Empowered for Mission: The Journey of Acts
Summary
Today, we began our journey through the book of Acts, exploring the story of how a small, ordinary group of Jesus’ followers became a movement that changed the world. Acts serves as a bridge between the Gospels and the letters of the New Testament, showing us how the message of Jesus spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. It’s not just a record of heroic individuals, but a testimony to the ongoing work of God—first through Jesus, then through the Holy Spirit, and now through us.
Luke, a Gentile doctor and close companion of Paul, wrote both the Gospel of Luke and Acts, addressing them to Theophilus—possibly a real person, possibly a symbolic “lover of God.” Luke’s careful research and eyewitness interviews give us a trustworthy account of the early church’s birth and growth. The book is structured around the geographical expansion of the gospel: from Jerusalem, to Judea and Samaria, to Asia Minor, Europe, and finally Rome. This movement is not just historical; it’s a pattern for how God continues to send his people out today.
Jesus’ final instructions to his disciples were not about giving them insider knowledge of the future or earthly power, but about equipping them for a mission. He promised two gifts: the power of the Holy Spirit and a calling to be his witnesses. The Spirit’s power is not for our comfort, but to make us brave and effective in living out and sharing the good news. The mission is not reserved for a select few, but for all who follow Jesus—wherever we are, in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and families.
We often pray for comfort, success, or material blessings, but Jesus offers us something far greater: a life of purpose, empowered by his Spirit. When we step out in faith, even when it’s daunting or risky, we experience the Spirit’s presence and power in profound ways. Our calling is simply to be faithful witnesses—to share what we have seen and known of Christ, trusting God with the results. As we serve together, whether in big ways or small, we participate in the ongoing story of God’s redemption in the world.
Key Takeaways
- The book of Acts is not just a chronicle of the apostles’ deeds, but a record of the ongoing work of God through ordinary people. The only truly consistent “main character” is the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides the church across generations and cultures. This reminds us that our faith is not about our own heroics, but about joining in what God is already doing. [39:03]
- Jesus’ final promise was not future knowledge or earthly power, but the gift of the Holy Spirit and a mission to be his witnesses. The Spirit’s power is given not for our comfort, but to make us brave and effective in living out the gospel. True peace and joy from the Spirit are found not in ease, but in the midst of mission and even adversity. [57:23]
- Our prayers often focus on comfort, success, or material blessings, but Jesus invites us to desire and receive the gifts he actually offers: purpose and power for his mission. Learning to joyfully accept these gifts transforms our lives from self-centeredness to God-centered adventure. The greatest fulfillment comes not from what we accumulate, but from living on mission with Christ. [01:02:06]
- Being a witness for Jesus does not mean having all the answers or persuading everyone; it means faithfully sharing what we have seen and known of Christ. Our responsibility is not to control outcomes, but to be present, authentic, and courageous in our testimony. God uses our simple faithfulness in the places he has sent us—our jobs, neighborhoods, and families—to shine his light. [01:13:33]
- When we step out in faith, even when it feels risky or we feel inadequate, we discover the Spirit’s power in new ways. Past failures or fears do not disqualify us; in fact, they often become the soil where God’s strength is most evident. The adventure of following Jesus is found in saying yes to his call, trusting that he will meet us with everything we need. [01:10:39]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[35:27] - Introduction to Acts and Series Overview
[37:44] - Who Are the Main Characters in Acts?
[39:03] - The True Protagonist: God’s Ongoing Work
[39:58] - Who Was Luke? Author and Background
[41:30] - Who Was Theophilus? Audience and Purpose
[43:10] - Why Was Acts Written?
[44:20] - The Unlikely Spread of the Church
[46:41] - The Geographic Expansion of the Gospel
[49:08] - Jesus’ Final Instructions and the Promise of the Spirit
[52:16] - Forty Days with the Risen Jesus
[54:13] - Waiting for the Holy Spirit
[56:21] - The Disciples’ Final Question
[57:23] - The Real Gifts: Spirit and Mission
[01:02:06] - Receiving the Gifts Jesus Offers
[01:06:30] - The Holy Spirit: Comforter and Power
[01:10:39] - Stepping Out in Faith Despite Fear
[01:13:33] - Living as Sent People
[01:15:11] - Stories of Mission in Everyday Life
[01:24:07] - Blessing and Closing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Acts 1:1-11 – Sent: The Ongoing Story of God’s Mission
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### Bible Reading
Acts 1:1-11 (NIV)
In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 1:1-3, what did Jesus do and teach after his resurrection and before his ascension? Why do you think Luke emphasizes the 40 days Jesus spent with his disciples? ([52:16])
2. What specific instructions did Jesus give his disciples before he ascended to heaven? What were they told to wait for? ([49:08])
3. What was the disciples’ final question to Jesus before he left, and how did Jesus respond? ([56:21])
4. In Acts 1:8, what two things does Jesus promise his followers, and what is the purpose of these gifts? ([57:23])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon points out that Acts is not just about heroic individuals, but about the ongoing work of God through ordinary people. Why is it important to see the Holy Spirit as the main character in Acts, rather than just the apostles? ([39:03])
2. Jesus’ final promise was not about giving insider knowledge or earthly power, but about the Holy Spirit and a mission. Why do you think Jesus prioritized these gifts over comfort or success? ([57:23])
3. The disciples were told to be “witnesses” rather than experts or persuaders. What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus in your own words? How does this take pressure off or challenge you? ([01:13:33])
4. The sermon mentions that the Spirit’s power is given not for our comfort, but to make us brave and effective in living out the gospel. How does this understanding of the Spirit differ from how people often pray or think about God’s help? ([01:06:30])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says we often pray for comfort, success, or material blessings, but Jesus offers us purpose and power for his mission. What are some things you usually pray for? How might your prayers change if you focused on asking for the gifts Jesus actually offers? ([01:02:06])
2. Jesus calls all his followers—not just a select few—to be his witnesses “wherever we are.” What is one place (work, neighborhood, family, etc.) where you sense God might be sending you to be a witness? What would it look like to be faithful there this week? ([01:12:34])
3. The sermon shared stories of stepping out in faith even when it felt risky or scary. Can you think of a time when you felt God nudging you to do something brave for him? What happened? If you haven’t, what might be holding you back? ([01:10:39])
4. The Spirit’s power is described as “dynamite”—not to make us comfortable, but to make us brave. Is there a specific area in your life where you need more courage to live out your faith? What is one step you could take this week to rely on the Spirit’s power? ([01:06:30])
5. The sermon says that being a witness is about sharing what you have seen and known of Christ, not having all the answers. Who is someone in your life who needs to hear your story of faith? What is one way you could share it with them, even in a small way? ([01:13:33])
6. The early church’s story is a pattern for how God continues to send his people out today. What is one way you can join in God’s ongoing story of redemption—either through serving, giving, or simply being present for someone in need? ([44:20])
7. The sermon encouraged us to “do the daunting thing and watch the Holy Spirit show up.” What is one daunting or uncomfortable thing you feel God might be asking you to do? How can the group pray for you as you take a step of faith? ([01:16:16])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to say “yes” to God’s mission, to receive the Spirit’s power, and to be faithful witnesses in the places God has sent them.
Devotional
Day 1: The Mission and Power Given to the Church
Jesus commissions His followers to be witnesses, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to spread the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
The early church began as a small, ordinary group of people, yet Jesus entrusted them with a world-changing mission. He promised not only a purpose—to be His witnesses—but also the power to fulfill it through the Holy Spirit. This mission was not about gaining earthly power or comfort, but about faithfully sharing the story of Jesus, even when it required courage and sacrifice. The same calling and empowerment are extended to every believer today: to live as sent people, carrying the message and love of Christ into every sphere of life, trusting that the Spirit will provide the strength and boldness needed for the task. [49:08]
Acts 1:6-8 (ESV)
So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 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.”
Reflection: Where is God calling you to be His witness this week, and what is one brave step you can take to share Christ’s love or story in that place?
Day 2: Receiving the Gifts Jesus Offers
Jesus offers us the gifts of purpose and Holy Spirit power, which are far greater than the comfort or material blessings we often seek.
Many times, our prayers focus on comfort, success, or material needs, but Jesus invites us to receive something deeper: a life of meaning and mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The gifts He gives—purpose and power—are designed to transform us and the world around us, even if they lead us into challenging or uncomfortable places. Learning to joyfully accept these gifts means aligning our desires with God’s heart, trusting that His gifts are better than anything we could ask for ourselves. [01:02:06]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Reflection: What is one area where you’ve been asking God for comfort or ease—how might you instead ask Him for purpose and Holy Spirit power in that area today?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit Makes Us Brave
The Holy Spirit empowers believers with courage and strength to live out their mission, especially in the face of fear or adversity.
The Spirit is not given to make life more comfortable, but to make us brave for the mission Jesus has given us. Throughout Scripture and history, the Spirit’s presence brings supernatural courage, peace, and joy—not in easy circumstances, but in the midst of challenge, risk, and even suffering. When we step out in faith, the Spirit meets us with the power we need, filling us with boldness to love, serve, and witness for Christ, even when it feels daunting or costly. [01:07:26]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Reflection: When was the last time you took a brave step for Jesus? What is one act of courage you sense the Spirit prompting you toward now?
Day 4: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Mission
God uses ordinary people in ordinary places to carry out His extraordinary mission in the world.
The story of Acts and the ongoing story of the church is that God delights in using regular people—fishermen, tax collectors, parents, neighbors—to bring His love and message to the world. No one is in their job, family, or neighborhood by accident; each person is sent by Jesus to be a light right where they are. The call is not to be perfect or persuasive, but to be faithful witnesses, sharing what Christ has done in our lives and loving others in His name. [01:12:34]
1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (ESV)
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.
Reflection: In what ordinary place or relationship has God placed you to be His witness, and how can you intentionally live out your faith there this week?
Day 5: Joy in Living on Mission Together
There is deep joy and fulfillment in living on mission with others, serving and loving in Jesus’ name.
Some of the most joyful and memorable moments in life come from serving together with others for a purpose greater than ourselves. Whether on a mission trip, volunteering at church, or reaching out to those in need, living on mission brings a sense of belonging, meaning, and joy that surpasses comfort or personal achievement. God invites us to experience this joy daily, not just in special events, but in the ongoing adventure of following Jesus and serving alongside His people. [01:05:22]
Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Reflection: Who can you partner with this week to serve or bless someone in Jesus’ name, and what specific step can you take to make that happen?
Quotes
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