Acts 2:14-21

October 21, 2001  

The Spirit Making Us Willing, Able and Secure

Preaching can be intimidating at times. Last century the “Prince of Preachers” Charles Spurgeon founded a Preacher’s college to train young men to be ready at all times to proclaim God’s Word. The school had a tradition of giving students a text right on the spot and having them preach it to Mr. Spurgeon and the staff. That would be a very intimidating congregation, to say the least. On one particular day a student was given Luke 19 and told to preach a sermon about Zacchaeus, the pint-sized swindler who climbed a tree to see Jesus. The student mounted the pulpit, facing the austere group and said,  

“My sermon has three points. Zacchaeus was of little stature; so am I. Zacchaeus was up a tree, so am I. Zacchaeus came down; so will I.” And he sat down.

Sermon’s under pressure often speak volumes about the character of the preacher and the importance of the topic. Imagine the pressure faced by Peter at Pentecost, just think of how intimidated he was when he addressed the multitudes gathered to worship at the temple that day. I wonder if Peter was intimidated that day as he addressed the crowd, for there were several hurdles he had to surmount.

• How willing was he to address the crowd as only a few weeks before this was the same man who swore up and down that he did not even know who Jesus of Nazareth was?
• What about his ability to preach, facing a crowd accusing him and his cohorts of drunkenness?
• What could this poor fisherman say to devout Jews gathered at the most holy spot in Judaism? What is more, his task would be to convince that they were complicit in the death of the Messiah.
• How certain could he be to explain not only Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, but also the miraculous outpouring of the Spirit resulting in the believers proclaiming the gospel to those who had gathered?

Up to this point Christ has commissioned his Apostles to be the witnesses to all he said and did and then ascended to heaven. Those Apostles in turn gathered all the believers together to pray, determine God’s choice to replace the traitor Judas. Shortly after this, as the believers were gathered together, God the Holy Spirit descended upon them like a mighty wind and in the likeness of tongues of fire. They then spoke in other languages, proclaiming all which God has done.

Many of these events are once for all occurrences. The ascension of Christ is not replicated nor is the addition to the apostolic band. The signs of the coming Holy Spirit, the rushing wind or the tongues of fire, also were not to be duplicated as the Spirit came but once and remained. Yet what is recorded here is for our benefit and continues on in the church to this day. The apostles and prophets are still the only foundation for that which we proclaim today. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowering us to proclaim God’s grace is also for us today. For this reason it is very helpful to read and learn from this important passage of Scripture to see what God has done and what God is doing still in the lives of those that are his. In our passage this morning we will look at Peter’s first sermon, the explanation he gives to those gathered for Pentecost. READ Acts 2:14-21

The work of the Spirit in Peter as he proclaims God’s grace shows us that the power of the Spirit makes us willing, makes us able and makes us sure.

The Spirit’s Power makes us willing     v14a

The opening grabs our attention, pointing to God’s work in his people’s lives. Notice v14 “then Peter stood up” That short statement says much about how God works to make the unwilling to respond.

If there ever was an inadequate leader, the wrong choice for chief apostle, it was Peter. He is a hero to all of us who must face our inadequacies. But facing our inadequacy is never something we like to do, but if we desire to be used by God, to give God glory, to extend his kingdom, it is necessary. Here’s a wonderful illustration of God’s grace at work in a ruined and reclaimed sinner. 

When Jesus called Peter several years before, Peter responded ... not knowing what would happen in his life. He was not an extraordinary guy, a working man, following in the family business of fishing. He was not upwardly mobile, not on the fast track – but Christ called him.

Peter is fun because he’s an impulsive guy, the self confident sort who can tackle any problem. Inadequacy was not part of his vocabulary ... at first. He was willing to do whatever he wanted to do. But when push came to shove, he was unwilling to risk it all to follow Christ.

The story should be familiar. Jesus is arrested. Peter, resting on his own effort, fights the battle, draws the sword, but only instills a minor blow, a severed ear. When Jesus tells him to stop, Peter hides in the shadows, following from a distance. Peter, who vowed he would never deny Jesus, even if the rest turn away, is himself soon confronted by a terrifying figure of ... a servant girl. In the darkness of the flickering light of the fire, Peter’s inadequacy shines bright. He denies knowing Jesus, unwilling to identify himself as a follower of Jesus.

Overwhelmed by discouragement, falling headlong into despair, he flies deep into the night, weeping. Inadequate to face a simple test, he sees himself for what he really is. A coward, unwilling to proclaim devotion for his friend.

It has been said, "God only fills empty vessels" and with Peter, God makes the unwilling to will..

Now broken, Jesus, after his resurrection, meets Peter on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and shows Peter the depth of his forgiveness. Peter’s usefulness is measure not by his own adequacy, but by God’s power. Into that broken life, into that one who has come to the end of himself, the Spirit’s power pours in like a flood to make even willing the unwilling. When Peter sees his own inadequacy, he can then see God’s sufficiency.

What has happened to the man? Pentecost. God’s power. Being filled with the Spirit had happened. Now transformed, Peter appears different because he is different.

There is nothing like failure to highlight our inability and, in turn, makes us unwilling to try again.

Think of a time when you tried to share the gospel with that friend. You may have rehearsed the spiel, certain that right then and there God would grab their heart and mind and they would profess faith in Christ as Savior. But that’s not what happened is it? Instead they sneered, the laughed ... or worse ... they just ignored you. How willing were you a week later to speak of the work of Christ. When you fail, when you see your sin, it is all too easy to conclude that it just isn’t worth it.

Perhaps you’ve wrestled with sin in your life. Constant failure seems to plague you as thoughts race through your mind which you know are displeasing to God, your actions only bring shame. Over time you quickly become unwilling to even try. Giving in to sin is easier that that protracted struggle. Sin and get the guilt over with... you think. You no longer have the will to will.

Then God breaks in. The work of the Holy Spirit shows you your sin ... then shows you something far better than how to manage your sin more effectively – God the Spirit shows you Christ and the Spirit makes you to will to look to Him for all your help, your hope. But it’s one thing to move from reluctance to enthusiasm. But now the question is not “will you” but “can you.”

The Spirit’s Presence make us able                  v14b-18

The Spirit’s presence makes us able to respond

In verse 14, Luke tells us "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd." The picture Luke paints for us is that the commotion raised by the tongue-speaking and the noise started in the Upper Room, had attracted a giant crowd to the Temple courtyard. Peter takes the lead and he stands up to address the crowd. Luke uses a technical term to describe Peter's standing up in the fashion of a formal orator. Reminiscent of an Old Testament prophet, Peter addresses the crowd. The term translated by the NIV as "addressed" is a term that suggests a "Spirit inspired utterance,” which is simply a clear proclamation of God’s Word applied to people.

Despite his history, Peter speaks with authority. Not only is Peter’s heart changed, but also his mind. But before he explains what is happening, he first refutes their mocking.

He knows how to handle hecklers. He takes his cue from the scoffers’ charge of public drunkenness. Notice he denies this charge, not on the basis that none of them ever touched wine, but on the fact that it was too early in the morning – only 9 a.m. It was not only untrue, it was unreasonable. What they saw was not because of spirits, but the Spirit.

The Spirit’s presence makes us able to understand

The work of the Spirit renews his mind, causing him to see how the Scriptures point to the completed work of Christ – Peter is now both willing to speak, but also shows an ability  to understand.

Peter would write of this new, Spirit inspired, Christ centered understanding of God’s Word in 1 Peter 1:10-12. With the work of Christ as the central focus of Scripture. What is more, it is the work of the Holy Spirit who points to Christ (11) and it is the Spirit who is at work when you hear the Word expounded (12). We mistakenly imagine that the supernatural events of Pentecost was the wind and fire, but the power of the Spirit is most clearly seen in illumination.  

Peter, now able to understand, makes the connection in v16 – “this is what was spoken.“

Peter uses a rabbinical form of exegesis called pesher, a technical formula which begins with the statement “this is that” to explain prophecy. What was just witnessed is what Joel meant.

Whenever you see an Old Testament quoted, turn back to examine the context. Joel wrote when disaster came upon Israel. There had been a locust invasion, every green thing in the land was destroyed. In a rural, agricultural economy this was an extremely serious event, it was life or death for most people. Joel doesn’t sugar coat the event, saying, “The sun will come out tomorrow, every cloud has silver lining, don’t worry...”

Rather he says that the locusts are just a picture of a worse time that will come to those who refuse to repent. But in the midst of all this gloom, Joel points to what happens when we are willing and able to see our sin, repent and turn to God. Then God will restore what the locusts have eaten. There is going to be a time when God blesses the people so that they will be satisfied. This is where Peter picks up on Joel’s prophecy.

What does this passage tell us about what just happened? What is the connection between the events of Joel 2 and the powerful work of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2? Three points here:

• There is a universal flood

Joel promises that God will “pour out” his Spirit. This is a term for a torrential downpour, a cloud burst. This is not a drizzle or a slow drip. God’s work of grace, his generosity in making the unwilling to will to obey and then enabling the unable is seen in this promise.

• There is a universal flood on all people

The Holy Spirit will no longer selectively indwell God’s people, but come on all. Before the Spirit was identified with specific, special people: prophets, priests and kings. Now, irrespective of social status, gender, office and age – all receive the indwelling Spirit.

The sign of tongues of fire in v3 points this out, as the fire rests on each one of them. The bold proclamation likewise appears to fall on each one of the 120 believers.

In Numbers 11:29 Moses expressed the desire which was fulfilled on Pentecost.

Now the Spirit of God is poured out in abundance upon the whole church, not just the leaders. The Bible clearly declares that all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are kings, priests, and prophets. In 1 Peter 2:9 we read, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

• There is a universal flood on all people who will prophesy

What happens when the Spirit is poured out like this on people? A seemingly very un-Presbyterian event – they all become prophets. Joel piles up the synonymous terms here as he describes prophesy, visions and dreams.

What does this mean for us? Immediately we consider the idea of a prophet whose special ability is most clearly seen in foretelling the future. But don’t forget, what Peter describes here is universal. This is not the place to go to in order to prove that Evangelist Prophet Fred on cable has a special gift. The promise here is it is universal. This begs the question – what does this outpouring of the Spirit look like.

Prophecy is God speaking, making himself known by his Word. That promise, continuing while the Apostles were still alive, with the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, that foundation now laid is final. But now we continue this prophetic ministry, each and every one of us as we proclaim God’s truth. And we are made both willing and able to do so by the indwelling Spirit.

Jeremiah 31:34 promises that no longer will one man teach another, but each will know the Lord, from the least to the greatest. Prophecy is the knowledge of God, through Christ which the Holy Spirit brings to light through God’s Word.

The work of the Holy Spirit is not to produce awesome manifestations of power which will thrill and excite us. The ability God grants is not a Christianize version of TV’s Cleo with her tarot cards wanting you to call her now for your free reading. Such theatrics cause a stir and soon loose their appeal. Rather the powerful work of the Spirit of God is to take the Word of God and point us to the work of the Son of God. Peter is not saying, “this is what I think Joel means...” nor is he misusing the Scriptures to justify what is happening. Rather than a random, self-centered application, Peter points us to Christ.  You know you are hearing Spirit enabled preaching when you hear Christ-centered preaching. You are kings and priests and prophets as well. Speak for God has filled you.

The Spirit’s Promise makes us sure                  v19-21

The Spirit’s promise makes us sure of events

What about these wonders described here? Is Peter wrong in interpreting Joel, for where do we see the universal wonders in heaven and signs on the earth? To make sense out of all of this, it is important to keep in mind the events surrounding Christ's crucifixion just seven weeks earlier. The gospels tell us that at the time of Christ's death, there was a tremendous darkness (the sky was black at mid-day) and that a great earthquake had shaken Jerusalem. Matthew gives the account of tombs broke open, and resurrected dead appeared throughout the city. We are told that the Roman guards were terrified, and that the temple veil was torn from top to bottom. The signs recorded here are fulfilled in the events surrounding our Lord's death upon the cross. This is what was in the mind and memory of the crowd when Peter spoke.

But according to Peter, there is a time coming in which such cosmic signs and interruptions of the natural order will appear again, and that is when Jesus Christ himself returns from heaven. In our Lord's own teaching about his return to judge the world and raise the dead, he is clear that cosmic signs will accompany his return on the great and glorious day of the Lord. Thus the Day of the Lord is that time that when Jesus Christ returns to earth. Here Peter has no qualms about indicating that such signs as the crowds have already seen at the time that Christ died, will again accompany Jesus Christ's return to the earth on the Day of the Lord. The "last days" which begin at Pentecost, will end on the "last day"-- known in Scripture as the "Day of the Lord Jesus Christ." Thus the cosmic signs the Jews had already seen when Christ died upon the cross, point ahead to a frightening day, when Jesus Christ will bodily return from heaven in judgement, as the sky rolls up like a scroll.

The Spirit’s promise makes us sure of our standing before God

In November of 1975 the huge freighter Edmond Fitzgerald sank in the cold waters of Lake Superior during a fierce storm. Only a week before the tragedy, the chief steward Robert Rafferty sent a postcard to his wife in Toledo, Ohio. He wrote, "I may be home by November 8. However, nothing is ever sure." The irony of his words was noted by the Detroit Free Press in an article listing the names of the 28 other crew members who perished in the disaster.

In this life, nothing is sure. But we have here a promise from God of the greatest certainty. Unfortunately, we miss the certainty in the midst of the spectacular. 

What is the key in the outpouring of the Spirit? We gravitate to the spectacular and miss the eternal. We love the tongues and miss the gospel, we go for blood, fire and smoke and miss the forgiveness of sins. The purpose of the Spirit is to apply the promise from Joel – see v21. There is now confidence that if we call on Christ, look toward him – we will be saved.

That confidence may be yours today. That certainty to know that God will take your unwilling heart and set it free to obey, he will take that mind cluttered with confusing thought and enable you to know Christ and in turn, tell others what it means to have your life transformed by God’s grace. The benefit of all that is the certainty that our relationship with God is established if we trust Christ. 

We read of this promise earlier in Romans 10.

Paul describes his countrymen as those who are zealous for God, but lack the understanding. Earnestness is never a substitute for truth. Rather than trying to establish your own record before God, trying to demonstrate that your really are not that bad – instead, look outside yourself, know that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the Lord God of the universe. What is more, he died for the sins of his people, was raised from the dead – and God will declare you just.

But that passage continues on. Read Romans 10:13-15. In order for people to believe, they must hear. They must be told. That is what we must now proclaim.