THIS IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK

Series: This Is That | Pastor Daniel Norris

Text: Acts 2:14-18 (ESV)

“Peter… lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel…”

“I am here before you as one of the biggest conundrums in the world. There never was a weaker man on the platform. Language? None. Inability, full of it. All natural things in my life point exactly opposite to my being able to stand on the platform and preach the gospel. The secret is that the Holy Ghost came…” – Smith Wigglesworth 

We miss out on the things we misunderstand. Many have missed the promise of the Holy Spirit because they misunderstood it.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8, ESV)

“And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:2–4, ESV).

“What does this mean?”

“This is that.” (Acts 2:16, KJV)

Three misunderstandings that cause people to miss out on the promise.

1. THIS IS NOT FOOLISHNESS. IT IS FULFILLMENT.

Acts 2:15 (ESV) 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day…But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 

What the people called foolishness, Peter called fulfillment.

He said, “This is That…”

– That the Old Testament Prophesied (Joel 2:28)

– That Jesus Promised (John 14:16)

– That Peter Preached (Acts 2:28)

– That Paul Proclaimed (1 Cor 14:1)

– That the early church Practiced 

Pentecost was not meant to be a moment in history but a movement through history.

The Misuse of a promise does not erase the promise.

2. THIS IS NOT FOR THE FEW. IT IS FOR “ALL FLESH”

Acts 2:17 (ESV) “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh”

Does that mean me?

39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Acts 2:39 (ESV)

Ordinary life has a way of producing battles where ordinary strength is not enough.

There will be days…

– Days when you need power beyond your will.

– Days when you need boldness in your witness.

– Days when you need help in your warfare.

– Days when You need wisdom in your walk.

You need God at work in your world.

The Holy Spirit was not given so church could become more exciting. The Holy Spirit was given so believers could become empowered!

3. THIS IS NOT A DENOMINATION. IT IS DUNAMIS.

“But you will receive power…” (Acts 1:8, ESV)

“dunamis” – a divine enablement. Heaven’s ability entering human weakness.

The question is whether or not you are willing to live a powerless christian experience when Jesus offered power.

How do I receive? 

Peter said “repent and believe” (Acts 2:37).

Jesus said “ask and receive” (Luke 11:12).

“I am not moved by what I see. I am not moved by what I feel. I am moved only by what I believe.” – Smith Wigglesworth