This week, we entered into our second week through the book of Acts. From Acts 2:1-41, Pastor Rob recounts how the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in the upper room.
- Ice Breaker: Pastor Rob shares a story about one of the best Christmas gifts he received as a child—a remote-control truck. What is the best gift you’ve ever received, and why was it meaningful to you?
- The remote-control truck ended up being a big disappointment because it required AA batteries that Pastor Rob didn’t have. He could still play with it, but he had to move it around manually. Rob compares this to the Christian life: if we aren’t careful, we can try to live the Christian life in our own strength rather than relying on the power of the Holy Spirit. What are some dangers of trying to live the Christian life in our own strength? What might it look like to depend on the Holy Spirit instead?
- After praying for 10 days in the upper room, the disciples are introduced to the Holy Spirit, who comes like a rushing wind and appears as tongues of fire. Many pastors and scholars have connected this event to the Tower of Babel. Read Acts 2:1–13 and Genesis 11:1–9. What similarities and differences do you notice between these two events? What do these similarities and differences reveal about what God is doing in Acts 2?
- Through the Holy Spirit, the disciples in Acts 2 are empowered to do supernatural things, such as speaking in different languages and preaching the gospel through Peter. Have you ever experienced or witnessed something you believe was the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit? What happened?
- The Holy Spirit empowers us to share the gospel and works in the hearts of those who hear it. God places us in specific places and gives each of us a unique story and relationships through which we can share the gospel. Who has God placed on your heart to share the gospel with? What might be preventing you from taking that step?
- Reflection: As believers we have been baptized once with the Holy Spirit, but we need to be constantly refilled. Are you currently living the Christian life by your own power or that of the Holy Spirit?
Prayer Prompt: Take a few minutes to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you, empower you, and help you depend on His strength rather than your own.
CG Questions written by Jervis F.
