SERMON OUTLINE: The Holy Spirit working through the church in outreach
I.
Read the text, Acts 1:1-11
II.
Principles of interpretation
A.
Plot: This
set of verses is devoted to “lay it out” for the reader, and at the same time
“get something going.” He is telling us about what started the spread of the
gospel from “Jerusalem, through Judea
and Samaria, and to the remotest
part of the world.” He is also telling us of something very critical to come,
namely, the Holy Spirit. Might he also be getting ready to shatter the
apostle’s view of what kingdom really meant?
B.
Characters: In
this passage the characters of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Father, and the
apostles are introduced.
1.
The apostles are introduced with a sense of
anticipation
a.
“is it at this time?”
b.
“wait”
c.
“it is not for you to know”
d.
“when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”
2.
Jesus is shown very flatly, with a very direct,
consistently focused, attitude. It really is as if He is almost gone and is
intent on giving the apostles exactly what they need before He goes.
3.
The Father and the Holy Spirit are in control, but not
developed as characters here
C.
Narrative time: Luke
is telling this portion of the story chronologically, but also thematically.
1.
verses 1-3: resurrection proofs, appearances, and
instructions – no details, just facts. A forty day period is condensed into 3
verses. Teachings about things concerning the kingdom
of God – probably very important,
not even divulged to the reader.
2.
verses 4-8: last instructions, to wait for the promised
Holy Spirit. This is likely one conversation just before He ascended that is
revealed in 5 verses, but was possibly a reiteration of things previously
discussed by Jesus with the apostles. This topic has come up in the gospels.
3.
verses 9-11: ascension, Jesus leaves the earth with an
anticipated return. This makes room for the Holy Spirit to come. He had said in
the gospels that He had to go so the Spirit could come.
D.
Supporting texts
1.
Luke 24:49
2.
John 7:38-39
3.
John 14:16-17
4.
John 15:26-27
5.
John 16:5-7
III.
The Holy Spirit desires to work through the church
providing power for a mighty work
A.
The power of the Holy Spirit working through the church
can be illustrated by the power generation of a dam such as the Hoover
dam. Before water from Lake Mead reaches the turbines,
it enters the intake towers and enters four gradually narrowing penstocks which
funnel the water down towards the powerhouse. The intakes provide a maximum hydraulic
head (water pressure) of 590 ft (180 m) as the water reaches a
speed of about 85 mph (140 km/h). The entire flow of the Colorado
River passes through the turbines. Hoover Dam generates 2080 megawatts. (Wikipedia)
B.
Allow Him to determine decisions
1.
Acts 15:28,
council at Jerusalem
2.
This all-important decision made at the Jerusalem
Council concerning circumcision is a beautiful example of the teamwork between
a local church and the Holy Spirit. Those assemblies governed by congregational
vote often pride themselves on their democratic policies. But the real goal can
only be achieved through a democratic-theocratic combined team effort.
C.
Realize He will condemn or bless the church’s efforts
1.
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit
saith unto the churches...”
2.
Churches are often overly concerned about improving
their image in the eyes of the younger generation, society, the business world,
academic circles, etc. But the real concern should be directed toward that One
who alone is properly qualified to improve and correct, namely, the Holy
Spirit.
D.
He directs the church’s outreach
1.
Acts 8:29
2.
Acts 13:2,4
3.
Acts 16:6,7,10
4.
Revelation 22:17
IV. The
spread of the gospel from Jerusalem outward
A.
Earthquake and Tsunami
B.
Application and implementation
1.
prayer – genuine prayer and responsiveness
2.
encouragement
3.
visitation
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