The book of Acts can also be considered as the Acts of the Holy Spirit. Let us look at the role of the Holy Spirit over the book of Acts and see how much was done through the Holy Spirit

1. The Power Of The Holy Spirit

Acts 1:4-5
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

Jesus commanded them to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit. What would have happened if they did not wait for the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The power of the Holy Spirit was to help them to Witness.

Acts 4:31
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Prayer for boldness- They got filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke boldly.What can we do to get filled with the Holy spirit and to speak boldly. Pray!

Acts 5:3
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit. When we sin we sin against the Holy Spirit. Let us not do things against the Holy Spirit.

Acts 5:32
We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

Holy Spirit is given to those who obey. People who claim to have Holy Spirit but do not obey God are probably having some spirit other than the Holy Spirit!

2. Be Full Of The Holy Spirit

Acts 6:3
Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them

Selection of the 7-the important critieria of selection was that they were known to be full of the Holy Spirit.(What is the common qualification for handling responsibilities in church).

Acts 6:5
This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism.

Stephen is known to be full of the Holy Spirit (qualification) (Vs Filled with other spirits-selfishness,anger, bitterness)

Acts 7:51
You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!

Are we resisting the Holy Spirit - or in step with the Holy Spirit.(What are the ways we can be resisting the Holy Spirit)

Acts 7:55
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Stephen while being persecuted and dying was still full of the Holy Sprit.(Do we retain the Holy Spirit when we are opposed for doing what is right!)

Acts 11:24
He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Barnabas-Full of Holy Spirit brought great numbers of people to the Lord. (What are we full of? Are we bringing great numbers of people to the Lord. What will be our end of life achievement)

3. Listen To The Holy Spirit

Acts 8:29
The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."

Spirit told Phillip( Let us desire to listen to the Spirit to-day!)

Acts 8:39
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Spirit took Phillip( Are we led by the Spirit to-day!)

Acts 10:19
While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you.

The Spirit spoke to Peter.... (are we listening to the Spirit..)..

Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Holy Spirit said - (while fasting listening improves and the Holy Spirit speaks!)

Acts 16:6
Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.

The Holy Spirit stopped entry to Asia. (We cannot go wherever we want -we need to where the Holy Spirit wants us to go! Some times it is good to pray - please stop us if it is not according to the Spirit) We saw the importance of the Holy Spirit in all that took place in Acts. Let us give the same importance to the Holy Spirit in our present life as well.

Acts 9:31
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

Church strengthened by the Holy Spirit. Do we pray for the Holy Sprit to strengthen the Church.