College Sunday School June 2nd

When were you able to do something that you thought was impossible, and what gave you the power to do it?

Grieving loss

Speaking in front of people

standing up for someone or something

The disciple were given a massive mission in Acts 1:8. In order to complete that mission, they needed power from God, which He promised he would give them. Finally we see that power come down in Acts 2 at pentecost.

When this power came down and people began speaking and hearing, what was the reaction of the doubters?

These people are drunk!

Setting

This power came first to the followers of Jesus, and we first see it really utilized by peter. Who gives his first “Sermon”.

God’s people are empowered to Proclaim Jesus Boldly

Acts 2:22–24 ESV

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

What would have made it difficult for Peter to share this message to this group, specifically?

Many Jews were still antagonistic towards Jesus and his Disciples.

They were still trying to break this movement up

What was the focus of Peter’s message?

The death and resurrection of Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s promised plan to save sinners and redeem the world.

Think about it.

Had Peter always been faithful to Jesus?

How did God deal with Peter’s sin?

What do we learn about what is needed to share the gospel through Peter’s sermon?

We are called to be Bold and clear; simplicity is key

we need to understand our culture when sharing the Gospel. (“As you yourselves know, pangs of death”)

God is at the wheel, and He has a plan.

Acts 2:25–31 ESV

25 For David says concerning him, “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.

Why do you think that Peter spoke of David here?

Jews = old testament belief/trust

Peter knew his audience

Why is it important to know our audience when spreading the Gospel?

God’s people are Empowered to Call others to Repentance

Acts 2:37–38 ESV

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “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.

Illustration: Sharp knife in the hands of Good people is Good (Chef, worker, craftsman) but in bad is bad (Vandalist, thief, terrorist, murdere)

Why do you think Peter combines repentance and baptism as a response to the Gospel?

Private and Public

Acts 2:39–41 ESV

39 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.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

The Promise of the Spirit is for EVERYONE who chooses to Believe. And through the Spirit God’s kingdom will Grow.

How does the Holy Spirit shape your life?

Creates boldness in sharing Gospel

Reminds of God’s presence

Keeps us kingdom minded

guides us

convicts us.

God’s people are empowered to live together as one

Acts 2:42–45 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

Key Doctrine to discuss: The Church as the Body of Christ

How can you be a part of building up the body in your church?

Acts 2:46–47 ESV

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Does the attitude in which you serve matter?

Response

What area of your life are you being asked to repent in today?

How is your heart pierced for what God has done for you?

How can your engagement with the body lead to Kingdom growth?