SCRIPTURE READING: Acts 2:1-39

GOLDEN TEXT:  Galatians 5:22-23

1. Did the apostle Peter in his sermon on the Feast of Pentecost tell his listeners to repent? (Acts 2:38.) Did he also tell them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ? (Same verse.) What was the gift involved if they repented and were baptized? (Same verse.)

2. Let’s take a look at what happened on this first New Testament Pentecost: Did Peter lay it on the line to the Jews who were assembled there in Jerusalem that it was through their lawless hands that Jesus Christ was crucified and put to death? (Acts 2:22-33.)

Note: We all are responsible for the death of Jesus Christ. We have to look at this from a personal point of view: Jesus was crucified and He died for me!

3. What happened to this audience who were listening to Peter? (Acts 2:36-37.) Were they "cut to the heart" or "pricked in their heart?" (Same verses.)

Note: They were "pierced" to the heart and were convicted deeply by Peter’s words.

4. What did these men say to Peter? (Last phrase in Acts 2:37.) Is this where Peter then tells them to repent and be baptized and then they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:38.)

5. Did this promise of the Holy Spirit also extend to include their children? (Acts 2:39.)

6. Does the apostle Paul tell us that we must walk according to the Spirit? (Romans 8:1-5.) What is the penalty if we are carnally minded? (Romans 8:6.) What is the reward if we are spiritually minded? (Same verse.)

7. Is the carnal mind at enmity against God and not subject to the law of God? (Romans 8:7.)

Note: The word "Enmity" is defined as a "deep seated hatred, as between rivals or opponents." Some synonyms are: hostility, antipathy, antagonism, animosity, rancor and animus.

8. What is the warning that Paul gives if you do not have the Holy Spirit? (Romans 8:8-9.)

9. Does Paul tell us that if we are led by the Spirit of God then we are the sons of God? (Romans 8:14-16.)

10. Are we to worship God in spirit and in truth? (John 4:24.) Is God’s Spirit everywhere? ( Psalms 139:7-8; Jeremiah 23:24.)

Note: God’s spirit is everywhere. God knows if we are in trouble, praying to Him or if our thoughts are about to get us into trouble. We could overcome more if we could develop the awareness that God is in the room with us at all times.

11. Is God’s Holy Spirit the power of God? (Psalms 104:30, Jeremiah 32:17, Genesis 1:1-4, Hebrews 11:3.)

Note: God has power and He creates through His Spirit, all He has to do is speak.

12. Does things happen when God speaks? (Psalms 148:1-5.)

Note: Let’s look at an example that we might relate to. We are all familiar with electricity. We flip a light switch and the incandescent light bulb floods the room with light. We could flip a switch on an "electric power saw" and the motor would begin to whirl and we would feel the vibrations in our hand and the power at our finger tips. With that "electric power saw" we could begin to cut wood studs, floor joists, rafters and plywood flooring and as a result we could build a house.

Man can do much with the little bit of power that he has under his control. Man can move mountains with his bulldozers and earth moving equipment but God with His ultimate power is the Creator who created the mountains and the universe by merely speaking it.

13. Are we to stir up the Spirit and renew it day by day? (2 Timothy 1:6-7, 1Thes. 5:19, 2 Corinthians 4:16.)

Note: There is an old expression: "Use it or Lose it." We must use God’s Holy Spirit so we don’t lose it. To be effective we must stir up God’s gift of His Holy Spirit and not quench it.

14. Does God want to give us His Spirit? (Luke 11:11-13.) Will God’s Spirit lead us into all truth? (John 16:13.) Is the Holy Spirit a comforter? (John 14:16.) Is the Holy Spirit given only to those who obey God? (Acts 5:32.)

15. How does the Holy Spirit work in a person’s life? (Matthew 7:20.) Are we to bear fruit? (Same verse.) Are we to bear "much" fruit? (John 15:1-8.)

Note: Our fruits are our good works and good deeds. God is very pleased when we bear forth good fruit. Notice in Matthew 25:1-46 that Jesus gave 3 parables: The first one dealt with being prepared, the second one dealt with performance and the third one dealt with works. Jesus is saying that as we do good works and bear fruits to others it is like we are doing it to Him.

16. What are the nine fruits of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23.)

What is Love? (1 John 4:8, Romans 5:5, Romans 13:10, John 14:15.) We are to love God and our neighbors.

What can we have joy over? (Nehemiah 8:10, Proverbs 29:18, Matthew 13:20.)

Are we to be peacemakers? (Mat. 5:9.)

Are we to be patient? (Revelation 14:12.)

Are we to be gentle? (2 Timothy 2:24-25.)

Are we to be filled with goodness and do good works? (Romans 15:14, Matthew 5:44, Galatians 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:18.)

Are we to have faith? (Hebrews 11:1,6.)

Are we to be meek? (Matthew 5:5.)

Are we to exert self-control (temperance)? (2 Peter 1:3-8.)

In Conclusion: The Holy Spirit is the power of God and it is a gift that God gives you after you repent and are baptized. This gift is an absolute promise from God, but there are conditions. We must submit and obey God, stir up the spirit and not quench it, pray for more of His Holy Spirit every day and bear forth much fruit. The Holy Spirit will not force you to do anything. Use It so you don’t Lose It!

Scripture Reading:    (Acts 2:1-39 NKJV) When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. {2} And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. {3} Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. {4} And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. {5} And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. {6} And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. {7} Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? {8} "And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? {9} "Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, {10} "Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, {11} "Cretans and Arabs; we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." {12} So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "Whatever could this mean?" {13} Others mocking said, "They are full of new wine." {14} But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. {15} "For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. {16} "But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: {17} 'And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. {18} And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. {19} I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. {20} The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. {21} And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved.' {22} "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know; {23} "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; {24} "whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. {25} "For David says concerning Him: 'I foresaw the LORD always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. {26} Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. {27} For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. {28} You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.' {29} "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. {30} "Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, {31} "he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. {32} "This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. {33} "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. {34} "For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: 'The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, {35} Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."' {36} "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." {37} Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" {38} Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

1.) (Acts 2:38 NKJV) Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

2.) (Acts 2:22-33 NKJV) "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know; {23} "Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; {24} "whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. {25} "For David says concerning Him: 'I foresaw the LORD always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. {26} Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. {27} For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. {28} You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.' {29} "Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. {30} "Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, {31} "he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. {32} "This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. {33} "Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

3.) (Acts 2:36-37 NKJV) "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." {37} Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

4.) (Acts 2:38-39 NKJV) Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. {39} "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."5.) (Acts 2:339 NKJV) "For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

6.) (Romans 8:1-5 NKJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. {2} For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. {3} For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, {4} that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. {5} For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

(Romans 8:6 NKJV) For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7. (Romans 8:7 NKJV) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

8. (Romans 8:8-9 NKJV) So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. {9} But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.

9. (Romans 8:14-16 NKJV) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. {15} For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." {16} The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,

10. (John 4:24 NKJV) "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."

(Psalms 139:7-8 NKJV) Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? {8} If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

(Jeremiah 23:24 NKJV) Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?" says the LORD; "Do I not fill heaven and earth?" says the LORD.

11. (Psalms 104:30 NKJV) You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth.

(Jeremiah 32:17 NKJV) 'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.

(Genesis 1:1-4 NKJV) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. {2} The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. {3} Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. {4} And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness.

(Hebrews 11:3 NKJV) By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

12. (Psalms 148:1-5 NKJV) Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights! {2} Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts! {3} Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all you stars of light! {4} Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, And you waters above the heavens! {5} Let them praise the name of the LORD, For He commanded and they were created.

13. (2 Timothy 1:6-7 NKJV) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. {7} For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

(1 Thessalonians 5:19 NKJV) Do not quench the Spirit.

(2 Corinthians 4:16 NKJV) Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

14. (Luke 11:11-13 NKJV) "If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? {12} "Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? {13} "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

(John 16:13 NKJV) "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

(John 14:16 NKJV) "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever;

(Acts 5:32 NKJV) "And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him."

15. (Matthew 7:20 NKJV) "Therefore by their fruits you will know them.

(John 15:1-8 NKJV) "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. {2} "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. {3} "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. {4} "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. {5} "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. {6} "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. {7} "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. {8} "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

(Matthew 25 NKJV) "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. {2} "Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. {3} "Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, {4} "but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. {5} "But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. {6} "And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!' {7} "Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. {8} "And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' {9} "But the wise answered, saying, 'No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.' {10} "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. {11} "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us!' {12} "But he answered and said, 'Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.' {13} "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

{14} "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. {15} "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. {16} "Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. {17} "And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. {18} "But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. {19} "After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. {20} "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' {21} "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' {22} "He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' {23} "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' {24} "Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. {25} 'And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.' {26} "But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. {27} 'So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. {28} 'Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. {29} 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. {30} 'And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

{31} "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. {32} "All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. {33} "And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. {34} "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: {35} 'for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; {36} 'I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' {37} "Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? {38} 'When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? {39} 'Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' {40} "And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.' {41} "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: {42} 'for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; {43} 'I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.' {44} "Then they also will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?' {45} "Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.' {46} "And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

16. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

(1 John 4:8 NKJV) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

(Romans 5:5 NKJV) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

(Romans 13:10 NKJV) Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

(John 14:15 NKJV) "If you love Me, keep My commandments.

(Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV) Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

(Proverbs 29:18 NKJV) Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.

(Matthew 13:20 NKJV) "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;

(Matthew 5:9 NKJV) Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

(Revelation 14:12 NKJV) Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

(2 Timothy 2:24-25 NKJV) And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, {25} in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,

(Romans 15:14 NKJV) Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

(Matthew 5:44 NKJV) "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

(Galatians 6:10 NKJV) Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

(1 Timothy 6:18 NKJV) Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

(Hebrews 11:1 NKJV) Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

(Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

(Matthew 5:5 NKJV) Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

(2 Peter 1:3-8 NKJV) as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, {4} by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. {5} But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, {6} to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, {7} to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. {8} For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.