Empowered by the Spirit: Communion and the Promise of Pentecost
Introduction:
Today, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday—a day of remembrance and reflection on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the early church. This significant event marks the birth of the Christian church and the empowerment of believers through the Spirit. As we also partake in communion, let us explore how these two profound symbols intersect in our faith journey.
Point 1: The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:1-4 (NLT): "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
Pentecost, originally a Jewish festival, became a pivotal moment for the disciples gathered in the upper room. The Holy Spirit descended upon them with power, fulfilling Jesus' promise to send the Helper (John 16:7).
John 16:7 (NLT): "But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you."
Jesus, in this passage, speaks to his disciples about the coming of the Holy Spirit. He explains that it is necessary for him to depart physically so that the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, can come and dwell within believers. This promise signifies the transformative role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers after Jesus' ascension.
Pentecost inaugurated a new era of spiritual empowerment for the church. The disciples were transformed from fearful followers into bold witnesses for Christ.
"Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind or chariots without steeds. Like branches without sap, we are withered; like coals without fire, we are useless." — Charles Spurgeon
Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Here, Jesus promises his disciples the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, who will equip them to be witnesses of Christ's gospel to the world. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith boldly and to share the message of salvation with others, starting from their immediate surroundings and extending to the ends of the earth.
Point 2: Communion as Remembrance and Fellowship
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NLT): "For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.' For every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he comes again."
In this passage, Paul recounts the institution of the Lord's Supper by Jesus during the Last Supper. He emphasizes the importance of partaking in communion as a means of remembering Christ's sacrificial death and the establishment of the new covenant. Communion serves as a profound symbol of unity among believers and a remembrance of Christ's redemptive work.
Communion is a sacred ordinance instituted by Jesus Himself during the Last Supper. It symbolizes our union with Christ and our participation in the benefits of His sacrifice. Through the bread and the cup, we remember Christ's atoning work and reaffirm our commitment to Him. Communion also fosters unity among believers, emphasizing our shared identity in Christ.
"In the Lord's Supper, the entire Gospel is pictured in a single meal—a spiritual feast that nourishes our souls and binds us together as one body." — John MacArthur
Luke 22:19-20: "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'"
Luke's account of the Last Supper echoes the significance of communion in remembering Christ's sacrifice. Jesus instructs his disciples to partake in the bread and the cup as a memorial of his body and blood, symbolizing the covenant sealed through his death and resurrection.
Point 3: Empowered Living through Communion and the Spirit
Ephesians 5:18-20 (NLT): "Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul exhorts believers in Ephesians to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit, manifesting the Spirit's presence through worship, thanksgiving, and mutual encouragement among believers. This passage underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in cultivating a life of worship and spiritual vitality.
The combination of communion and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enables believers to live transformed lives. The Spirit empowers us to worship God in spirit and truth, guiding us into deeper intimacy with Him. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of our ongoing need for spiritual nourishment and empowerment.
"The Holy Spirit is the ultimate gift of God's love—an empowering presence that enables us to live victoriously and faithfully in Christ." — Billy Graham
Galatians 5:22-23: "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, which is the natural outworking of the Holy Spirit's presence in the life of a believer. These qualities represent a transformed life characterized by godliness and maturity, reflecting the character of Christ in our interactions with others and in our daily walk.
Application and Call to Action:
These passages highlight the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, empowering them for witness, deepening their communion with Christ through the Lord's Supper, and producing spiritual fruit that testifies to God's transforming work in their lives.
As we reflect on the significance of Pentecost and communion, let us:
Embrace the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, seeking His guidance and strength daily.
Approach communion with reverence and gratitude, remembering Christ's sacrificial love and our identity as His redeemed people.
Live transformed lives, exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit and sharing the message of salvation with others.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Spirit and the provision of communion. May we be continually empowered by Your truth and grace to live as faithful witnesses of Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen.
May this sermon inspire hearts to embrace the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the profound significance of communion in our Christian walk.
