Wait for the Promise of the Father
Acts 1:1-5
Over the past few weeks, Pastor Daniel has been teaching us about the nature of God's love. How God’s love is complete, embracing our spirit, soul, and body (Psalm 139:13–15). As we grow in confidence in God's love for us, an important question follows: What should a transformed life look like? As we begin studying the book of Acts, we will see the story of ordinary people whose lives were transformed by experiencing God's love and empowered by His Spirit.
To understand Acts, it helps to know that it was written by Luke, who also wrote the Gospel of Luke. Both books are addressed to Theophilus (Luke 1:1–4; Acts 1:1), showing that they are two parts of a single account. But who was Theophilus? Some believe he was a Roman official or patron interested in Christianity. Others see his name as symbolic, since Theophilus means "lover of God" or "one loved by God." In that sense, Theophilus represents every believer. Luke and Acts are not merely historical records; they are written for us as followers of Christ.
The Gospel of Luke tells the story of Jesus' earthly ministry. Before His ascension, Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for "the promise of the Father." Acts reveals that this promise is the Holy Spirit. As a result, Acts shows us what happens when the Holy Spirit works through God's people. While the book is traditionally called Acts of the Apostles, it could just as accurately be called Acts of the Holy Spirit, because every work accomplished by the apostles was empowered by Him.
Throughout Acts, the Holy Spirit enables believers to bear witness to Jesus (Acts 1:8), sends them into mission, and establishes communities of faith through the church. Although Peter and Paul are prominent figures in the narrative, Acts is not simply their story. The word apostle means "one who is sent." In that sense, all believers share in Christ's mission (Matthew 28:18–20).
So how do we participate in God's work today? By living not merely a spiritual life, but a Spirit-led life. Before acting, we learn to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance. As we listen to His leading and obey His direction, we participate in God's ongoing mission.
Interestingly, Acts ends rather abruptly in chapter 28, without a formal conclusion. While the book itself ends there, the work of the Holy Spirit does not. In many ways, the story continues today through the lives of believers. The same Spirit who empowered the early church is still at work in us.
To help us cultivate a Spirit-led life, Pastor Daniel has challenged us to:
Read two chapters of Scripture each day.
Spend five minutes in prayer, intentionally waiting on the Holy Spirit.
Perform one act of service for the church body.
These practices do not make us holy in themselves, but they help us develop a consistent posture of seeking the Holy Spirit and following His leading. As we journey through Acts together, may we grow in anticipation of what God will teach us through the lives of our early Christian brothers and sisters, and through His ongoing work in us today.
Reflection questions:
What is the difference between having a spiritual life and living a Spirit-led life? Where do you see that difference playing out in your own walk with God?
Can you think of a time when you sensed the Holy Spirit leading you? How did you respond, and what was the outcome?
How have you practiced 3 commitments this week (read 2 chapters of Luke and Acts, 5 minutes prayer waiting for the promise of the Holy Spirit, one act of service to build up the church)?
