Sermons

The Book of Acts: Week 3 – Acts 2:1-4 – 1/18/26

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Sermon Series: We’re continuing a sermon series through the book of Acts. Today we’ll learn all about spiritual gifts.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

2 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

In this part of God’s Word, we see something exciting happening! The Holy Spirit comes and gives a spiritual gift to Jesus’ disciples. By taking a close look at this encounter, we can learn that…

 

As a Christian, we have spiritual gifts…

 

1. For God’s glory 

      Col. 3:23-24, 10:31, Rom. 11:36, Matt. 6:1, John 12:43, Luke 16:15                                                       

2. To build up the church 

       Rom. 12:3-8, 1 Cor. 12:7, 14:12, Matt. 20:26-28, Phil. 2:4, Heb. 6:10

3. That are chosen by God   

       1 Cor. 3:5-8, 13:4, Ps. 37:4-5, Gal. 5:26, Ex. 20:17, James 3:16                          

4. So God can work in and through us

        Phil. 1:6, 2:13, 2 Cor. 3:5, John 14:12, Gal. 2:20, 2 Tim. 1:6

5. To help us grow our faith 

        1 Tim. 4:14, 2 Tim. 1:6, 1 Cor. 12:28-31, 2 Pet. 3:18, Col. 2:6-7

Reflecting on God’s Word

Getting Started

  • Take some time to read over Acts 2:1-4 and pray. 
  • Have you ever read or heard about this before? What stood out to you as we were talking about it? 
  • What surprised you as we talked about it?
  • As you reflect on this sermon series, what questions come to mind? 
  • If you’re struggling to know what your spiritual gifts are, or if you’re just curious, follow the QR code in your bulletin to take a spiritual gifts survey. It will only take about 10-15 minutes, and can be a great tool to figure how God has gifted you. 

Diving In 

  1. Take some time to jot down what spiritual gifts God has given to you below. 
  1. Of the gifts that you listed above, which ones are you using well, and which ones do you need to put into practice more?
  1. What stops you from using your spiritual gifts?
  1. How can, through God’s help, develop your spiritual giftings further? How would that help your faith?
  1. Of the believers around you, whose spiritual giftings have really helped to grow your faith? How could you help other believers around you if you used your spiritual giftings more?

Applying the Scripture

What are your biggest takeaways from this passage of God’s Word? 

  • What practical step(s) do you need to implement in your life to apply what God has taught you in this passage of Scripture? 
  • How would applying this affect your life and your relationship with the Lord? 
  • Who can you ask to keep you accountable to applying this to your life?

 

Small Group Guide:

Open with prayer.

Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?

If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.

Prayer Time:

Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.

Staying Missional:

Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:

Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?

What’s next?

Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?