Week #2 – Work to Do
We all have experienced what I’ll call ‘departures’ in our lives. I remember the first time a close friend moved away. Leland was my 1st grade buddy for lunch, recess, and all our less enjoyable classes. His dad took a job out of state partway through the year, and he was gone. I remember losing my first grandparent at age 12. My dad’s mom was a good cook and an even better hugger, but cancer cut short her time with us. We all have these stories. In different ways and to various extents, they can uproot and drastically shift the rhythms and patterns of our lives.
The followers of Jesus loved him and cherished their time in his presence. He made crowds marvel, the lame walk, and the blind see. He loved rightly (with the perfect timing and mix of compassion and/or rebuke) and always taught with authority. After his crucifixion, they were scattered and scared, but then, following his resurrection, they were thrilled beyond their wildest dreams. He was with them once again, and now with the power to usher in his kingdom. Well, at least they thought so until he departed again.
After Luke’s introduction to Theophilus in Acts, he begins his narrative with Jesus’ departure from his disciples and the moments that immediately follow. As God the Son ascends to the right hand of God the Father to intercede for us, imagine the confusion and concerns that swirled about in their minds and hearts! What would happen now? Would they continue onward together? What should they do? Where should they go? How would this even work? As Christians, our lives inhabit the time between our Lord’s ascension and his future, history-ending return. And during this time, we want the answers to very similar questions. While we may not get the answers to all we want to know, God gives us exactly what we need to know.
Using the questions below, explore Acts 1:6-11 together in your group discussion. Be sure to read through the passage first, and then may God bless your time.
In Christ,
Pastor Ken
Week #2 – Questions
- Why do you think the disciples focused on the timing of the kingdom’s restoration to Israel? When did they expect this to happen? (Hint: these Old Testament prophetic passages might help: Isaiah 2:2-4, 9:6-7, 25:6-9, 65:17 & 25.)
- Jesus says the disciples are not to know the “times or seasons” the Father has chosen. Share some examples of how you have struggled with wanting to know “when” rather than trusting God’s timing.
- In the sermon, Pastor David gave a list of things we do know, even though there is much that we do not. Holy Spirit, Ascension, Return, and Sovereignty. Explain each of these doctrines. How do we know they are true?
- Our God is sovereign. He is the only one who orchestrates and ordains all times and events. While this may seem scary at first, why might we actually see it as a comfort?
- Jesus promises power upon receiving the Holy Spirit (v8). What does this mean, and what does it not mean? Why is the Holy Spirit’s power necessary for effective witness? Share a time when you have experienced this.
- Jesus refers to concentric circles of witness (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth). What are our concentric circles of witness, personally and as a church?
- The angels promise that “this Jesus” will return in the same way they saw him depart (v11). How should the certainty of Christ’s return shape the way we live today? Does it?
- The disciples lived between Jesus’ ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit; we live between the coming of the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ return. What are the challenges, joys, and opportunities of living in this “in-between” time?
- End with each person in the group answering one of the following questions: What is one area of your life where you need to trust God’s timing? Where is God calling you to be a more intentional witness in one of these concentric circles? How can the hope of Christ’s return motivate you this week?