Why are we still here? (Acts 1:1-11) P1

Introductory information

The Book of Acts is the second part to the Gospel of Luke

It is a historical record of the rapid spread of the gospel across the ancient world

It defends the gospel as cross-cultural and inclusive for all people

It teaches that empowerment by the Holy Spirit is essential to the spread of the gospel

It emphasizes suffering, perseverance, Christian community, and boldness as essentials in the Christian life

Read the passage

Question to consider as we read:

“Why are we still here?” (after we are saved)

Acts 1:1–11 ESV

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Examine the passage

What are some key points in this passage?

Jesus did not send them out to preach right away, but told them to wait for the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:4-5 “And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.””

In our day, we do not need to wait for the Holy Spirit’s arrival, we have already received Him at the moment of salvation

Eph 1:13 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,”

Jesus told them not to worry about timing and details beyond what He had told them

Acts 1:7 “He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.”

Jesus made it clear they would work by the Holy Spirit’s power and not their own

Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.””

The Holy Spirit not only empowers us with supernatural gifts, but also covers for our weakness and limitations

John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

“The Holy Spirit does not obliterate a man’s personality; he lifts it to its highest use.” - Oswald Chambers

Jesus would return, but the disciples weren’t to just stand around and wait for him

Acts 1:11 “and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.””

This passage in Matthew helps frame the conversations we just read between Jesus and his followers

Matt 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

Apply the passage

[Pose the following questions for group discussion, offering the suggested answers only if the group has nothing to say or drifts too far off topic]

What are the “big ideas” you see in this passage?

Suggested “big ideas” to offer if needed:

Spreading the Gospel through the world is the reason we are still here

We cannot spread the gospel without the power of the Holy Spirit

How do these ideas apply in your life?

Suggested application to offer if needed:

Advancing the gospel needs to become the central purpose of my life

What is your next step?

Suggested next step to offer if needed:

I need to daily wait on the Holy Spirit - submitting myself to be led and empowered by Him

Reflect on the lesson

Prayer Point

Pray that the Holy Spirit would empower us and give us courage to proclaim the gospel to those around us

Devotional Question

How do you need to re-prioritize your life around the gospel?