Saturday, May 22, 2021

Three's a Cloud Pt 5: The Purpose of Power

 

Pericope: Acts 1:1-8 - In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Sermon Text Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Sermon Title: Three is a Cloud Pt 5: The Purpose of Power

You know the story, but do you know the purpose.  There are at least 5 purposes for the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Purpose 1:  Power creates communityvs. 14, 15  14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty.

God shows up in community. 

A.  Diverse men and women gathered together.

B.  Unified

Purpose 2:  Power creates spiritual discipline and accountabilityvs. 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, …

A.  They were not distracted (sanctified)

B.  They were determined

C. They were destined

Purpose 3: Power creates a crowdActs 2: 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken.

Matthew 9: 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Mark 6: 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

When Jesus saw the crowd without a Shepherd, he brought order and leadership. He appointed apostles - the harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. This is similar. A crowd in need, but this time they have the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Purpose 4:  Power creates a connectionActs 2: 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Purpose 5:  Power creates a strategyActs 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

·       Macro level

o   Power without strategy is dangerous and can be destructive.  It will only be used for personal gain and exploitation. That is why Jesus was clear with what they were supposed to do with the power of the Holy Spirit. Go witness in Jerusalem Judea Samaria and the ends of the earth

·       Micro level – granular – Acts 2: 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

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