When Pentecost Came
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in empowering believers to carry out God's plan of world evangelization.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the early disciples, who, despite being taught by Jesus for three years, needed the empowerment of the Spirit to fulfill their mission. He highlights that before Pentecost, the disciples relied on their own understanding, but after receiving the Holy Spirit, they experienced a profound awareness of God's presence, joy, peace, and a new authority in proclaiming the Gospel. The sermon illustrates how the Holy Spirit equips believers for effective ministry and deepens their relationship with God.
Text
As we read the New Testament, we find a very simple and very plain and very forceful truth-the Holy Spirit makes a difference! Consider the early disciples-Jesus Himself had taught them for more than three years-the greatest Bible school! But still He had to caution them and encourage them not to depend on their own wisdom and strength: "Tarry ye . . . until ye be endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49b). He promised that they would receive the Person of the Holy Spirit to carry out His plan of world evangelization. After Pentecost, the Spirit brought them a new and vivid consciousness of the actual Presence of God. He gave them the gifts of divine joy and peace.
He gave them great and continuing delight in prayer and communion with God!
Finally, we recall that before Pentecost the disciples could only ask questions. After Pentecost, throughout the record in the book of Acts, they stood in the authority of the Spirit and answered all of the questions of the people concerning God's plan of salvation through the crucified and risen Christ!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of the Holy Spirit
- The early disciples' limitations without the Holy Spirit
- Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit's power
Key Quotes
“The Holy Spirit makes a difference!” — A.W. Tozer
“Tarry ye . . . until ye be endued with power from on high” — A.W. Tozer
“He promised that they would receive the Person of the Holy Spirit to carry out His plan of world evangelization.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must not rely on our own wisdom and strength, but rather depend on the power of the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit brings a new and vivid consciousness of God's Presence and gives us gifts of joy and peace.
- We should seek to stand in the authority of the Spirit and answer questions about God's plan of salvation.