Empowered by the Spirit: Living Out Our Mission
Summary
Acts chapter 1 opens with a powerful reminder that the foundation of our faith is not what we do for God, but what God has already accomplished in Jesus. Jesus suffered, died, rose from the dead, taught about the kingdom of God, and ascended to heaven—these four undeniable actions form the bedrock of our hope and mission. The resurrection is not a myth or wishful thinking, but a historical reality witnessed by many, and it is the engine that drives our faith and message. Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of God was central before and after the cross, and his ascension was not an ending, but a strategic move to continue his work through us.
Before leaving, Jesus gave a surprising command: to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. This command runs counter to our culture’s obsession with accomplishment and activity. The temptation is to believe that we must do something for God, but Jesus insists that we must first yield ourselves to God’s Spirit. Our identity is not defined by our achievements, but by who Jesus has made us to be. God is looking for people who are Spirit-led and obedient, not merely accomplished.
The book of Acts ends abruptly, reminding us that the story of God’s mission is ongoing, and we are active participants. The call to be witnesses is not about earning a title, but about living out an identity given to us because we have encountered the living Christ. Our role is not to control the timing of God’s plan, but to embrace the “how” and “what” of his mission, trusting him with the “when.” Jesus’ ascension and the angelic interruption of the disciples’ gazing into heaven is a call to stop looking back at past accomplishments or waiting for the perfect moment, and instead to step into the mission God has for us now.
God wants to accomplish great things through each of us, not by our own strength, but by his Spirit. The question is: what is keeping us gazing—distracted by the past or paralyzed by uncertainty? God has equipped us with his Spirit and his Word, and calls us to be witnesses wherever we go, every day, with everyone we meet. The challenge is to step forward in obedience, empowered by the Spirit, and participate passionately in God’s ongoing mission.
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Key Takeaways
- The Foundation of Faith Is What Jesus Has Done, Not What We Do
The core of Christian identity is rooted in the finished work of Jesus—his suffering, resurrection, teaching, and ascension. Our faith and mission begin with what Christ has accomplished, not our own efforts. This truth humbles us and frees us from the pressure to prove ourselves to God, inviting us instead to respond in gratitude and trust. [04:51]
- Waiting on the Spirit Is an Act of Faithful Obedience
Jesus’ command to wait for the Holy Spirit challenges our impulse to rush into action. True effectiveness in God’s mission comes not from our plans or energy, but from a posture of dependence and surrender to the Spirit’s leading. Waiting is not passivity, but a deep act of trust that God will empower us in his timing. [11:10]
- Obedience Matters More Than Accomplishment
God is not impressed by our achievements or outward success; what matters most to him is our willingness to obey and yield every area of life to his Spirit. The world measures worth by what we do, but God values who we are becoming in Christ and our responsiveness to his call. Our obedience is the true mark of spiritual maturity and partnership with God’s purposes. [17:42]
- The Mission Is Ongoing—We Are Part of God’s Unfinished Story
The abrupt ending of Acts is a reminder that God’s work continues through us. We are not spectators or mere recipients of grace, but active witnesses called to participate in God’s mission to reach the world. Our lives are meant to be chapters in the unfolding story of the gospel, lived out in the power of the Spirit. [14:24]
- Don’t Get Stuck Gazing at the Past—Step Into God’s Present Calling
It is easy to become paralyzed by nostalgia, regret, or even past successes, but God calls us to focus on what he wants to do now. The angels’ words to the disciples—“Why do you stand looking up into heaven?”—are a challenge to stop being distracted and to step forward in faith. God has equipped us and is inviting us to participate in his mission today, not just reminisce about yesterday. [26:29]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:12] - Jesus’ Final Instructions and the Promise of the Spirit
[04:12] - What Jesus Has Done: The Four Foundations
[06:07] - The Reality of the Resurrection
[07:57] - The Kingdom of God: Jesus’ Central Message
[08:34] - The Ascension: Jesus’ Strategic Move
[09:14] - The Surprising Command to Wait
[11:10] - The Temptation of Accomplishment vs. Obedience
[13:47] - The Unfinished Story of Acts
[15:07] - The True Nature of the Great Commission
[17:42] - What God Values: Obedience Over Achievement
[18:59] - The Disciples’ Misplaced Expectations
[20:14] - Trusting God with the “When”
[21:26] - The Call to Be Witnesses
[23:24] - The Ascension and the Disciples’ Gazing
[26:29] - The Angelic Redirection: Stop Gazing, Start Going
[29:07] - The Mission of the Church: Adoption and Discipleship
[31:06] - What Is God Calling You to Right Now?
[31:46] - Living as Sent People, Empowered by the Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Acts 1 – “Stop Gazing, Start Going”
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 1:1-11
(The ascension of Jesus, his command to wait for the Holy Spirit, and the call to be witnesses)
- Matthew 28:18-20
(The Great Commission: Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 1:1-3, what four key things does Luke say Jesus did before his ascension?
*(Hint: Look for what the sermon called “the four undeniable doings of Jesus.”)* [[04:51]]
2. What specific command did Jesus give his disciples before he ascended, and how did they respond? [[09:14]]
3. According to Acts 1:10-11, what were the disciples doing after Jesus ascended, and how did the angels redirect them? [[25:12]]
4. In Matthew 28:18-20, what is the main mission Jesus gives to his followers?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says the foundation of our faith is what Jesus has done, not what we do. Why is it important to start with Jesus’ finished work rather than our own efforts? [[04:51]]
2. Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit instead of rushing into action. What does this reveal about how God wants his people to approach his mission? [[11:10]]
3. The angels asked, “Why do you stand looking up into heaven?” What might be some reasons people today get “stuck gazing” instead of moving forward in faith? [[26:29]]
4. The sermon points out that Acts ends abruptly, leaving the story unfinished. What does this suggest about our role in God’s ongoing mission? [[13:47]]
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### Application Questions
1. The world often tells us our value comes from what we accomplish. Are there areas in your life where you feel pressure to “prove yourself” to God or others? How does remembering what Jesus has already done change your perspective? [[11:48]]
2. Jesus’ command to wait for the Holy Spirit goes against our culture’s drive to always be busy and productive. What does “waiting on God” look like in your daily life? Is there a situation right now where you need to slow down and seek God’s direction before acting? [[09:14]]
3. The sermon says God values obedience over achievement. Can you think of a recent time when you chose obedience, even if it didn’t look impressive to others? What was the result? [[17:42]]
4. The disciples wanted to know “when” God would restore the kingdom, but Jesus focused on the “how” and “what.” Are you currently waiting for God to do something in your life? How can you focus more on being faithful in the “how” and “what” rather than worrying about the “when”? [[20:14]]
5. The angels challenged the disciples to stop looking up and start moving forward. Is there something in your past—good or bad—that is keeping you from stepping into what God has for you now? What would it look like to let go and move forward? [[26:29]]
6. The sermon says every follower of Jesus is a witness, not just by title but by identity. Who in your everyday life might God be calling you to be a witness to this week? What is one practical step you can take? [[22:46]]
7. The pastor asked, “What is God calling you to right now?” Take a moment to reflect and share if you sense a specific area where God is inviting you to step out in faith. What might be holding you back, and how can the group pray for you? [[31:06]]
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Closing Prayer:
Ask God to help you trust in what Jesus has already done, to wait on his Spirit, and to step forward in obedience as a witness in your everyday life.
Devotional
Day 1: The Foundation—What Jesus Has Already Done
Being a disciple of Jesus is first about what He has accomplished: His suffering, resurrection, teaching about the kingdom, and ascension form the unshakeable foundation of our faith and mission. These four actions are not just historical facts but the ongoing work of Christ in and through all who submit their lives to Him. We are not defined by our own accomplishments, but by the finished work of Jesus, who entered our broken world, died for our sins, rose again, taught about the kingdom of God, and ascended to the Father’s right hand. This is the starting point for all Christian living and mission—resting in what Christ has already done, not striving to earn what He has already given. [08:34]
Acts 1:1-3 (ESV)
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 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.
Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to define your faith by your own accomplishments rather than by what Jesus has already done for you? How might resting in His finished work change your perspective today?
Day 2: Waiting on God’s Power, Not Our Own
Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for the promise of the Father—the Holy Spirit—before launching into action, reminding us that God’s mission is accomplished not by our own strength or strategic planning, but by His Spirit working through yielded and obedient hearts. The temptation to rush ahead, to prove ourselves by doing, is strong, but true fruitfulness comes from relying on God’s power and submitting every area of life to Him. God is not looking for a flurry of accomplishments, but for people who are Spirit-led and obedient, trusting Him to work in and through them. [11:48]
Acts 1:4-5, 8 (ESV)
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; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ... “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 in your life are you tempted to act in your own strength rather than waiting on and relying upon the Holy Spirit? What would it look like to yield that area to God today?
Day 3: Embracing God’s Mission—You Are a Witness
Every follower of Jesus is called to be a witness, not just a forgiven follower, and this identity is given, not earned. God’s mission is for us to help others find and follow Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, wherever we go and with whomever we meet. Our daily submission and obedience to God’s Spirit, guided by His Word, is what proves to the world that God brings new life out of what was once dead. The question is not whether you are a witness, but what kind of witness you are, and whether you are prepared to live out this calling in every sphere of your life. [22:46]
Acts 1:8 (ESV)
“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: Who in your daily life might God be calling you to witness to—through word or action—this week? What is one step you can take to intentionally live out your identity as Christ’s witness today?
Day 4: Don’t Get Stuck Gazing—Move Forward in Obedience
After Jesus ascended, the disciples stood gazing into heaven, but God sent messengers to redirect them: the mission was not to dwell on the past or be paralyzed by uncertainty, but to step into the work God had for them in the present. It is easy to get caught up looking back at past successes or failures, or to be distracted by nostalgia or regret, but God calls us to focus on what He wants to accomplish through us now. The angels’ message is clear: stop gazing, start going—there is kingdom work to be done, and God’s Spirit is with you. [27:06]
Acts 1:9-11 (ESV)
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. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 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.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself “gazing”—dwelling on the past or feeling stuck? What practical step can you take today to move forward in obedience to God’s current calling?
Day 5: Trusting God’s Timing—Focus on the What and How, Not the When
The disciples wanted to know when Jesus would restore the kingdom, but He redirected them to focus on their role and God’s timing. Our frustration often comes from wanting to control the “when” of God’s plans, but Jesus calls us to embrace the “what” and “how”—to be faithful in what He has given us to do, trusting Him with the timing and results. Success in God’s eyes is not about orchestrating outcomes, but about faithful participation in His mission, confident that He will accomplish His purposes in His perfect time. [20:52]
Acts 1:6-7 (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.”
Reflection: Is there a situation where you are anxious about God’s timing or outcome? How can you shift your focus today to faithfully doing what God has called you to, leaving the timing in His hands?
Quotes
So in verses 1 through3 luke sets the stage by pointing out to us what jesus did right what jesus did because being a disciple of jesus isn't really about what we do for god first it's actually about what god has already done in jesus. [00:04:18]
It's central to everything the disciples taught about jesus in the gospel it's not about what we do it's about what jesus has already done now the question is so what has jesus done right if you're a notetaking person there are four undeniable doings of jesus that luke highlights that form the foundation of faith and mission. [00:05:02]
Luke said that jesus suffered right jesus entered into our broken world he lived among us and ultimately went to the cross suffering and dying for our sins and this was and is the ultimate act of love and redemption first john tells us "we know not what love is but this is love." [00:05:27]
He rose from the dead people saw him the apostles were eyewitnesses to a resurrected king this undeniable reality is the engine of our hope and the power behind our message some of you know who lee strobel is lee strobble um in his book he talks about how he went and talked to um like a clinical psychologist. [00:06:19]
For 40 days after his resurrection jesus was laser focused speaking about the kingdom of god he wasn't just catching up or giving sentimental farewells he was reminding them of his core message and sometimes we might think that jesus's main message was simply love or peace or maybe uh you know you're hardcore and you're like jesus's main message is justification by faith. [00:07:34]
These four actions his suffering resurrection teaching about the kingdom and ascension are what jesus began to do and they are what he continues to do through every person who joins in the journey of committing to increasingly submit all of life to jesus as master and savior uh a very long phrase for what we say what it means to be a christian. [00:08:53]
Wait because he knows that for every person through whom god will accomplish his mission in the world there is a real temptation i i don't think you catch this i at least i didn't when i first read this when i was younger you you don't catch the wisdom in jesus's command to wait. [00:10:56]
Because there's a real temptation well what is that temptation that temptation is to believe that we're called to do something for god or on behalf of god when in reality it is god himself who wants to accomplish his work and god is looking for a people who are willing to submit and yield all of life listen not to a flurry of accomplishments. [00:11:16]
The temptation for us is to is to believe that that that we are people who who need to be concerned about accomplishment but god would say we need to be people who are spiritled and ultimately people who are obedient accomplishing one thing accomplishing things is one thing but being obedient is another and so god is not god is looking for people who are spiritled god is looking for obedience. [00:12:04]
Have we truly given ourselves to god like it's one thing to say that and like yes god wants obedience okay i'm going to do my thing now but have we given ourselves to god have you submitted have you yielded yourself to him to his spirit in every area of your life are you relying on his power or are you relying on your own. [00:12:56]
Acts is not just a complete historical record of how the gospel and the early church grew acts is the prelude to the ongoing work of the gospel that you and i who follow jesus are an active living part of and whether you realize this or not the structure of the book of acts proclaims a profound spiritual truth. [00:14:03]
Until jesus comes again the spirit of god is always moving believers into the lives of all who are disconnected from god to complete god's great commission and what is that great commission it's exactly what matthew recorded jesus saying to his disciples after he rose from the dead which we explored last week. [00:14:24]
Go because your going proves who jesus is to a world desperately in need of him go because your daily submission and obedience to god's spirit guided by god's word proves that god works to make things that were once dead brand new things that were once dead alive that's why we go. [00:18:21]
A lot of our frustrations in life they don't come because we lack the ability to know how and what god wants us to do it's a lot a lot to do with the when like when god i know you want me to do this i feel this i've felt in my heart all my life this is what you want me to do this is how you want me to do it this is what you want me to see this is how i want to see the kingdom move and advance through my life when are you going to do it god when. [00:20:47]
Do you long for god to do great things in and through your life and when i say that i mean more than like give you a really cushy 401k i mean i mean like real things god- centered things kingdom building things do you long for that in your life and if you're a follower of jesus here's the thing you are a witness whether you're a good one or not it's kind of up to you but you are a witness. [00:22:05]
We started clarity because we believe and continue to believe that god has a bold mission to extend listen adoption into his family to more and more people who think they are unworthy that's what god wants us to do and that's impossible but that's why we have his spirit we started clarity so that disciples could be made and then sent as everyday missionaries into the everyday rhythms of life to also go and make disciples. [00:29:07]
