The Power of Pentecost
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
· The Holy Spirit & Pentecost: The “third person” or the “third wheel”?
I WANT TO SPEND OUR TIME THIS MORNING LOOKING AT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PENTECOST, AND HOW THE HOLY SPIRIT’S COMING AT PENTECOST IS VITAL FOR US.
I) The Picture of Pentecost
I) The Picture of Pentecost
A. The Timing Portrays the Promise of Redemption
A. The Timing Portrays the Promise of Redemption
i. Something old, something new?
a. Was Pentecost a new holiday invented to commemorate the HS?
b. NO! Pentecost already existed but the HS infused it w. new meaning
ii. The Rhythm of Remembering: Sacred Assemblies (ch. 23)
1. A rhythm of remembrance: we are prone to forgetfulness
2. The “Feast of Weeks” or “Pentecost” = “50” days after Easter
iii. The Hope of Redemption (see 23:9-10)
1. Two major categories of feasts: Looking back at what God had done (Passover, FOUB), looking forward: “First fruits” and FOW
2. Pentecost celebrates God’s faithfulness leading; providing for His people
B. The Offerings Portray the Whole of Redemption
B. The Offerings Portray the Whole of Redemption
i. The Offerings Rejoice in the Harvest (vv. 17-20)
1. The Grain, Drink, Food offerings waved before God: Harvest!
2. EXAMPLE: Grain, drink, wave (vv. 17, 20)
ii. The complete set of offerings portrayed all of redemption (vv. 18, 19)
1. Burnt, sin, peace offerings are ALSO brought!
2. The FOW brought together all aspects of salvation:
i. God forgave sin;
ii. God drew people into relationship with one another & himself
iii. God sanctified His people
BUT THE QUESTION IS – WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH PENTECOST SUNDAY? OR MORE TO THE POINT – WITH YOU AND I?
II) The Power of Pentecost
II) The Power of Pentecost
A. Jesus Bridges the gap
A. Jesus Bridges the gap
i. Jesus’ death and resurrection overlaps with the “Past” and “Future” feasts
1. Example: “Fully furnished, dimly lit…” –B.B. Warfield
2. Jesus is crucified and buried during the Passover & the FOUB
3. Jesus is resurrected on the F. of Firstfruits, looking forward (1 Cor 15:20)
But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
ii. So: Jesus breaks us free from sin and leads us into a new future
1. Jesus is leading us into the hope of the “Promised Land” – new life!
2. Jesus tells them to wait…at Pentecost the Holy Spirit comes, “activating” the new life Jesus has won for us
B. Jesus Inaugurates & The Spirit Empowers a True And Greater Harvest
B. Jesus Inaugurates & The Spirit Empowers a True And Greater Harvest
i. Jesus envisions a greater harvest…
1. Jesus ties the idea of harvest to Mission
2. Jesus sees the nations as a harvest ready to be brought in
ii. …which the Holy Spirit accomplishes
1. At Pentecost, the nations are gathered (Acts 2:5-11
2. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit empowers His Church to bring in the harvest
iii. …And invites us to participate in
1. Who do you know who are not believers? Pray for opportunities!
2. Do you see “fields ripe for harvest” in our backyard? Around the world?
C. Jesus Accomplishes, and the Holy Spirit Applies The work of Our Salvation
C. Jesus Accomplishes, and the Holy Spirit Applies The work of Our Salvation
i. Jesus is the “true and greater offering” for us
1. Jesus atones for sin, sanctifies us
2. Jesus creates a new community
ii. The Holy Spirit’s role is to apply salvation to us
1. Unless and until the Holy Spirit works, we do not receive the benefits
2. QUOTE: The Holy Spirit is the bond by which Christ effectually unites us to himself.” – Calvin
iii. The Holy Spirit’s Work in Salvation
1. The Holy Spirit regenerates us
2. The Holy Spirit draws us to the body of Christ
3. The Holy Spirit works out salvation in our lives
Transition:
Conclusion
Oswald Chambers: “It is the Holy Spirit who makes real for us all that God has done for us in Jesus.”