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.
b) He causes multitudes to seek God (Acts 2:6):
At the sound of the Spirit’s move, people gathered and were pricked in their hearts, asking, "What shall we do?"
c) He restores spiritual hunger and prayer (Romans 8:26):
The Spirit helps us in our weakness and ignites deep groaning intercession according to God’s will.
d) He transforms regions and nations (Acts 17:6):
The early disciples, filled with the Holy Ghost, were described as "men who turned the world upside down."
Biblical Example: In Samaria, when Philip preached under the anointing of the Spirit, the whole city was filled with joy and revival broke out (Acts 8:5–8).
CONCLUSION:
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. The fire of Pentecost must keep burning in our hearts, churches, and communities.
Today, let us hunger afresh for the Holy Spirit. Let us break free from spiritual apathy and open our lives fully to His work. As it was on the day of Pentecost, may we be filled, shaken, and sent — in Jesus' name!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, fill me afresh with the fire of the Holy Spirit.
2. Holy Spirit, empower me to be a bold witness for Christ.
3. Let every spiritual dryness in my life be consumed by Your fire.
4. Renew my hunger and passion for Your presence.
5. Help me to walk daily in the fruit and gifts of the Spirit.
6. Let Your Spirit bring transformation to my home and church.
7. Ignite revival and spiritual awakening in our land.
8. Baptise me with wisdom, revelation, and boldness.
9. Use me as a vessel of fire for this generation.
10. Let Your glory be revealed through my life by the Spirit.
