The Holy Ghost and His Power – Part 2

Title of Message:The Holy Ghost and His Gifts – Part 2

(Series: “Ghost Stories”)

This morning we will be continuing in the series called Ghost Stories as we look to the supernatural and the third person of the trinity. We will see that God doesn’t just dwell in you…but the third person of the trinity has gifts for you.

Verses used: Acts 2:1-12, 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, 1 Corinthians 13:8-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22.

Key verses: Acts 2:1-12, 1 Corinthians 14:1-5

Acts 2:1-12

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

1 Corinthians 14:1-5

1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
Sermon Notes:

What is the spiritual gift of Tongues?

1. It is the supernatural ability to speak a language that has never been learned.

2. It can be used as a supernatural sign to help spread the Gospel.

3. When a person speaks in tongues they speak to God!

The Prophets’ jobs were:

4. Forth telling: to speak for God as God’s mouthpiece, and to reveal God’s thoughts, His feelings and His will for His people.

5. Fore telling: predicting future events before they come to pass.

Some questions to consider this week:

1. What was something you learned or what stood out to you from the sermon on Sunday?

2. Have you ever traveled where you did not speak the language? Was that funny? Frustrating? Humbling?

3. Have you witnessed someone exercise a spiritual gift without regard for “building up the church”?

4. According to 1 Corinthians 14:2-4, what is the difference between speaking in tongues and prophesying?

5. If you do not have a clear sense of the spiritual gifts God has given you, review the gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12. You can also take the Spiritual Gifts Inventory today after the service or request a copy of the Inventory.

6. Going beyond today’s sermon, read all of 1 Corinthians 14 to learn more about Corinthian worship and how they used the gift of tongues.

7. How can we be “stirring in” the sermon’s verses into our lives this week?