Untitled Sermon

The Lord of the New Kingdom: Jesus' Instructions for a Restored Israel

Bible Passage: Acts 1:1–5

Summary: In Acts 1:1–5, Luke recounts the post-resurrection instructions of Jesus to His disciples, emphasizing their mission and the promise of the Holy Spirit. This passage outlines how Jesus is establishing His new kingdom, restoring Israel's purpose, and empowering His followers for the task ahead.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand the significance of Jesus’ authority and His intention for them to be active participants in God's kingdom. As they grasp their role in this divine mission, individuals will find encouragement to live out their faith boldly, awaiting the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Teaching: The sermon could teach that Jesus is the authoritative figure in establishing God’s new kingdom and that His instructions are vital for the believers’ lives today. Believers are called to recognize their identity in God's redemptive story and actively engage in the mission of the church.

How this passage could point to Christ: In this context, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the promises made to Israel, heralding a new era where He reigns as Lord, thus bridging the Old and New Testaments. His resurrection signifies the inauguration of God’s kingdom, where Jews and Gentiles together are invited into a restored relationship with Him.

Big Idea: Recognizing Jesus as the Lord of the New Kingdom empowers us to fulfill our mission in a restored Israel, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, you might explore the nuances of Luke's writing style and thematic emphasis in Acts, particularly focusing on the historical context of Israel's restoration. Consider researching the role of the Holy Spirit in this passage and how it relates to the broader themes of empowerment throughout the Book of Acts. Use your Logos library to examine commentaries that discuss these specific dynamics and how they have been interpreted in church history.

1. Proclaiming the Kingdom's King

Acts 1:1-2

Introduce Jesus as the living embodiment of the fulfilled prophecies and show how through His actions He proclaimed the kingdom of God. Emphasize that His resurrection was not the end but the beginning of a new era. Perhaps discuss the authority He possesses and how that authority is passed through His commands to His apostles. Jesus' role as the inaugurator of God's new kingdom should inspire believers to recognize the continuity of God's plan and their place in it, empowered to act on His behalf.

2. Preparing the Kingdom's People

Acts 1:3

Maybe focus on Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and teachings over forty days. This time confirmed to the disciples the truth of His resurrection and the reality of the coming kingdom. Present how this period was purposefully allotted by Jesus to equip His followers for the mission ahead. This assurance and teaching from Jesus must be something believers today can hold onto as a foundation for their faith and mission.

3. Powering the Kingdom's Mission

Acts 1:4-5

Discuss how Jesus instructed His apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit, the essential empowerment for the mission. You could emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling the Great Commission. Stress that the same Spirit given to Jesus' followers continues to empower believers today, calling them to a vital role in the mission of God’s kingdom. This ensures that the task they have been given is not by their strength but by divine enablement.