Under the Influence

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?” 

Acts 2:1-8 (NIV)

“Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”

Acts 2:13 (NIV)

• SALVATION CHANGES OWNERSHIP, BUT SURRENDER CHANGES MANAGEMENT!

1. UNDER THE INFLUENCE, THEY BECAME EMPOWERED.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you...”

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

• EMPOWERMENT IS A RESULT OF INFLUENCE, NOT IMPRESSION.

2. UNDER THE INFLUENCE, THEY BECAME ENTRUSTED.

“It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our

qualification comes from God.”

2 Corinthians 3:5 (NLT)

• IF THE ASSIGNMENT IS LIGHT ENOUGH TO CARRY WITHOUT GOD, THEN IT’S NOT GOD’S ASSIGNMENT.

3. UNDER THE INFLUENCE, THEY BECAME ENVISIONED.

“Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

Acts 1:6 (NIV)

• THE HOLY SPIRIT DOESN’T JUST CHANGE BEHAVIOR — HE ENLARGES VISION.

VICTORY GROUP QUESTIONS

1. What areas of your life need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit?

2. What has God entrusted to you that requires dependence on the Holy Spirit?

3. Has your spiritual vision expanded beyond yourself?

4. What currently has the greatest influence over your life?