THE GOD OF THE BIBLE
(A Jesus Disciple Resource)
(A Jesus Disciple Resource)
LESSON SEVEN
EMPOWERING SPIRIT
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Lesson Seven. In this lesson we’ll learn how our Generous Creator, Relational Companion, Righteous Judge, Selfless Savior and Promise Keeper is also an Empowering Spirit. That He’s not only the all-powerful God in heaven, but He also wants to fill us with His Spirit and power. Before we begin, let’s open in prayer.
[Open in prayer]
Today, let’s read three passages from Acts chapters 1 and 2. As we read them, let’s consider two questions, including:
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:3-14 and Acts 2:1-18
DISCUSSION
Okay, before we discuss our first question, let’s read four of those verses again from the New Living Translation. Acts 1:8 says:
And Acts 2:16-18 says:
Okay, so let’s discuss the first question:
Okay, before we discuss our second question, let me read from the New Living Translation two verses we’ve already read in Acts 2, and a few others that we didn’t read.
Again, Acts 2:4 says:
And Verse 14 says:
And now, listen to what happened at the end of Peter’s message in Acts 2:36-41:
Okay, so let’s discuss this second question.
Before we discuss the third question, listen again to what Peter said in Acts 2:38:
Notice there are two baptisms being discussed here. Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:4 and 8 that they needed to be “baptized with the Holy Spirit.” It’s also described as being “filled with the Holy Spirit” in Acts 2:4, and “the gift of the Holy Spirit” in verse 38. But Peter tells this crowd that before they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, they need to repent of their sins, turn to God, and be baptized in water to receive forgiveness. Peter and the other disciples learned this from Jesus. Listen to what Jesus taught them in Mark 16:15-18:
Before a person is ready for the Holy Spirit to fill their heart, they need their heart to be cleansed from sin. That happens when a person believes the good news about Jesus dying for their sins and responds in faith. Jesus said their response should include turning away from their sins and being baptized in water. Being baptized in water is a sign that a person really believes that Jesus is their Savior and that they’re willing to follow and obey Him. Water baptism is also an outward demonstration of the cleansing that happens in their heart. And notice, Jesus also said that after a person believes and is baptized in water, then signs of power can happen, including speaking with new tongues. That power is a result of the second baptism, the baptism with the Holy Spirit.
Okay, now let’s discuss the third question.
Would anyone like to be baptized in water? If so, [and unless it can’t happen now] let’s plan a time to do it.
Would anyone like to be baptized with the Holy Spirit? If so, [and unless it can’t happen now] let’s plan a time to pray and receive the Holy Spirit.
Now let me ask our final question:
As we close in prayer, let’s all ask God to fill and empower us with His Spirit so that we can effectively share the things we’re learning with others, and lead them to be saved and filled with the Holy Spirit.
[Close in prayer]
CONCLUSION
Now don’t miss the last lesson. We’re going to learn how our God is not only our Generous Creator, Relational Companion, Righteous Judge, Selfless Savior, Promise Keeper and Empowering Spirit, but that He is also our Coming King.
Welcome to Lesson Seven. In this lesson we’ll learn how our Generous Creator, Relational Companion, Righteous Judge, Selfless Savior and Promise Keeper is also an Empowering Spirit. That He’s not only the all-powerful God in heaven, but He also wants to fill us with His Spirit and power. Before we begin, let’s open in prayer.
[Open in prayer]
Today, let’s read three passages from Acts chapters 1 and 2. As we read them, let’s consider two questions, including:
- What things did Jesus and the prophet Joel say would happen when people were filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit?
- What evidences of power happened on the day of Pentecost?
Scripture Reading: Acts 1:3-14 and Acts 2:1-18
DISCUSSION
Okay, before we discuss our first question, let’s read four of those verses again from the New Living Translation. Acts 1:8 says:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NLT)
And Acts 2:16-18 says:
16 “No, what you see was predicted long ago by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will prophesy.” (NLT)
Okay, so let’s discuss the first question:
1. What things did Jesus and the prophet Joel say would happen when people were filled and baptized with the Holy Spirit?
[Discuss Question #1]
Again, Acts 2:4 says:
“And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” (NLT)
And Verse 14 says:
“Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, ‘Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.’” (NLT)
36 “‘So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!’ 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ 38 Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.’ 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation!’ 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” (NLT)
2. What evidences of power happened on the day of Pentecost?
[Discuss Question #2]
“Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NLT)
15 “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.’” (NKJV)
Okay, now let’s discuss the third question.
3. What should we do now that we know about these two baptisms?
[Discuss Question #3]
Would anyone like to be baptized with the Holy Spirit? If so, [and unless it can’t happen now] let’s plan a time to pray and receive the Holy Spirit.
Now let me ask our final question:
4. Who should you teach these lessons to?
[Discuss Question #4]
[Close in prayer]
CONCLUSION
Now don’t miss the last lesson. We’re going to learn how our God is not only our Generous Creator, Relational Companion, Righteous Judge, Selfless Savior, Promise Keeper and Empowering Spirit, but that He is also our Coming King.