Sermon Central
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Pentecost Sunday: Filled With Power From On High
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jun 7, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Pentecost is more than a day — it is a divine encounter that releases heaven’s power on earth. The Holy Spirit was not sent for a one-time experience but to dwell with and within us perpetually. As we yield to Him, we are transformed, empowered, and used mightily for God’s glory.
PENTECOST SUNDAY: FILLED WITH POWER FROM ON HIGH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 2:1-4
Supporting Texts: Joel 2:28-29, Luke 24:49, Acts 1:8, John 14:16–17, Romans 8:11
INTRODUCTION:
Pentecost Sunday commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early disciples of Jesus Christ. It marks the birth of the Church as a powerful and Spirit-empowered movement. On this day, the promise of Jesus in Luke 24:49 was fulfilled — that His followers would be "clothed with power from on high." This divine empowerment transformed fearful disciples into bold witnesses who turned the world upside down.
The Pentecost event was not just a historical occurrence, but a prophetic prototype for all believers. The same Holy Spirit who filled the Upper Room is still available today to empower, comfort, teach, and guide us. In a world of spiritual dryness, confusion, and compromise, we need the fire of Pentecost more than ever.
As we celebrate Pentecost, let us open our hearts to be refilled, renewed, and repositioned by the Spirit of God. Let us explore what it means to be filled with power from on high and how this power transforms the life of every believer.
1. THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT IS FOR ALL BELIEVERS
a) Boldly declared by the prophets (Joel 2:28–29):
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was foretold by Joel as a universal promise that includes sons, daughters, old and young — no one is left out.
b) Affirmed by Jesus Christ (Luke 24:49):
Jesus instructed His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, signifying the importance and necessity of the Spirit.
c) Poured out on all flesh (Acts 2:17):
On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit came upon all who were gathered, regardless of status or background, proving the inclusiveness of God's promise.
d) Available to every generation (Acts 2:39):
Peter declared that the promise is to "you, your children, and all who are afar off," revealing the enduring relevance of Pentecost.
Biblical Example: Cornelius and his household received the Holy Spirit even as Peter preached, confirming that the Spirit is for both Jews and Gentiles (Acts 10:44–46).
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US FOR WITNESSING
a) Power to speak with boldness (Acts 4:31):
When the early Church prayed, the place was shaken and they were filled with the Spirit, speaking the Word with boldness.
b) Power to overcome fear (2 Timothy 1:7):
The Spirit does not give fear but power, love, and a sound mind, enabling believers to confront challenges with courage.
c) Power to operate in spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7–11):
The Spirit distributes diverse gifts — such as prophecy, healing, and tongues — to build up the Body of Christ and demonstrate God’s power.
d) Power to fulfill the Great Commission (Acts 1:8):
Jesus said the disciples would receive power and become His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Biblical Example: After Pentecost, Peter who once denied Jesus, boldly preached and 3,000 souls were saved in one day (Acts 2:14–41).
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS TRANSFORMATION
a) He regenerates and renews the heart (Titus 3:5):
The Spirit washes us, renews our minds, and gives us a new nature that desires righteousness.
b) He produces the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23):
When the Spirit lives within, His nature begins to manifest in us — love, joy, peace, and more.
c) He convicts and sanctifies (John 16:8):
The Spirit convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment, leading us to repentance and holiness.
d) He empowers us to live victoriously (Romans 8:11):
The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead gives life to our mortal bodies, helping us overcome sin and spiritual lethargy.
Biblical Example: Saul of Tarsus was transformed into Paul the Apostle after his encounter with the Spirit (Acts 9:17–22).
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT UNITES AND BUILDS THE CHURCH
a) He baptises us into one Body (1 Corinthians 12:13):
Through the Spirit, believers of every race and tribe become members of one spiritual family.
b) He fosters unity and fellowship (Ephesians 4:3):
The Spirit promotes the bond of peace and harmony within the Church, breaking down walls of division.
c) He appoints leaders and gifts for edification (Ephesians 4:11–12):
The Spirit gives apostles, prophets, pastors, and more for the strengthening of the saints.
d) He gives direction and vision to the Church (Acts 13:2):
The Spirit set apart Paul and Barnabas for missions, showing that He leads and builds the Church strategically.
Biblical Example: In Acts 6, the Spirit led the apostles to appoint Spirit-filled men like Stephen to oversee the needs of the Church, ensuring peace and growth.
5. THE HOLY SPIRIT IGNITES REVIVAL AND AWAKENING
a) He brings fresh fire and fervency (Acts 2:3):
Tongues of fire rested on each disciple, symbolising the intense zeal and passion that comes from the Spirit.
