I. They were filled (in submission to) with the Spirit. (1:4)
A. Filled means to be in submission.
B. Care for spiritual things rather than worldly things.
C. (Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.)
D. (Romans 8:6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.)
E. As a result, they saw God move in their lives. (2:2-3)
F. They had to wait on the Lord, blindly, not knowing when He would answer.
G. Submission lead to a mission. (1:8b)
II. They were in prayer. (1:14)
A. As a result, they were given power for their assigned mission. (2:2-4)
B. “When you get spirit filled you will have to backslide to keep from praying” ~Dr. Adrian Rodgers
C. Why do we struggle to pray?
D. (Romans 8:7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot.)
E. How do we overcome this struggle to pray?
F. (Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness.)
G. Admit that we are weak.
H. Rely on God because we know we are weak.
I. Do not give into the flesh (carnal Christianity)
J. (James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.)
K. Prayer kicked off the church age at Pentecost
L. Prayer kicked off the revival at Asbury College in 1970
M. Prayer Licked off the move of God here at this church.
III. They were in unity. (1:14)
A. They were only concerned about the direction Jesus had given them.
B. They were not distracted by the cares of the world.
C. They had one thought “wait here till God moves”.
D. They had one task “we will pray till God moves”.
E. They had one promise fulfilled “God showed up”.
IV. They were given power. (1:8a)
A. All the power in the world means nothing if we do not have these other three lined up first.
B. This power given to us was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. (2:4)
C. When we speak no power.
D. When God speaks we have all the power necessary.
E. We were also given the gospel. (1:8b)
F. Where does the power of God end, and the power of the gospel begin?
G. They don’t, they work as one fluid power to project the gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world.
H. If you have the Holy Spirit, and you have the gospel, you have the power and as a Christian you are commanded to be a witness of Jesus Christ.
I. Do not say I do not have the gift of evangelism as an excuse to not share the gospel.
J. Be very clear, every Christian is to be a witness ready to answer everyman that asks the reason of the hope within you. (I Peter 3:15)
K. No excuses.
