“Stay… Until…”: Embracing the Upper‑Room Moment

Sunday Sermon - April 13, 2025

Scripture Focus:

Luke 24:49 (NLT) : “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.”

Christian Life Is a Race

The Christian walk is often likened to a race—complete with a starting line, a finish line, and the many laps in between. Just as a runner expends energy and grows weary, so too do believers who press on in faith. They become thirsty, desperate for renewal. Psalm 42:1 captures this longing perfectly: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Only those running the race feel that deep thirst; spectators remain unaffected. Yet this spiritual thirst drives us straight to Jesus, the source of living water (John 7:37–39).

What It Means to Tarry

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave clear instructions: “Stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven” (Luke 24:49). To tarry isn’t merely to wait—it’s to prepare, anticipate, and unite:

• Preparation of the heart: Clearing away distractions so we can focus wholly on God.

• Expectation of the promise: Trusting in faith that the Holy Spirit will come.

• Unity in the Spirit: Gathering together in one accord (Acts 1:14).

This isn’t a passive “waiting-room” moment; it’s an Upper‑Room experience—an intentional pause to position ourselves for power.

The Power in the Waiting

Acts 2 unfolds the dramatic outcome of their obedience. As the first followers of Jesus tarried:

• A rushing sound from heaven filled the house.

• Tongues of fire rested on each believer.

• They were infused with boldness and supernatural power.

Tarrying transcends mere emotion—it’s the gateway to living a holy life, loving deeply, and serving boldly.

Reflect: Are you so eager for results that you rush past the Upper‑Room moment? Or are you willing to wait to receive the fullness of His power?

Tarry Until…

Jesus didn’t tell His disciples to wait “for a little while,” but to wait until:

• They were filled.

• They heard God’s voice.

• Spiritual chains were broken.

• Revival ignited within them.

  
  

And every promise of tarrying is guaranteed by the Spirit:

• Guidance and conviction (John 16:13)

• Power, love, and self‑discipline (2 Timothy 1:7)

• Distribution of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4–11)

• Intercession on our behalf (Romans 8:26–27)

Warnings About Resisting the Spirit

Tarrying carries responsibility. Beware of resisting the very Spirit you seek:

• Quenching the Spirit by ignoring His voice or despising prophecy (1 Thessalonians 5:19–20).

• Grieving the Spirit through bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness (Ephesians 4:30–32).

• Insulting the Spirit of grace by willful sin after knowing the truth (Hebrews 10:26–29).

Remain sensitive, obedient, and wholly surrendered to His leading.

Final Encouragement

This Palm Sunday, we’re invited back to the altar—not for a quick “microwave prayer,” but to marinate in God’s presence. Tarrying may not be the trendiest spiritual discipline, but it is absolutely essential:

• Don’t leave until you’re filled.

• Don’t leave until you’re changed.

Stay… Until…!