“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.” - Acts 1:4-5 (ESV)

INTRODUCTION

In our fast-paced world, waiting often feels like wasted time. Yet, the opening chapter of Acts presents a powerful narrative that redefines waiting as active spiritual preparation. Jesus commands His disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the promised Holy Spirit. This period of waiting, filled with prayer and anticipation, serves as a model for contemporary Christian leadership. Understanding the themes from Acts 1 can transform how we approach seasons of divine delay, empowering us for more effective ministry

KEY CONCEPTS in ACTS 1

1. Holy Waiting: Active, expectant waiting for God's timing and empowerment.

2. Kingdom Redirection: Shifting from earthly expectations to spiritual mission.

3. Ascension as Enthronement: Jesus' ascension as His coronation and the establishment of His divine authority.

4. Spirit Empowerment: The necessity of the Holy Spirit for effective ministry.

5. Concentric Witness: The gospel's outward spread from local to global reach.

6. Prayer as Preparation: Unified, devoted prayer is the foundation for receiving divine promises.

7. Continuity of Christ's Work: The ongoing ministry of Jesus through His Spirit-empowered followers.

HOLY WAITING: ACTIVE & PURPOSEFUL

In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus instructs His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. This waiting wasn't passive;

it required active engagement in prayer and anticipation. The disciples' obedience to this command set the stage for the transformative event of Pentecost. Isaiah 40:31 reinforces this concept: "But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."

Application:

• Create a Waiting Room: Establish a specific time and place for prayer during seasons of waiting.

• Expectant Prayer: Pray with anticipation for God's promises, not just presenting requests but actively seeking His will.

KINGDOM EXPECTATIONS vs. SPIRITUAL REALITY

The disciples' question in Acts 1:6 reveals their focus on political restoration: "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" Jesus redirects their attention to a spiritual mission, emphasizing the global and divine nature of His kingdom. This tension between earthly expectations and spiritual reality challenges us to align our goals with God's greater purposes. John 18:36 reminds us, "My kingdom is not of this world..."

Application:

• Surrender Expectations: Regularly submit personal and political agendas to God's higher mission for your life.

• Focus on Spiritual Mission: Prioritize spiritual growth and witness over temporal concerns.

THE ASCENSION as ENTHRONEMENT

Acts 1:9-11 describes Jesus' ascension, emphasizing His coronation rather than mere departure. Daniel 7:13-14 provides the prophetic context: "And behold, with the clouds of heaven, there came one like a son of man...and to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom..." This passage confirms Jesus' universal authority and the eternal nature of His reign.

Application:

• Live with Eternal Perspective: Let the reality of Christ’s enthronement shape your priorities, actions, and leadership decisions.

• Embrace Christ’s Authority: Recognize Jesus' sovereign rule over all aspects of life and ministry.

PRAYER as PREPARATION

In Acts 1:14, the disciples "devoted themselves to prayer," demonstrating the vital role of unified, devoted prayer in preparing for the Holy Spirit's arrival. This practice underscores the importance of prayerful anticipation during periods of divine waiting.

Application:

• Form Prayer Partnerships: Engage in communal prayer with others during seasons of waiting.

• Maintain Prayer Focus: Like the disciples, use waiting periods to deepen your prayer life and seek God's guidance.

WITNESS as the CENTRAL MISSION

In Acts 1:14, the disciples "devoted themselves to prayer," demonstrating the vital role of unified, devoted prayer in preparing for the Holy Spirit's arrival. This practice underscores the importance of prayerful anticipation during periods of divine waiting.

Application:

• Form Prayer Partnerships: Engage in communal prayer with others during seasons of waiting.

• Maintain Prayer Focus: Like the disciples, use waiting periods to deepen your prayer life and seek God's guidance.

Certificate

Login to the course to complete the series to earn a certificate. There is NO CHARGE ever. Click the certificate below to log in or register.

DIVINE EMPOWERMENT vs HUMAN EFFORT

Acts 1:8 clarifies that "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." This statement highlights the necessity of divine empowerment over human planning and enthusiasm. Zechariah 4:6 complements this by stating, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts."

Application:

• Seek Spiritual Empowerment: Recognize that effective ministry depends on the Holy Spirit, not solely on human effort.

• Depend on God’s Power: Continuously seek God’s strength and guidance in all leadership decisions.

THE CONTINUITY of CHRIST'S WORK

Acts 1:1 sets the stage by indicating this book is about what Jesus "began to do and teach," suggesting continuity in His ministry through the Spirit-empowered church. John 14:12 reiterates this idea: "Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do..."

Application:

• Continue Christ’s Mission: Understand your leadership as a continuation of Jesus' ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

• Innovate Within Tradition: Balance adhering to Biblical teachings with innovative approaches to ministry.

CONCLUSION

The opening chapter of Acts lays a fundamental groundwork for understanding the power of holy waiting, divine empowerment, and the ongoing mission of the church. By examining these themes, contemporary Christian leaders can find a richer, more nuanced understanding of their roles and responsibilities. Embracing these lessons not only deepens one’s spiritual journey but also prepares one to lead others effectively, empowered by the Holy Spirit and aligned with God’s eternal purposes.

REFLECTION

1. What promise of God am I currently waiting for? How am I spending this waiting time?

2. Where have I confused my political/cultural expectations with God’s spiritual purposes?

3. In what areas am I attempting ministry through human effort rather than Spirit empowerment

4. How has my waiting transformed from passive frustration to active preparation?

5. What "Jerusalem" has God called me to stay in when I’d rather move to my "ends of the earth"?

Contact Information

• DOWNLOAD NOTES: CLICK HERE

• JOIN MAILING LIST: Click HERE

• PORTAL LOGIN: https://portal.drtracie.com

• SEND EMAIL: [email protected]

HE GETS US: https://hegetsus.com

Acknowledge #sin and #repent in #leadership / Join the #journey to #freedom in #Christ / Embracing #authenticity and openness in your #leadership / #Transformative #power of #confession / Developing a #culture of repentance / #Jesus / #God / #drtracie #drtraciehines #drtracielashley #aceirt #heartfeltintelligence #kingdomshepherd #johnmaxwell #russellbrunson #myrongolden #Jesus #God #GrantCardone #DanGoldman #mannachurch #manna #hegetsus