Listen in Community
Small Group Study
Overview
The disciples’ lives have been turned upside down. Jesus, the One they had followed for over three years, proved to be the Messiah. He was killed on a cross by the Romans, raised from the dead by the Holy Spirit, and spent time with these disciples during the forty days before He ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God. In this session, we’re going to look at the moment that God provided new power to the disciples to continue the work of Jesus. It’s an amazing story that means something to all believers today. Best of all, this incredible power is still available to you and me.
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Engage
QUESTION What is the greatest display of power you’ve ever witnessed in your life?
Before Jesus returned to heaven, He gave the disciples a massive mission: Bear witness to His life all over the known world! When we face a great task, we need great power. And Jesus had a plan to give His followers that power. Let’s listen to what that meant for the disciples as well as for us today.
Watch
As we watch this video, consider this question:
QUESTION Imagine you are hearing about this Bible event for the first time. What one thing stands out to you the most?
Consider
We can go down many different pathways to think about power. Do you think of something you’ve seen in nature: a magnificent waterfall, crashing ocean waves, a destructive storm, or a powerful animal on the hunt? Do you think of sports when you hear the word power: a baseball crushed 450 feet, a bone-crushing tackle, or a right-handed uppercut from your favorite boxer? We can also see power at work when political leaders influence nations, money ruins lives, or love leads people to do all kinds of things. In today’s passage, Jesus promised power to His disciples. But what kind of power?
QUESTION
Why do people desire power?
QUESTION How can that desire be similar to or different from a person’s desire for God’s power?
What the Bible Says
Although Jesus had given His disciples a mission, they couldn’t fulfill it in their own strength. Yes, their hearts and lives had been forever changed by an encounter with the resurrected Jesus, but these ordinary people needed extraordinary power for what was coming next. Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until the Father sent the promised gift (Acts 1:4). He said they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised the disciples that this gift would include power—the power to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).
No Pentecost without Passover Read Acts 2:1.
Pentecost, which means fifty, was already a significant event for the Jewish people. Referred to as the Feast of Weeks, it took place about seven weeks—or fifty days—after Passover. Pentecost was always celebrated in reference to the Passover celebration. We have something important to learn here. The Pentecost experience described in Acts 2 only has value because of what had just happened during the last Passover season: Jesus died in our place to save us. There can be no Pentecost without that Passover!
QUESTION What is the danger of pursuing a “Pentecost experience”—wanting the baptism in the Holy Spirit—without first putting our faith and trust in the person and work of Jesus?
The Gift on Pentecost Read Acts 2:2–4.
This passage describes an incredible moment. Three supernatural things happened: Those present heard the sound of a mighty windstorm; something looking like flames appeared over their heads; and when everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit, they spoke in languages they didn’t know (also known as speaking in tongues).
Some things about the baptism in the Holy Spirit were unique to this day. In the remainder of Acts, we don’t read about the sound of wind or flame-like appearances again. The only part of this event that is repeated later when others are filled with the Holy Spirit is speaking in tongues.
QUESTION How does speaking in tongues enhance a believer’s relationship with God?
QUESTION What connection do you see between the primary purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit (found in Acts 1:8) and this consistent evidence of speaking in tongues?
The Purpose of Pentecost Read Acts 2:5–13.
At this point, people from many places were visiting in Jerusalem. Amazingly, they heard these Jewish believers proclaiming the things God had done in their native languages! Right from the start, we see that the purpose behind the Holy Spirit’s power is to tell others about Jesus just as Acts 1:8 promised.
At a later point, Pentecost was also recognized as likely sharing the anniversary of the giving of the Law to Moses and the Hebrew people. In Exodus, God gave the Law as one way to connect His people together and draw them away from sin and to Him. In Acts 2, God gave the Holy Spirit with an interestingly similar outcome—He once again provided words that brought people together and pointed them to Him! He always desires to not just save individuals, but to link people, regardless of their background, into a community that connects with Him. Our
relationship with the Holy Spirit is never just about us or for us. It is always for the purpose of serving, encouraging, and reaching others.
QUESTION We live in an individualistic society. How can individualism rob us of what it means to be a Christian? Read Acts 2:14–16, 37–41.
Immediately following this gift of power from the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly stepped forward with the other disciples. Then, in perfect obedience to the purpose of this gift, Peter shared the good news about Jesus with courage! The result was a message that went straight to the hearts of those who heard it, and about three thousand new followers of Jesus were added that day.
Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks, celebrated the first fruits of the wheat harvest. It was a time to thank God for the yield He provided. It shouldn’t be surprising that God would use this special day to pour out His Holy Spirit and begin another harvest, not of wheat, but of souls!
QUESTION How have you seen the Holy Spirit lead someone to share their faith with others?
Reflect
God still wants to pour out His Spirit on those who love and follow Him. Everyone who places their hope and trust in Jesus already has the Holy Spirit living in them. The disciples had already received the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence (John 20:22), but Jesus instructed them to wait for a separate, second encounter. The baptism in the Holy Spirit does not complete our salvation. Instead, the baptism in the Holy Spirit helps us live out our salvation with boldness and power. To fulfill the great mission Jesus has given us, we need a great power!
Seeking the Baptism in the Holy Spirit
One of the first things we talked about today was that Jesus wanted to give His followers a gift—the baptism in the Holy Spirit. If you haven’t received this gift yet, now is a great time to ask God for it.
There’s no formula for being baptized in the Holy Spirit. The only requirements are to be saved and open your heart to this gift from God. When you’re ready, pray and ask God for it. While you’re praying and waiting for God to respond, you can prepare your heart. Make sure there’s nothing between you and God. If you need to, ask Him for forgiveness. Also, praising and worshipping God are always great options.
And remember, you’ll know the waiting is over and God has answered when you begin to speak in tongues, a language you haven’t learned. At first, the words may be unclear or appear to be
random sounds. You won’t understand what you’re saying, but God does. Praying in tongues is a great way to communicate with Him.
Many people don’t receive this gift immediately, so don’t give up if that happens. God will respond to you at exactly the right time. Even Jesus’ followers waited for God to send the Holy Spirit, and He was worth the wait! For some people, it takes weeks or even years. You don’t have to be in a church to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. So, if it doesn’t happen today, just continue asking and being open to God’s perfect timing for your life. In the meantime, continue to serve Him faithfully.
If you’ve been baptized in the Holy Spirit, you may want to share your experience with your group. Your story could connect with others who are seeking. Also, remember that you can ask God for more of the Holy Spirit’s impact on your life. Don’t be satisfied with what happened in the past. Keep asking God for what He has for you today.
Listen to God
The goal of Listen is not only to gain an understanding of God’s Word, but also to pause and listen to what God might want to say to us about what we have read and shared. Be silent for a few moments and reflect on the following questions. Choose the one that most resonates with what God is saying to you now. Then complete the others during Day 1 of your devotion time this week.
Personal Reflection Questions
Record your answers to the following questions in the space provided or in your personal journal.
QUESTION Would you describe your Christian life as one filled with power? Why or why not?
QUESTION Have you been baptized in the Holy Spirit and spoken in tongues? If so, are you continuing in that practice? Why or why not? If you haven’t received the Holy Spirit yet, take a moment and ask the Father to give you every good gift He has for you.
QUESTION The Holy Spirit is not an “it.” The Holy Spirit is God. How does that inform the way we think about, talk about, and approach the Holy Spirit?
QUESTION What questions do you have about speaking in tongues? (See “Did You Know?” below.) Who could you meet with this week that could help answer those questions for you?
Prayer Requests
Note any requests from the group and remember to pray for them during the week.
Before next time, continue to listen with the personal devotions.
Did You Know?
When you study the New Testament, you will find evidence that the Early Church leaders like Peter and Paul recognized speaking in tongues as initial physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. There are five times in Acts that an individual or group is baptized in the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:1–12; 8:14–18; 9:17; 10:44–47; 19:1–6. In three of these passages, speaking in tongues is explicitly mentioned. In two of the passages (Acts 8 and Acts 9), speaking in tongues is implied. In Acts 8, we know an outward change happened because a sorcerer observed it and wanted to purchase the ability to do the same to others. The Greek text describing the work of the Spirit is the same as the Acts 10 account, so we have good reason to believe the Samaritan believers spoke in tongues. Acts 9 is the account of Ananias laying hands on the apostle Paul to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit. We know from Paul’s writings to the church at Corinth that he spoke in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:18).
Listen on Your Own
Listening to God is something we need to do every day. Before you begin each devotion, pray and ask God to speak to you through His Word. Record your answers to the following questions in the space provided or in your personal journal.
Day 1 Read Acts 2:1–21.
Look back over Listen in Community and complete your responses to the Personal Reflection Questions. If time permits, reread the Scripture too.
QUESTION What do you sense that God is saying to you about the Holy Spirit’s power in your life?
Listen on Your Own
Day 2 Read 1 Corinthians 12:1–11. The church in Corinth had embraced the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 12 and 13 to address some of their misunderstandings about and misuse of the power of the Holy Spirit. This particular passage is about spiritual gifts. These gifts are not natural, but are given only by the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are still available to believers today.
QUESTION According to verse 3, what do we know to be true about a person speaking by the Spirit of God?
QUESTION In verses 4–6, Paul used the word different three times and the word same three times. What is the point he was making here?
QUESTION According to verse 7, a spiritual gift is given to help others. Can you think of a time you or someone else used a spiritual gift to fulfill that purpose?
QUESTION In verses 8–10, Paul provided a list of spiritual gifts. Do you believe that you have any of those gifts listed? If so, how are you using them to bless others? If not, take a moment to ask God to give you any good gift He has for you.
Listen on Your Own
Day 3 Read Galatians 5:16–26.
One of the primary reasons Paul wrote this letter to the churches in Galatia was to address a misunderstanding about the gospel. The believers in Galatia understood they had been saved by the supernatural work of the Spirit, but they were trying to complete that salvation in their own strength. Paul wanted the church to know that the same Spirit who regenerates our hearts in salvation also wants to rule in our hearts to help us grow in spiritual maturity.
QUESTION How did Paul contrast the sinful nature with someone living by the Spirit? (Galatians 5:16–18, 24–26)
QUESTION What kind of fruit does the Holy Spirit produce in us? (Galatians 5:22–23)
QUESTION Notice two important things: We don’t produce the fruit, the Holy Spirit does; the word describing what the Holy Spirit grows is singular “fruit,” not plural “fruits.” Why do you think these two observations are important?
QUESTION According to Galatians 5:19–21, what behaviors result from following “the desires of your sinful nature”?
Our problem is not just desiring wrong things. Some of our sin issues result from desiring the right things in the wrong way—loving and trusting in something more than we trust Jesus.
QUESTION What are some good things in your life that might be a temptation for you?
Listen on Your Own
Day 4 Read Romans 8:1–17.
Romans is a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome. This book is one of the clearest, most logical, and linear explanations of the gospel. By chapter 8, Paul has already made an argument for the sinfulness of humankind and the saving work of Jesus. Now he is describing what it looks like to stand righteous in the eyes of the Father, to be united with Jesus, and to live in the power of the Spirit.
QUESTION Romans 8:1 states that there is no condemnation for anyone who belongs to Jesus. What are some voices in your life that still try to condemn you?
QUESTION According to Romans 8:2, what frees us from “the power of sin that leads to death”? Take a moment and ask the Spirit to do this work in you continually.
QUESTION In Romans 8:5–9, Paul talks about control. How would you explain to someone else what Paul is saying in these verses?
QUESTION Reread Romans 8:12–17. What does the Holy Spirit do for those who believe in Jesus? Make a list. Then take time in prayer to thank the Holy Spirit for each one.
Listen on Your Own
Day 5 Read Luke 4:14–30.
Jesus had just endured forty days of temptation in the wilderness. Next He entered His hometown of Nazareth, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. In this story, the Holy Spirit is front and center.
Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth and read a passage from the prophet Isaiah that is all about Him. The response to Jesus is the same response some people have to Him today: a lack of belief, personal offense, and even an aggressive aggravation.
QUESTION How have the difficult seasons of your life caused you to depend more deeply on the Holy Spirit?
QUESTION According to the passage from Isaiah, why was the Spirit of the Lord upon Jesus?
QUESTION How has the Holy Spirit helped you “bring Good News to the poor”? This verse has both spiritual and social renewal outcomes in mind.
QUESTION The people couldn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah because He grew up around them, and they knew His family. What keeps people from believing in Jesus today?
