Following the Ascended Christ | Acts 1:12-26
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Authority and Trust:
The disciples had to come to terms with God’s sovereignty and their own limitations. Where do you find it hardest to trust the Father’s authority instead of wanting control or clarity about outcomes?
Power and Mission:Acts 1:8 shows the mission the disciples were given to carry out. It was a mission that would be overwhelming if they were left to accomplish it under their own power. In what areas of your life or faith do you most feel “in over your head,” and how might that be an invitation to depend more deeply on the Holy Spirit?
Community and Commitment:The early believers were deeply committed to one another, not just attending gatherings but sharing life and mission. How does your current level of fellowship compare to this picture, and what might be one step toward deeper, more intentional community?
Prayer as Encounter:Tim Keller describes prayer as both conversation and encounter with God. How would you honestly describe your prayer life right now (delight, ritual, obligation, emergency-only, etc.), and what might it look like to grow toward prayer as a relational encounter?
Obedience and Confidence:The disciples sought to obey Scripture even when the outcome was uncertain, trusting God with the results. Is there an area where you sense God calling you to obedience right now, and what fears or hesitations make that difficult?
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Control vs. Trust:
The disciples wanted clear answers about the future, but Jesus reminded them that God is in control and they are not. What are some things in your life right now that you really want control over, and what would it look like to trust God with them instead?
Depending on the Holy Spirit:
Jesus promised the disciples power from the Holy Spirit because the mission was bigger than them. When do you feel most “in over your head” as a Christian (school, friendships, sharing your faith, temptation), and how does knowing that God’s Spirit is with you change that?
Following Jesus Together:
The early Christians didn’t follow Jesus alone, they were committed to each other. Why do you think it’s tempting to do a “Jesus and me” kind of faith, and what are some practical ways you can stay connected to other believers?
Prayer: Real or Routine?
The sermon talked about different kinds of prayer delight, routine, obligation, or only in emergencies. Which one best describes your prayer life right now, and what might help move it toward greater honesty and relationality?
Obedience and Trusting the Outcome:
The disciples obeyed Scripture, prayed, and then trusted God with the results even when they didn’t fully know what would happen. Is there something you feel God calling you to obey right now, and what makes that hard or scary?
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God Is in Charge:
Jesus told His friends that God the Father is in charge of everything. How does it make you feel to know that God is in control, even when we don’t understand everything?
Help from the Holy Spirit:
Jesus promised the disciples help from the Holy Spirit. Can you think of a time when something felt hard or scary and you needed God’s help? What might it look like to ask the Holy Spirit to help you?
Following Jesus Together:
The disciples stayed together and didn’t try to follow Jesus alone. Why do you think it’s better to follow Jesus with friends instead of all by yourself?
Talking to God (Prayer):
Prayer is talking to God like a loving Father who listens. What are some things you like to talk to God about - happy things, sad things, or both?
Obeying God and Trusting Him:
The disciples tried to obey God and trusted Him to take care of what happened next. What is one small way you can obey God this week at home, at school, or with your friends?
The disciples will move forward with:
Awareness of the Father's Authority (v. 6)
Anticipation of the Spirit's Power (v. 8)
Assurance of Christ's Return (v. 11)
Following the ascended Christ calls for an unwavering commitment to: (Acts 1:12-26)
Each Other (vv. 12-15)
Prayer (v. 14)
Obeying Scripture (vv. 16-26)
