The Promise of the Spirit
Notes
Transcript
Text: Acts 1:1–11
Series: The Holy Spirit and the Church
Date: May 11 (Mother’s Day)
Introduction:
Introduction:
Today, we begin a new series—The Holy Spirit and the Church—and it’s fitting that it begins on Mother’s Day. While this is not a traditional “Mother’s Day” sermon, I want to recognize something powerful: many of us are here today because a faithful woman—perhaps a mother or grandmother—planted seeds of God’s Word in our hearts. And we are told in the Word of God that “Faith comes by hearing, hearing the Word of God.” We thank God for those in our life that brings the Word of God to our ears. AMEN
But the kind of faith that takes root and grows comes not from our efforts alone—it comes from the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 1, we see Jesus preparing His disciples for a mission they could never accomplish on their own. He tells them to wait—not to act—until they receive the promised Holy Spirit.
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.”
1. The Mission Continues (vv. 1–3)
1. The Mission Continues (vv. 1–3)
"In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach..." (v.1)
Luke, the author of Acts, reminds us that the work of Jesus didn’t end with His ascension. Acts is the record of what Jesus continues to do—through the Holy Spirit working in His people.
49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
Key Point: The church is not a human organization—it’s a Spirit-empowered movement that continues Jesus’ mission.
Application: This includes us. Whether you’re a mom raising kids, a student wondering about your purpose, or a retiree praying for your family—if you belong to Christ, you are part of His continuing mission.
2. The Promise is Power (vv. 4–8)
2. The Promise is Power (vv. 4–8)
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses..." (v.8)
Jesus didn’t say, "Go and try your best." He said, "Wait for the Spirit, then go."
The promise is not just for leadership. It's not just for special occasions. It’s for every believer, and the power of the Spirit is not for self-glory—it’s for witness.
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.
29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,
17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.
16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,
Key Word – Power (Greek: dynamis):
possession of controlling influence; often understood as manifesting influence over reality in a supernatural manner.
Application: What do you feel unequipped to do? Parenting? Evangelism? Leadership? The Holy Spirit gives power for witness in every context of life.
3. The Spirit Leads Us into the World (vv. 8–11)
3. The Spirit Leads Us into the World (vv. 8–11)
Jesus lays out the mission strategy:
Jerusalem (home base),
Judea (surrounding region),
Samaria (culturally uncomfortable),
Ends of the earth (global mission).
Then, He ascends—and the disciples stare into the sky. The angels ask, “Why do you stand looking into heaven?” (v.11)
Matthew 28:19–20 – "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..."
19 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,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Luke 24:50–51 – “While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.”
50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.
51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.
Romans 10:14–15 – "How are they to hear without someone preaching?"
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
2 Corinthians 5:20 – “We are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.”
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Key Point: The Spirit wasn’t given for spiritual navel-gazing. He was given for world-reaching gospel witness.
Application: Stop looking up—start moving out. The Spirit of God is not just for Sunday morning emotions; He is for everyday mission.
Closing Challenge:
Closing Challenge:
The same Spirit Jesus promised to His disciples has been given to us.
Ephesians 1:13–14 – "In him you also... were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance..."
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,
14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
He is not a vague force or emotional experience—He is the very presence of God, empowering the church to continue the work of Christ.
This week, ask yourself:
Where is the Spirit calling me to step out?
How can I depend on His power, not my own strength?
And today, as we honor mothers and women of faith, let us remember: no one walks in obedience alone. The Spirit is with us. The mission continues.
Prayer:
Prayer:
"Lord, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit. Forgive us when we try to live the Christian life in our own strength. Empower us to be faithful witnesses—at home, in our neighborhoods, and to the ends of the earth. In Jesus’ name, amen."
