Pentecost, Going for More! Text: Acts 19:1-6
The NKJ Bible 1 And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.
The New Living Bible: 1While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior provinces. Finally, he came to Ephesus, where he found several believers. 2"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" he asked them.” No," they replied, "We don’t know what you mean. We haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 3"Then what baptism did you experience?" he asked. And they replied, "The baptism of John."4Paul said, "John’s baptism was to demonstrate a desire to turn from sin and turn to God. John himself told the people to believe in Jesus, the one John said would come later."5As soon as they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6Then when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tongues and prophesied.
Introduction: The very word " Pentecost" meaning 50 indicates wait, seperating the men form the boys. How hungry are you? These men knew some basics of Christianity from contact with John the Baptist, but they were apparently unaware of the developments of Pentecost. Therefore, Paul told them of a fuller experience through the Holy Spirit! Paul remedies this by rebaptizing them in water in Jesus’ name and as they got up he lays hands on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied! In other words, if these men could preach before, after this divine appoitment they really could preach!
I. John himself spoke of this in Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
A. We know because of the history of the Old Testament that there were 3 major festivals, and Jewish men were required by law to go to Jerusalem 3 times each year to celebrate these major feasts. #1. Passover in the spring; #2. Pentecost (50) seven weeks and a day later. #3. Tabernacles at the end of the harvest.
B. Think about “Pentecost” once more, it was a celebration of the first buds of the harvest! In other words, the first indication of fruit or new life!
C. Isn’t that what the Holy Spirit gives, new life! The rituals are over; the history books (OT) were fulfilled. Peter cried out on the day of Pentecost “this is that!”
D. Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
E. Every one of these men and women were weak within themselves, and they felt like failures, but now Jesus prays to His Father for another the Holy Spirit!
F. Because the Holy Spirit #1. We can be comforted! John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Comforter or Helper, that He may abide with you forever---
G. Because of the Holy Spirit #2. We can be changed, “even more!” Salvation is just the beginning! II Corinthians. 3: 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
H. Because of the Holy Spirit #3. We can do greater works! John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
I. When one thinks about the babtism with tongues; one needs to remember that this gift is more for the person who receives it. It’s a wonderful experience, but remember, it’s more for you speaking directly unto God.Romans 8:26-27 ( It’s to build you up in your most holy faith Jude 20) However, what’s more important is, the other gifts that are given unto a person after he or she receives them, those gifts are for the body!
J. Isn’t it just like God to give you a gift that would build you up before He would expect you to give other gifts you have received from Him to others!
J. It’s time to go for more! If you desire more from Jesus Christ begin to receive because He is the Master giver!
