Salvation is not about us, it’s about Him. The story is His. God is the main character in the story of our lives, as he is the main character in the story of creation. He rescues us for a purpose.
ACTS 1:1–5:
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 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.”
The Book of “Acts”
The book is called the “Acts of the Apostles,” not the “beliefs of the apostles”. That’s not to say that doctrine is not important, it is. Truth sets people free. But it sets us free to be servants to God’s redemptive purposes in the world.
“In the first book…”
Reference to the book of Luke, the story of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Many Christians don’t even know that there’s a volume 2!
“O Theophilus…”
This book is written to a believer. All scripture is written to believers and can, therefore, only be rightly interpreted by believers (the doctrine of the clarity of Scripture).
“All Jesus began to do and teach…”
Jesus is the central character of the story. This book is about the rest of the what Jesus this, but this time, it’s through his disciples.
“…after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit…”
- The Great Commission is a command. In 2018 a Barna Group study found that about 51% of US churchgoers did not know the Great Commission.
- The Holy Spirit causes us to remember all the things that Jesus teaches (Jn. 14:26)
“…the apostles whom he had chosen…”
Divine providence is a key them in the book of Acts. He has specific plans for specific people in specific times and places.
“…He presented himself alive to them…”
The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Good News. Salvation depends on it. Romans 10:9 says, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
“Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father.”
We must depend on the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s plans through us. Supernatural empowerment is the only way the Kingdom grows. It’s resurrection power. The Holy Spirit not only shapes us into the image of Christ, but also empowers us for Kingdom building. There are seasons of ministry, don’t go until you’re called.
3.0 Invitation
- Are you actively engaged in ministry? Maybe you need to be ignited for ministry. Go deeper in your faith (means of grace that comes through service).
- Divine Providence Is with You. Maybe you need reminded, as you work, that divine providence is behind you and ahead of you. Don’t be discouraged. Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
- Do you know your spiritual gifts? Maybe you need to discover your spiritual gifts.
- Do you believe in the resurrection? Maybe you need to reconcile your faith with the resurrection. Do you believe?
- Depend on the Holy Spirit. Maybe you need to depend on the Holy Spirit more. (how to depend on the Holy Spirit?)
The big preaching point of this sermon is that the point of salvation is the fulfillment of God’s redemptive purposes in history. We are not the main characters in the story. God is the main character. He rescues us for a purpose.
Study Questions
- What does Jesus set us free to do?
- What does the name “Theophilus” mean and what bearing does that have on the right interpretation of Scripture?
- Why does Luke say that the first book describes all the Jesus “began” to do and teach when it is the story of the entire life of Jesus?
- What is the meaning of “divine providence”?
- Why should divine providence inspire and encourage us to be in ministry?
- What are your spiritual gifts?
- Is believing in the bodily resurrection required for salvation?
