What does a Spirit-filled life look like? What type of behaviors are signs that the Holy Spirit is filling and guiding a believer in Jesus Christ? Different denominations, churches, pastors and theologians answer this differently: speaking in tongues, prophesying, exegetical preaching, signs and wonders, raising hands while singing, avoiding sin, etc... I don't plan on solving any theological debates here. Instead, I'd like to look at the first act committed by Peter when he was filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts 2.
Acts 2:14 says, "But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them." Divided tongues, mighty sound, speaking in other tongues, mocking by some, and Peter stands up to make a speech. This is an extremely noteworthy moment. Prior to this event was several history-altering years of Jesus' ministry on earth. Prior to Jesus there had been centuries of perceived silence from God. In a relatively short amount of time- just a few years- we have the coming of Messiah and then the pouring out of the Comforter. This is monumental to say the least. So, what needs to be communicated right out of the gate? What is of first importance to say when Peter is first filled with the Holy Spirit?
Peter sets the context for what he is about to say. It is found in Joel, it references the pouring out of the Spirit, and the result is "that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Peter lets them know that what is happening is not a surprise, but is something that God has had in mind from the very beginning. He already planned the event they are partaking in, and yet some are missing it and mocking God's hand at work. Next, Peter reveals how it is "that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." He doesn't pull any punches as he describes exactly how God has orchestrated events to bring about this salvation. He says, "Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." He reveals their own guilt in the murdering of Messiah. Their reaction is not to stone him or leave, but they were pierced to the heart and began asking "What shall we do?"
Acts 2:38-39:
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 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."
It is not a political message, a call for human reconciliation, a call to "go green," or a quote from Oprah. He communicates that Jesus was killed by them because of their sin, and that they need to repent and have faith (baptism in the NT is often equated with obedience and faith- for more listen to my message on Baptism).
So, what does a life sealed by the Holy Spirit look like? Again and again the book of Acts reveals that someone who is filled with the Spirit will proclaim the Gospel with boldness. They will preach what Peter preached in Acts 2:23-24, that "Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it." Amen!
Let's go and do likewise.