Sermon Notes-Acts: Past or Present? based on Acts 1:1-5
Introduction: Today we are starting a new series on the book of Acts. So, as we begin, I have one question for you to think and discuss with the person beside you. This question and how you answer it will inform how you read the book of Acts. Do you see Acts as a book about the past or present? Is it possible that what God did in the book of Acts He wants to be happening in the church today? It might look different, but what does a church look like that loves God and loves others empowered by the Holy Spirit today?
I also want to draw
your attention to the title of the book.
In my Bible (ESV), it says “The Acts of the Apostles”. I want to share a quote from the book that I
lead an adult class on several years ago, Jesus, Continued by J.D.
Greear. Greear writes, “New Testament
scholars have pointed out that when later Christians gave a name to the book of
Acts, they probably chose the wrong title. Rather than “The Acts of the
Apostles,” many say it should instead be “The Acts of the Holy Spirit.” They
say this because even a quick read of Acts reveals that the Spirit of God is
the primary actor. He guides, he speaks,
and he moves; the disciples are simply trying to keep up. At their best, they
are conduits of this mighty, rushing wind. At their worst, they are
obstructions.” (27)
Two things: Focus on
Apostles (super Christians) or Focus on People rather than Spirit
Past
·
Vs. 1-In the first book-Who
is the author of the book of Acts?
o
Luke-well educated & most
likely a Gentile Christian-attention to detail, facts, what Jesus said and did.
Luke probably did not title the book because it was just a second volume of the
gospel of Luke, but a title was added in the second or third century.
·
Vs. 1-Dedication to Theophilus-
o
Who is he? A person of some rank
probably somewhat wealthy who might have helped pay for its publication. But also
who would act as one to take this book to a larger audience.
o
See
explanation from Luke as purpose for writing-Luke (1:1-4)” Inasmuch
as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have
been accomplished among us, 2 just as those
who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers
of the word have delivered them to us, 3 it
seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past,
to write an orderly account for you, most
excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may
have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.”
§
God through the authors of
the Bible wants us to know HIM
·
Vs. 1-Jesus began to do and
teach (Gospel)
·
Vs. 2-Commands through the
Holy Spirit to the apostles
·
Vs. 3-Presented himself alive
(appearing over 40 days and speaking kingdom)
o
Many proofs-there is evidence
that Jesus lived, died, and rose again.
·
Vs. 4-Not to depart but to
wait for the promise
o
Luke 24:48-49-
“You
are witnesses of these things. 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.”
o Think about this-the disciples have seen Jesus die and rise-they are most
likely excited and ready to go, but Jesus knows they need a Helper. Just as the disciples then needed help, we
too need help. And God provides that
help to us in the Holy Spirit.
o The only way we can
fulfill Christ’s command to witness is to be under control of the Holy Spirit who
energizes us for service.[1]
·
Vs. 5-John baptized with
water but you will be baptized with Holy Spirit
o
Luke 3:16-
John answered them all,
saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is
coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will
baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
§
You’ve heard this phrase used
here often. Don’t reject the phrase, but
ask God to reveal what it means.
Present
·
Just as in Acts then, we as
his church today need to make much of Jesus. It’s His church. He is the
head. He is coming back to gather His
bride.
·
Just as in Acts then, we want
for HIM to receive all the glory-Father, Son & Spirit
·
Just as in Acts then, we need
every member of the Body of Christ using their gifts for His Kingdom purposes
here and to the ends of the earth. It is
not just the pastors or a few leaders.
All are important and gifted in the Body of Christ.
·
We will see in the book of
Acts how the church connects with one another. (Most well known passage (Acts
2:42-47)-(teaching, fellowship, praying, sharing, praising)
·
We will also see in the book
of Acts how the church reaches out to those around them.
o
From Jerusalem to Judea to
Samaria to ends of the earth (Acts 1:8)
o
New churches that were
birthed throughout the book
·
We will see in the book of
Acts how all of this done in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the same is true
for us today.
o
We need Holy Spirit for
wisdom, knowledge, serving, praying, teaching, loving, repenting, forgiving,
sharing Jesus.
·
We will see how the Spirit is
available to all not just a few.
Remember in the Old Testament the Spirit came upon leaders and then
would move on. But in Joel 2 it is
prophesized and is repeated in the book of Acts 2:17-18-“I will pour out my
Spirit on all flesh” that will lead all people, all ages, all genders to
prophesy, visions and dreams.
Closing-Prayer for New Equip Leaders
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