Introduction:

Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He gave His followers a clear command: stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit. This promise would not just give them strength, but the power to take the message of salvation to the world, starting from Jerusalem and spreading “to the ends of the earth.” Jesus’s followers would learn that the power of the Holy Spirit wasn’t for personal gain or worldly power—it was for sharing the gospel everywhere. In this study, we will focus on three key lessons from this passage: the importance of waiting for God’s promises, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the global mission of Christ’s kingdom.

Waiting for God’s Promises

Key Scripture: Acts 1:4

What’s Happening:

Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father—the Holy Spirit. This wasn’t the first time Jesus spoke of this promise (see Luke 24:49), but now the time was near. The disciples had just witnessed the most amazing events: Jesus’s death, resurrection, and ascension. Now, in this moment of waiting, they were filled with anticipation for what was coming next.

Think About It:

Waiting is hard, especially when we are eager to see what God will do. But sometimes God calls us to wait as part of His plan. Are there promises or prayers you’re waiting for God to fulfill? How can you trust God more deeply during those seasons of waiting?

Pray About It:

Ask Jesus to help you wait patiently for His promises. Pray for trust and faith during times when you can’t see what’s next, and ask Him for peace while you wait for His perfect timing.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

Key Scripture: Acts 1:8

What’s Happening:

Jesus explained to His followers that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. This power wasn’t for earthly authority or military strength—it was a supernatural power, given so that they could be witnesses to Jesus. The Holy Spirit would give them the courage and strength to share the gospel, starting in their hometown of Jerusalem and reaching all the way to the ends of the earth.

Think About It:

Have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s power in your life? The same Spirit that gave the disciples courage to spread the gospel is available to us today. How is God calling you to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to be a witness for Him in your own life?

Pray About It:

Ask Jesus to fill you with the Holy Spirit, empowering you to live boldly for Him. Pray for the strength to share the gospel with those around you, trusting in His Spirit to guide you.

The Global Mission of the Gospel

Key Scripture: Acts 1:8

What’s Happening:

Jesus told His followers that their mission was to be His witnesses, starting in Jerusalem, then moving out to Judea, Samaria, and eventually to the whole world. This command set the trajectory for the rest of the Book of Acts and the early Christian movement. The gospel is not meant to stay in one place—it’s for everyone, everywhere. The disciples’ mission was to take what they had seen and heard and spread it to all people, and that mission is still ongoing today.

Think About It:

The call to spread the gospel isn’t just for the early church—it’s for us, too. Are there ways you can be more intentional about sharing the message of Jesus with those around you? What role do you think you can play in God’s global mission?

Pray About It:

Ask Jesus to give you a heart for the lost, both near and far. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel, both in your community and beyond. Ask for boldness to step into the mission He’s given us to reach the world.

Conclusion and Wrap-Up:

The early disciples had to wait for the promise of the Holy Spirit, but when it came, it changed everything. The Holy Spirit gave them power, not for personal gain, but to be witnesses for Jesus. Their mission wasn’t just for their city—it was to take the gospel to the whole world. Today, that same mission continues through us. We are called to wait on God, trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, and carry the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.

Let us finish with a word of prayer - Jesus, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit and for the power You give us to be Your witnesses. Help us to wait patiently for Your promises in our lives, trusting in Your perfect timing. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, empowering us to boldly share Your message with those around us. Give us hearts that care for the lost and the courage to be part of Your global mission.

In the name of Jesus, amen.