Luke 24:49

Introduction: Last week I spoke to you about ‘getting a little closer.’

This week I want to encourage you to ‘staying a little longer.’

In Luke 24:49, (And I will come back to this passage at the end) Jesus tells his disciples to ‘tarry’

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” (Luk 24:49 NLT)

Question: What can possibly come from ‘staying a little longer?’

Tarry / Stay / = Meaning:  1) to make to sit down 1a) to set, appoint, to confer a kingdom on one 2) intransitively 2a) to sit down 2b) to sit 2b1) to have fixed one’s abode 2b2) to sojourn, to settle, settle down.

Question: What can possibly come from ‘staying a little longer?’

Transition: Let me start with Luke 10:38-42.

Question: What was Martha thinking? What might have been her purpose? Motive? Intentions? Hopes?

1. Spiritual Renewal / Refreshing – Luke 10:38-42

While Martha was busy serving (and rightfully so, Jesus said Mary had ‘chosen what was better.’

Jesus said that Martha was ‘worried and upset about many things.’

Application: We need to stay a little longer with Jesus as opposed to worrying about so many other things.

Transition: What else might come when we ‘wait a little longer?’

1. Acts of Worship

In all 4 Gospels we find the narrative of a woman who brings alabaster of expensive ointment and pours it on Jesus’ feet.

Luke 7:37-39

• A broken, sobbing, unknown, sinful woman.

What she did was an act of worship!

Application: When you ‘stay a little longer with Jesus,’ worship will ‘grow and flow.’

Worship = the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration.

Nancy Kay Grace:

1. Worship clarifies my (understanding) vision of who God is.
2. Changes our perspective.
3. Strengthens our heart.
4. It reassures us of His presence (especially when we’re down).
5. Produces peace and joy.

Ways to worship?

• Singing / Dancing
• Prayer
• Thanksgiving
• Confession
• Service

Transition: So, I want to encourage you to ‘stay a little longer’ in worship.

Transition: The third ‘benefit’of ‘staying a little longer is in preparation for temptations and struggles.

1. Preparation for Temptations and Challenges

Matthew 26:40, 41

Application: We get tired! We get weary! We get anxious! We tend to worry! We fret about circumstances! Etc.

1. Jesus says, ‘Watch and Pray’

Application: The disciples were about to be faced with the greatest challenges they would ever know. Jesus tells them to ‘stay awake,’ to ‘be sober’ and to pray!

• ‘Spirit is willing, flesh is weak’

Willing = ready

Flesh = sarx. Weak = without strength.

Application: We need to stay a little longer in our time in prayer / worship / fellowship in preparation for temptations and challenges.

Transition: Lastly, as I told you I would, I return to Luke 24:49 and then the Book of Acts chapters 1 & 2.

1. Spiritual Power / Authority / Anointing for Service– Acts 1:8 & 2:1-5

Luke 24:49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” (Luk 24:49 NLT)

Tarry / Stay / = Meaning:  1) to make to sit down 1a) to set, appoint, to confer a kingdom on one 2) intransitively 2a) to sit down 2b) to sit 2b1) to have fixed one’s abode 2b2) to sojourn, to settle, settle down.

I want to look at a couple of different settings to discuss what/where/why we need to ‘stay a little longer.’

• For Life
• For Ministry

Conclusion: I am wanting to encourage us to ‘get a little closer’ and ‘stay a little longer.’