Acts 1:4-8 - We Need the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:4-8 - We Need the Holy SpiritSeries: Disciple Makers Preacher: Simon LawrensonSunday MorningDate: 20th January 2017Passage: Acts 1:4-8-------------------Simon’s sermon, centred on John 20:21-22, explores the vital role of the Holy Spirit in discipleship and mission. He begins by setting the emotional context of the passage, describing the disciples’ fear and confusion following Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Simon then focuses on Jesus’ words, “Receive the Holy Spirit,” connecting this to the promise of the Father mentioned in Acts 1:4-8 and the idea of discipleship and mission.The speaker traces the Holy Spirit’s work throughout Scripture, from the Old Testament to Jesus’ teachings, emphasising that the Spirit’s coming Marks a new era for believers. Simon cautions against neglecting the Holy Spirit in favour of an overemphasis on Scripture, quoting Francis Chan’s warning about the church becoming irrelevant when it’s “purely a human creation.”A key point in the sermon is the need for continual filling of the Holy Spirit. Simon cites multiple examples from Acts where disciples were repeatedly filled with the Spirit, including Peter in Acts 4:8 and 4:31. He relates this to Paul’s instruction in Ephesians 5:18 to “be filled with the Spirit,” explaining that this is an ongoing process due to our tendency to “leak,” as D.L. Moody put it.Simon strongly connects the Holy Spirit’s power to the mission of spreading the Gospel. He emphasises that the Spirit’s anointing is not for personal benefit or show, but for empowerment to bring God’s Kingdom wherever believers go. The speaker provides historical examples of Spirit-filled revivals and movements that led to significant social change, such as the Welsh revival and the Jesus Movement.The sermon concludes with a challenge to yield control to the Holy Spirit. Simon stresses that this is the only condition for receiving the Spirit’s anointing, citing Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24 about serving only one master. He urges listeners to present themselves to God as “instruments for righteousness” (Romans 6:13), making a decisive step to allow themselves to be used for God’s purposes.Throughout the sermon, Simon maintains a tone of urgency and conviction, frequently using rhetorical questions to engage his audience. He balances theological depth with practical application, encouraging believers to seek a daily, fresh filling of the Holy Spirit and to surrender control in all aspects of their lives.