Alpha Course, Week 10

Here's a look at the worksheet for tomorrow's session.

Alpha Course, Week 10

How Can I Be Filled With The Holy Spirit?

Key Verses: Acts 10:44-46 “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”

Introduction: Outpouring of the Spirit in Acts Comes in Five Categories:

  • Longing (Pentecost — Acts 2:2-4)
  • Receptive (Samaria — Acts 8:14-23)
  • Hostile (Paul — Acts 8:1, 3; 9:1-2)
  • Uniformed (Ephesus — Acts 19:1-6)
  • Unlikely (Gentiles — Acts 10:44-47)

1. The Experienced The Power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44-45)

  • The experience is different for everyone (Acts 8:16, Romans 5:5, Ephesians 3:14-19)
  • Fruits of the Spirit

2. They Were Released in Praise (Acts 10:46)

  • Fear of emotion
  • All relationships should involve emotions
  • Private versus public
  • Emotion versus emotionalism

3. The Received A New Language (Acts 10:46)

  • Not all Christians speak in tongues
    • Not necessarily a sign of being filled with the Spirit
    • There are no first or second-class Christians
    • It is not the most important gift
  • What is the gift of tongues?
    • Human or angelic language (1 Corinthians 13:1)
    • A form of prayer (1 Corinthians 14:2)
    • Builds up individual
    • Transcends language barrier (1 Corinthians 14:14)
    • Speaker in full control
  • Why is it helpful?
    • Praise/worship
    • Praying for oneself
    • Praying for others
  • Does the New Testament approve? (1 Corinthians 14)
    • Context: excessive public use
    • Nevertheless… (1 Corinthians 14:5, 18, 39)
    • Private versus public
  • How do we receive this gift?
    • Eagerly desire (1 Corinthians 14:1)
    • Ask God
    • Co-operate with the Spirit
    • Believe
    • Persevere

Conclusion: Three Common Hindrances (Luke 11:9-13)

  • Doubt (Luke 11:9-10)
  • Fear (Luke 11:11-13)
  • Inadequacy (Luke 11:13)

Discussion Questions:

1. Nicky gives five examples of situations where the Holy Spirit reaches people. What category do you fall into?

2. The Apostle Paul was resistant to the Holy Spirit at first but became transformed by the Spirit in his ministry. What do you take from that example?

3. Nicky talks about our emotional response to God. What role do you think emotion plays in our relationship with God and response to the Holy Spirit?

4. Nicky talks about three common hindrances to receiving the Holy Spirit. What do you think about those categories? How does that relate to your experience? Which do you struggle with the most?

5. Nicky talks a lot about the gift of tongues in this session. What do you think about the gift of tongues and other “sign” gifts?

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