or experience the new birth? What role can you play in encouraging their faith journey? [23:56]
7. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your daily life. Are there specific areas where you need to invite the Spirit's guidance and transformation? How will you do this in the coming week? [24:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Sharing in the Blessings of Pentecost
The day of Pentecost is a unique, non-repeatable event in Christian history, much like the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. However, believers are invited to share in its blessings through their union with Christ. Just as we are crucified, raised, and ascended with Him, we partake in the Holy Spirit's gift, which continues to flow into our lives like a perpetual water supply. This ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit empowers and sustains us in our spiritual journey, allowing us to experience the fullness of life in Christ. [00:58]
Acts 2:38-39 (ESV): "And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'"
Reflection: How can you actively seek to experience the ongoing flow of the Holy Spirit in your daily life today?
Day 2: The Divine Act of Regeneration
Regeneration, or the new birth, is a divine act initiated by the Holy Spirit. It is not something we can achieve through religious knowledge or effort, as illustrated by Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus. This birth from above is essential for entering the kingdom of God. It is a transformative process that begins with the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts, leading us to a new understanding and relationship with God. This divine act is a reminder of our dependence on God's grace and the necessity of being born again to truly know Him. [05:12]
Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and embrace the Holy Spirit's role in your spiritual rebirth today?
Day 3: The Sovereign Work of the Spirit
The new birth is a sovereign work of God, akin to the wind's movement. We contribute nothing to it, just as we contributed nothing to our physical birth. This humbling truth reminds us of our dependence on God's grace for our spiritual transformation. The Holy Spirit moves in ways that are beyond our understanding, yet His work is evident in the transformation of our lives. This realization calls us to a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing that our spiritual journey is guided by God's sovereign hand. [13:35]
John 6:63 (ESV): "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of humility and gratitude for the Holy Spirit's sovereign work in your life today?
Day 4: Transformation Through Regeneration
Regeneration transforms our lives by illuminating our minds, liberating our wills, and redirecting our affections towards Christ. It enables us to see and enter the kingdom of God, a reality previously obscured by sin. This transformation is the evidence of being born again, as the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to the truth of the Gospel and empowers us to live in accordance with God's will. As we experience this transformation, we are called to reflect on the changes in our lives and how they align with our new identity in Christ. [17:06]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: What specific changes in your thoughts, actions, or desires reflect the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
Day 5: Faith and the New Birth
Faith in Jesus Christ is inseparable from the new birth. The Holy Spirit's work in us leads to trust and service to Jesus, marking the true evidence of regeneration. Believers must examine their faith in light of this truth to ensure they have experienced the new birth. This examination involves a sincere reflection on the authenticity of our faith and the fruit it bears in our lives. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our faith should be evident in our actions, attitudes, and commitment to serving Him. [23:18]
James 2:26 (ESV): "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead."
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate your faith in Jesus through acts of service and love today?
Quotes
FERGUSON: Now, in our last study, we were thinking about the day of Pentecost. And one of the things we were thinking about, trying to learn together, was that Pentecost is a once-and-for-all event. It's like the incarnation of Jesus. It's like the crucifixion. It's like the resurrection. It's like the ascension. It's a non-repeatable event. [00:00:00]
And yet, at the same time, like the crucifixion of Jesus, like His resurrection, like His ascension, we share in it in some respects. We participate in Christ. So, the Scriptures speak about us being crucified with Christ. The Scriptures speak about us being raised with Christ. Indeed, Paul says, in Colossians, that we have, in a sense, been ascended with Christ and our lives are headed with Christ and God and when He comes again in majesty and power, He will come again and bring us together with Him. [00:00:29]
So, how do we share in the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost? One of the great books on the Holy Spirit was written by a remarkable Dutchmen a hundred and so years ago by the name of Abraham Kuyper, The Work of the Holy Spirit. And he has a beautiful illustration there, in which he describes a town in which a new waterworks has been created, and the mayor comes along and in all the pageantry, he opens the waterworks and the water begins to flow once and for all. [00:00:58]
And this is the way the New Testament teaches us to think about our relationship to Pentecost. On the day of Pentecost, Jesus fulfills John's promise, "I baptize only with water." He will baptize with the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, there takes place the great baptism with the Holy Spirit. But then you remember how Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 12:13, "All of us who belong to Jesus Christ have also been baptized with the Holy Spirit. We've come in Christ to share in that blessed gift of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus being given to us." [00:01:15]
Now, the question is, "How is the Holy Spirit involved in bringing us to faith in Jesus Christ?" And part of the answer to that question is the Spirit brings us to faith in Jesus Christ by his work of regeneration, by giving us the new birth. And, of course, the great passage in which this is discussed in the New Testament is the 3rd Chapter of John's gospel. Marvelous description of the conversation between the Lord Jesus and this distinguished Pharisee, Nicodemus, who's described in John 3:1 as a ruler of the Jews, and whom later Jesus describes as the great theologian in Israel. [00:03:26]
So here is a remarkable man. He is a Pharisee. He's deeply committed to the way of righteousness. There's a certain graciousness about him. He comes to Jesus and he shows Jesus a certain kind of honor that many Pharisees didn't show. And he is the great theologian in Israel. He is the name on everybody's lips. If you want theological council and advice, they immediately think Nicodemus is your man. And yet, Jesus says to him, "Are you the teacher of all Israel and you don't understand what it means to experience the new birth?" [00:04:28]
So this is an enormously significant thing, and it's also a very striking thing, that it's possible to do a great deal in religion, know a great deal about religion, and yet never to have experienced this regenerating work of the Holy Spirit in which he gives new birth. Bishop Rile, great Anglican bishop, comments on these verses and says, "A man may be ignorant of many things in religion and be saved, but to be ignorant of the matters that are handled in this chapter is to be on the high road that leads to destruction." [00:05:12]
So it's vital for us to understand what Jesus means when He says to Nicodemus, "Nicodemus, you need to be born again. You need to be born from above." In our Christian theology and doctrine, the word 'regeneration' features very largely. There's an interesting thing -- I wonder if you know this -- The New Testament uses the word 'regeneration' on only two occasions. One occasion in the gospels, when Jesus is thinking about the final regeneration of all things in Matthew, Chapter 19. [00:05:54]
So when Jesus says to Nicodemus, "Nicodemus, you must be born again." He means you must be born from above. The birth you've already had, Nicodemus, is a birth that comes from below. You're the product, doubtless under the providence of God, of the love of your father and your mother. You've had an earthly birth. But Nicodemus, if you're ever going to enter the kingdom of God, you're going to have a heavenly birth. And that heavenly birth comes through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. [00:09:31]
And this is actually the teaching of the rest of the New Testament, because we find this in 1 Peter 1:23, and it is echoed in James 1:18. "Of His own will, God begat us that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures." "Of His own will." That's humbling, isn't it? Do you know we still have, lingering in our Christian world, the notion that God does 70 percent of it, or 90 percent of it, or 98 percent of it, but there's always something that you need to contribute. [00:13:36]
You can contribute no more to your new birth than you contributed to your first birth. What did you contribute to your first birth? Did you decide to be born? Isn't that an astonishing thing? When you begin to think about it, and to think, "I might not have been were it not for the desire of others, if it were not for the activity of others. I am not self-generated." Actually, John had made this clear earlier on in the prologue to the gospel, when he had spoken in chapter 1 and verse 12 about those who come to believe in Jesus, who receive the right to become children of God, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [00:14:34]
So, this is a heavenly birth, given through the Spirit. It's a sovereign birth, given through the Spirit. And it's also, in the third place, a transforming birth. It has very decided effects in our lives. Remember, again, the little illustration. The wind blows. You don't know where it's come from. You don't know where it's going. But you hear its sound. You know it's present by its effects. How do we know that we've been born again? We can't look inside and say, "Oh, there goes the Holy Spirit, giving me new birth," anymore than we could have said, at our own conception, "Woops, I'm being conceived," or, at our own birth, "Oh! I'm being born!" No. We know we've been born because of the results, the effects of that birth. [00:15:45]
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