The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the
Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every
nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in
bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language…Amazed
and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?” Some, however, made
fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine.”
Acts 2:4-6; 12-13

The disciples were misunderstood. The crowd as Pentecost couldn’t grasp the
power of the Holy Spirit. When the disciples were given the gift of speaking in
tongues, they were mistaken for being drunk.

If you’re a Christian, a lot of people will misunderstand you. Having the gifts of
the Spirit or the joy of God won’t make sense to others. Remember, Jesus said
to not be surprised when others mock you because you’re a Christ-follower (Luke
6:22-23). When this happens, don’t worry—God promised to help you be able to
respond to people’s questions.

How did Peter refute the accusation that the Christians were drunk? Acts 2:12-36
(He walked them through what the Old Testament had said about Jesus and the
Holy Spirit. He spoke with them patiently and shared Jesus) What can we learn
from Peter’s response? (To be patient, kind, bold with people; to expect some of
the Spirit’s ministry to have to be explained to nonbelievers; the need to know
God’s word).

See 1 Corinthians 12:7-11; 28 & Romans 12:6-8. What are some of the other
gifts of the Holy Spirit? Make a list together. What does all of 1 Corinthians 12
reveal about how the gifts work together? What would a church look like that
doesn’t have the gifts of encouragement, administration, helps?

God promised the Holy Spirit so that we could be supernaturally empowered to

live in a way that honors God (Eph. 5:18), serve the needs of the church (1 Cor.
12:7), and reach the lost (Acts 1:8). Being filled with the Holy Spirit is a continual
act though; the pressures and temptations of daily life often drain us of our
connection with God, so we constantly need to be praying for more of his Spirit.

Reflection: Will you let God rule your life, even if it makes you look different?
Are you prepared to answer people when they ask why my life looks different (1
Peter 3:15)? Am I exploring what gifts God has given/wants to give me so that I
can help grow the church and reach the lost?

Prayer: God, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can be witness for Jesus
Christ. Empower me to honor you with my lifestyle, reach others, and serve
others.