The Promise of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit comes when Jesus is honored and exalted, fulfilling prophecy and empowering believers.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit's arrival on Pentecost as a confirmation of Jesus Christ's exaltation at the right hand of God. Peter boldly proclaimed that the events occurring were the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to send the Holy Spirit, affirming Jesus as both Lord and Christ. Tozer highlights that the glorification of Jesus is crucial for the Spirit's presence, teaching that the Holy Spirit comes when Jesus is honored. This sermon serves as a reminder of the connection between Christ's exaltation and the outpouring of the Spirit, encouraging believers to recognize the importance of honoring Jesus in their lives.
Text
The miraculous events wrought in Jerusalem by the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost indicated to the disciples that Jesus Christ, the Messiah-Savior, had indeed taken His place at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
With Jewish critics all around, Peter lifted his voice and said that all who were in Jerusalem on that day were seeing the fulfillment of prophecy-the words of Jesus that He would send the Holy Spirit after His death and resurrection and exaltation. "Therefore," Peter cried, "let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36).
Many, many have failed to note Peter's Pentecostal emphasis: the important thing in God's plan was the fact that Jesus had been exalted in heaven, and that His glorification there had been the signal for the coming of the promised Holy Spirit. What a lesson! The Spirit does not have to be begged - He comes when the Savior is honored and exalted!
Sermon Outline
- The Promise of the Spirit
- The Significance of Pentecost
- The Fulfillment of Prophecy
- The Exaltation of Jesus
Key Quotes
“What a lesson! The Spirit does not have to be begged - He comes when the Savior is honored and exalted!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should prioritize honoring and exalting Jesus in our lives to receive the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is not something we can beg for, but rather it is a gift that comes when we prioritize Jesus.
- Understanding the significance of Pentecost and Jesus' exaltation can deepen our faith and relationship with God.