The Arrival of the "Helper"

Sunday, January 12, 2025

INTRO

In the month of January, we are reflecting on important take-away’s and themes in the book of Acts, with each lesson written by a different teacher from one of our house churches. This lesson was written by Pastor Rick Scott.

The Book of Acts is not just another one of sixty-six books of the Bible, but a book that highlights and describes how God established His divine kingdom on earth, through humanity. In fact, God has been guiding and interacting with the human race since creation. Throughout the Book of Acts, we see how the Spirit of Christ inhabits our lives and implements His plan for our lives.

READ

Question to consider as we read:

Throughout the book of Acts, how do we see God establishing His Kingdom on earth?

Acts 2:1–4 CSB

1 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them.

Acts 4:8–10 CSB

8 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders: 9 If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man, by what means he was healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing here before you healthy.

Acts 9:1–5 CSB

1 Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied.

Acts 10:44–45 CSB

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.

Acts 13:1–3 CSB

1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.

EXAMINE

Is the book about the Acts of the Apostles or the Acts of the Holy Spirit?

#1 | Throughout scripture, we see a progression to the way God guides and provides His presence to His people

God provides guidance and direction externally

Pillar of Cloud / Pillar of Fire - Exodus 13:17–22

God becomes accessible by His local presence

The Holy Temple - 1 Kings 6:11-13

God inhabits His people by His Holy Spirit

John 14:15–20 “If you love me, you will keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. 17 He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you. 18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live too. 20 On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you.”

#2 | So, the book of Acts is a front-row seat to a crucial step in God’s redemptive plan

God is establishing His Kingdom on earth at the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As promised, God sends His “Helper” to launch the process.

John 15:26–27 ““When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—he will testify about me. 27 You also will testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.”

Today, God continues to build His Divine Kingdom here on Earth through us

Our individual callings include specific giftings, abilities, and visions which Jesus allots to us for coming missions (Ephesians 4:7-8)

We should expect hard / soft opposition along the path of life, to include hardship, tribulation, demonic interference, and loss. (But Jesus has overcome it all on our behalf!)

We should also expect God to show up in our circumstances - expect His Holy Spirit to guide us in fulfilling Gods will

This looks like divine assistance, kingdom insights, Godly influence in relationships, and divine power through the Gifts of the Spirit

Our Acts for His Kingdom will change the world for Christ!

REFLECT

Let’s take a moment to pray

Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight and draw our attention to what He wants us to see and understand today

APPLY

Explore and apply the passage with these questions:

[Allow the conversation to go where people take it - we want people to feel the liberty to explore the topics of the passage that stand out to them. Select the questions from below that you think are right for the conversation, or add your own. Questions should be focused, yet open-ended. Wherever the conversation goes, help your group “land the plane” on the core idea of the lesson when you wrap up.]

Describe a time when you chose to obey/follow God and experienced soft or hard opposition. What did you notice about the opposition?

Describe a time when you experienced divine assistance in a situation or circumstance or relationship.

Which miracle or divine intervention stands out to you in the Book of Acts?

Where we want to “land the plane”

Throughout the Book of Acts, we see how the Spirit of Christ inhabits our lives and implements His plan for our lives. God continues to “partner” with people - with us - to carry out His mission of redemption. When we dedicate ourselves to the spread of God’s Kingdom, by living in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be sure that the fruit of our efforts will withstand and survive the final day of Judgement (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

Application question for the Week

[Encourage people to provide an answer now, if they are able - to provide an opportunity for accountability and praise reports the following week.]

What did you take away from today’s lesson and how will you apply it this week?