Curriculum

Dive Deeper

Unstoppable (Part 4)

Charles Lim

INTRODUCTION

Pentecost was set against the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that allowed the people of different tongues understand each other’s languages (Acts 2:1-13). They were so amazed and perplexed that some thought they were drunk.

Against this setting, the disciple Peter stepped forward to address the crowd (Acts 2:14-37). The choice of Peter may have been a strange one to some. This was the same Peter who had denied knowing Christ three times (Luke 22:31-34). However, all this was already known to Christ. Jesus had prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail and be able to strengthen his brothers.

Peter denied Christ but this was not the end of his story. With the transformational power of the Holy Spirit, Peter was able to step forward to give the first ‘sermon’ on Pentecost.

DISCUSSION

  1. Read Acts 2:17-21. Pentecost was the fulfilment of a prophecy by the prophet Joel (Joel 2:28-32): 17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

    a. To whom is the Holy Spirit promised? What is He promised to do?

    b. What is the point of the promise? How, if so, has it changed today?

  2. Read John 16:7-15 and Galatians 5:13-26.

    a. What does the Bible say about being transformed by the Holy Spirit?

    b. Have you ever experienced transformation by the Holy Spirit (however small or big)?’ What transformation in your life are you hoping that the Holy Spirit will effect today?

  3. Read Acts 2:22-36. Peter’s sermon provides the story of Christ in a nutshell.

    a. What was the people’s response to Peter’s sermon? Have you ever had a similar reaction to the story of Christ?

    b. Where was the Holy Spirit in this incident? How do you know what He was doing?

    c.  Remember the changes that Peter went through. What is your current response to the story of Christ? As a group, pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal the relevance and power of Christ’s story to you today.

WHAT WILL YOU DO

The transformational power of the Holy Spirit has been poured out on you for God’s definite plan for you. No one is left out unless they choose to be left out. God knows beforehand of our weaknesses and failings, but he still has a plan to empower us with the Holy Spirit. Would you choose not to be left out?

MEMORY VERSE

But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” – Titus 3:4-7 NIV