ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, NIGERIA.
ADULTS SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 23,
JANUARY - JUNE, 2023.
SUNDAY, 4TH JUNE, 2023.
Memory Verse: Acts 5:32
We are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him (KJV).
Central Truth
God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him.
The Lesson Outline
1. Commanded To Wait
Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:4-8.
A. Spirit's Power Promised
B. Spirit's Power Needed
2. Worshipping and Waiting
Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-14.
A. Worshipping
B. Waiting
3. Obeying and Receiving
Acts 1:15-26; 2:1-4.
A. Obeying
B. Receiving
Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Accept that God's desire is for all believers in Christ to be filled with His Spirit.
2. Cultivate a desire to draw closer to God to be more open to the working of the Spirit in their life.
3. Be encouraged to set aside time regularly to seek the Lord and to ask Him to fill them with the Holy Spirit.
Introducing the Lesson
As we begin this seven-week study of the first twelve chapters of the Book of Acts, we will be expanding on the Pentecost lesson we explored last week.
Pentecost was just the beginning of a much larger plan God had for the expansion of His Church.
But it all began with waiting for the Holy
Spirit- neither running ahead nor lagging behind! Today's lesson begins in the Book of Luke to provide needed background for what we are about to study. Both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts were written by Luke, who travelled with Paul and served as his personal physician.
The Book of Acts could be considered as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke.
The Holy Scriptures
Luke 24:49
[49]And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Acts 1:4-8
[4]And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
[5]For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
[6]When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
[7]And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
[8]But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Luke 24:52-53
[52]And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
[53]And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.
Acts 1:12-14
[12]Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.
[13]And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
[14]These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Acts 2:1-2
[1]And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
[2]And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
Commentary and Application
1. Commanded to Wait
A. Spirit's Power Promised
Luke 24:44-49
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His followers on several occasions. In this appearance recorded in Luke's Gospel, Jesus reminded them of what He had taught them about the need for Him to suffer on the cross and be raised again to life to provide for the forgiveness of sins.
His disciples were to be witnesses of Jesus to the world. But first, they needed to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, the gift the Father had promised to them.
With the Spirit's help, the followers of Jesus had the mission, the message, and the means to fulfil their calling.
On this occasion, Jesus opened their minds to understand what the Scriptures had foretold about His work as the Messiah to fulfil God's plan for the redemption of human kind.
Jesus' reference to the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms includes all of what today is known as the Old Testament.
Each of these three divisions contained prophecies related to Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.
The apostles were firsthand witnesses of Jesus' ministry and resurrection.
Their mission was to proclaim the good news throughout the earth with Jerusalem as the starting point (verses 47-48).
The message was of the need for people to repent to receive the forgiveness of sins.
The means to fulfil the mission of proclaiming the message would be the power and work of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit's presence and power in the lives of believers was a promise from the Father.
Questions for Application
Why do Christians need the Spirit's presence and power at work in their lives?
How would you expiain what repentance means to someone without a church background?
B. Spirit's Power Needed
Acts 1:4-8
While there was a great mission assigned to the disciples, Jesus instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4).
John the Baptist had baptised people in water.
The disciples would receive the baptism in the Spirit John had spoken of to be empowered for service (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:8).
The apostles asked Jesus about the restoration of lsrael as a sovereign nation (verse 6).
While it may seem out of place, they would have known that an outpouring of the Spirit was tied to the restoration of Israel in prophecies relating to the last days (Ezekiel 36 and 37; Joel 2:28-32), Jesus gently redirected their attention to the t task at hand.
God, in His timing would fulfil the promise of restoring the rule of God to Israel. But they were to be His witnesses as they took the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:7-8).
Christians can get caught up trying to decipher end-time events and fail to stay on mission.
Disciples of Jesus are to go with the gospel to all nations. It is telling that the Greek word for witness is the word we get "martyr" from.
The power to stand for Christ as His followers and proclaim the gospel even when facing opposition comes only from being full of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Application
How should knowing these are the last days affect how Christians respond to the mission of taking the gospel to the ends cf the earth?
How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's help when sharing the gospel with others?
2. Worshipping and Waiting
A. Worshipping - Luke 24:50-53
Jesus' last words to His disciples were a blessing. What was included in the blessing He gave as He ascended into heaven?
We cannot state anything for certain, but it may have been along the lines of His prayer for them in John 17.
In this prayer Jesus asked for them to be protected, to have unity, and to experiernce joy as they were sent into the world to proclaim the kingdom of God.
As Jesus ascended into heaven. the disciples worshipped Him (Luke 24:52). He was their long-awaited Messiah, the risen Saviour, and the exalted Lord.
Any lingering doubts they had seemed to have vanished as evidenced by their worship and great joy.
The temple became their regular place to meet and worship God as they waited for Christ's promise the baptism in the Holy Spirit (verse 53).
The events of the last few weeks likely caused them to see many of the things they had experienced alongside Jesus with fresh faith.
Reading through Peter's sermon in Acts 2 reveals their clear understanding of who Jesus is and what He came to do.
The disciples were obedient.
They stayed in Jerusalem, gathering regularly in the temple to worship God as they waited for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Application
Why is the Ascension an essential part of the gospel?
How does a greater understanding of Jesus increase your desire to worship Him?
B. Waiting - Acts 1:9-14
In Acts, Luke reported the ascension of Jesus, adding detail to the account. As Jesus rose, a cloud hid Him from the disciples' sight (Acts 1:9). Two men, likely angels, suddenly appeared among them (verse 10). Their message prodded the disciples to action and filled them with hope. Jesus would come back as was promised, but until then they had their marching orders (verse 11).
Spurred by these messengers, the believers returned to Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit. The Eleven, along with others, gathered in the Upper Room. The Resurrection and Ascension had an obvious impact on the lives of those who were closest to Jesus.
The community of faith included several women who had followed Jesus during His ministry (Luke 8:1-3). It also included Mary, Jesus' mother, and His half-brothers-who had come to believe in Him.
Even though these believers did not know what to expect, they were obedient as they waited for the fulfilment of Jesus' promised Holy Spirit. As they waited they focused on prayer and worship. In the same way, as we wait on God to fulfil His plan for us, we can focus on prayer and worship.
Questions for Application
Should waiting on the Lord be considered an active or passive endeavour? Explain.
What should be the attitude of believers as they wait for the promised return of Christ?
3. Obeying and Receiving
A. Obeying - Acts 1:15-26
How hard it must have been to replace one of their own. Peter was obviously familiar with Old Testament Scripture because he understood that not only was Judas' betrayal foretold in Scripture, but the Scripture also spoke of the need for another to assume his ministry role (Psalm 69:25; 109:8).
The apostles would need to choose another apostle to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus.
This new apostle would need to have been one of Jesus' followers throughout His earthly ministry.
Two men who met the qualification were set forth: Barsabas and Matthias. After praying for the Lord to reveal His choice, the believers cast lots to see who would step into this apostolic ministry. While casting lots may seem to be an odd way to make such a decision, it was a relatively common practice in Jewish culture of the time. It was mentioned several times in the Old Testament, and was used by Joshua in dividing the land among the tribes (see Joshua 18:3-10).
People believed it was a way of making a fair and impartial decision and a way for God to make His will known to them. It is interesting that casting lots is not mentioned again after the coming of the Holy Spirit, who is our Teacher and Guide.
Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. The Twelve were called to serve as the primary witnesses of Jesus' teaching and resurrection. Jesus also said they would serve in His coming kingdom in positions of authority over the twelve tribes of lsrael (Matthew 19:28).
The Twelve filled a special role in Christ's kingdom and Church.
Questions for Application
Why is obedience necessary to fulfil one's calling from the Lord?
How do the Word and the Spirit guide believers?
B. Receiving - Acts 2:1-4
The Day of Pentecost was the fiftieth day after Passover and was one of the three great feasts celebrated by Jewish people.
This harvest festival drew Jewish people to Jerusalem to worship God. This meant the city was full of Jews and converts to Judaism from multiplecountries (Acts 2:5-11). God's timing was perfect in pouring out His Spirit on the followers of Jesus.
On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples who were gathered were filled with the Holy Spirit (2:4).
Three things marked this event. There was a "sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm (verse 2, NLT).
Next what "looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them." In the Old Testament wind and fire were symbols of the Holy Spirit.
The 120 believers would have connected these signs with their understanding of the Holy Spirit.
These two signs were not repeated in other places where people were filled with the Spirit.
The third sign was that "everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages" (verse 4, NLT) as "the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." Jesus had told His disciples that this would happen (Mark 16:17).
The sign of speaking in tongues was repeated as others were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44.46; 19:6).
When we are baptised in the Holy Spirit, we will speak in tongues as well.
Speaking in tongues was a supernatural sign to these believers and would soon become a supernatural sign to those who heard them (Acts 2:5-6). Peter would also experience the empowering of the Holy Spirit as he addressed those who had gathered (Acts 2:14-40).
God has called His people to proclaim the gospel. We also need the empowering of the Holy Spirit to accomplish this. Jesus promised this power (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Like Peter on the Day of Pentecost, we can expect the Holy Spirit to empower us to tell others about Jesus.
Questions for Application
How can believers stay full of the Holy Spirit?
The means to fulfil the mission of proclaiming the message would be the power and work of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit's presence and power in the lives of believers was a promise from the Father.
Questions for Application
Why do Christians need the Spirit's presence and power at work in their lives?
How would you expiain what repentance means to someone without a church background?
B. Spirit's Power Needed
Acts 1:4-8
While there was a great mission assigned to the disciples, Jesus instructed them to remain in Jerusalem until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4).
John the Baptist had baptised people in water.
The disciples would receive the baptism in the Spirit John had spoken of to be empowered for service (Matthew 3:11; Acts 1:8).
The apostles asked Jesus about the restoration of lsrael as a sovereign nation (verse 6).
While it may seem out of place, they would have known that an outpouring of the Spirit was tied to the restoration of Israel in prophecies relating to the last days (Ezekiel 36 and 37; Joel 2:28-32), Jesus gently redirected their attention to the t task at hand.
God, in His timing would fulfil the promise of restoring the rule of God to Israel. But they were to be His witnesses as they took the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:7-8).
Christians can get caught up trying to decipher end-time events and fail to stay on mission.
Disciples of Jesus are to go with the gospel to all nations. It is telling that the Greek word for witness is the word we get "martyr" from.
The power to stand for Christ as His followers and proclaim the gospel even when facing opposition comes only from being full of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Application
How should knowing these are the last days affect how Christians respond to the mission of taking the gospel to the ends cf the earth?
How have you experienced the Holy Spirit's help when sharing the gospel with others?
2. Worshipping and Waiting
A. Worshipping - Luke 24:50-53
Jesus' last words to His disciples were a blessing. What was included in the blessing He gave as He ascended into heaven?
We cannot state anything for certain, but it may have been along the lines of His prayer for them in John 17.
In this prayer Jesus asked for them to be protected, to have unity, and to experiernce joy as they were sent into the world to proclaim the kingdom of God.
As Jesus ascended into heaven. the disciples worshipped Him (Luke 24:52). He was their long-awaited Messiah, the risen Saviour, and the exalted Lord.
Any lingering doubts they had seemed to have vanished as evidenced by their worship and great joy.
The temple became their regular place to meet and worship God as they waited for Christ's promise the baptism in the Holy Spirit (verse 53).
The events of the last few weeks likely caused them to see many of the things they had experienced alongside Jesus with fresh faith.
Reading through Peter's sermon in Acts 2 reveals their clear understanding of who Jesus is and what He came to do.
The disciples were obedient.
They stayed in Jerusalem, gathering regularly in the temple to worship God as they waited for the promised outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Questions for Application
Why is the Ascension an essential part of the gospel?
How does a greater understanding of Jesus increase your desire to worship Him?
B. Waiting - Acts 1:9-14
In Acts, Luke reported the ascension of Jesus, adding detail to the account. As Jesus rose, a cloud hid Him from the disciples' sight (Acts 1:9). Two men, likely angels, suddenly appeared among them (verse 10). Their message prodded the disciples to action and filled them with hope. Jesus would come back as was promised, but until then they had their marching orders (verse 11).
Spurred by these messengers, the believers returned to Jerusalem to await the promised Holy Spirit. The Eleven, along with others, gathered in the Upper Room. The Resurrection and Ascension had an obvious impact on the lives of those who were closest to Jesus.
The community of faith included several women who had followed Jesus during His ministry (Luke 8:1-3). It also included Mary, Jesus' mother, and His half-brothers-who had come to believe in Him.
Even though these believers did not know what to expect, they were obedient as they waited for the fulfilment of Jesus' promised Holy Spirit. As they waited they focused on prayer and worship. In the same way, as we wait on God to fulfil His plan for us, we can focus on prayer and worship.
Questions for Application
Should waiting on the Lord be considered an active or passive endeavour? Explain.
What should be the attitude of believers as they wait for the promised return of Christ?
3. Obeying and Receiving
A. Obeying - Acts 1:15-26
How hard it must have been to replace one of their own. Peter was obviously familiar with Old Testament Scripture because he understood that not only was Judas' betrayal foretold in Scripture, but the Scripture also spoke of the need for another to assume his ministry role (Psalm 69:25; 109:8).
The apostles would need to choose another apostle to replace Judas Iscariot, who had betrayed Jesus.
This new apostle would need to have been one of Jesus' followers throughout His earthly ministry.
Two men who met the qualification were set forth: Barsabas and Matthias. After praying for the Lord to reveal His choice, the believers cast lots to see who would step into this apostolic ministry. While casting lots may seem to be an odd way to make such a decision, it was a relatively common practice in Jewish culture of the time. It was mentioned several times in the Old Testament, and was used by Joshua in dividing the land among the tribes (see Joshua 18:3-10).
People believed it was a way of making a fair and impartial decision and a way for God to make His will known to them. It is interesting that casting lots is not mentioned again after the coming of the Holy Spirit, who is our Teacher and Guide.
Matthias was chosen to replace Judas. The Twelve were called to serve as the primary witnesses of Jesus' teaching and resurrection. Jesus also said they would serve in His coming kingdom in positions of authority over the twelve tribes of lsrael (Matthew 19:28).
The Twelve filled a special role in Christ's kingdom and Church.
Questions for Application
Why is obedience necessary to fulfil one's calling from the Lord?
How do the Word and the Spirit guide believers?
B. Receiving - Acts 2:1-4
The Day of Pentecost was the fiftieth day after Passover and was one of the three great feasts celebrated by Jewish people.
This harvest festival drew Jewish people to Jerusalem to worship God. This meant the city was full of Jews and converts to Judaism from multiplecountries (Acts 2:5-11). God's timing was perfect in pouring out His Spirit on the followers of Jesus.
On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples who were gathered were filled with the Holy Spirit (2:4).
Three things marked this event. There was a "sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm (verse 2, NLT).
Next what "looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them." In the Old Testament wind and fire were symbols of the Holy Spirit.
The 120 believers would have connected these signs with their understanding of the Holy Spirit.
These two signs were not repeated in other places where people were filled with the Spirit.
The third sign was that "everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages" (verse 4, NLT) as "the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." Jesus had told His disciples that this would happen (Mark 16:17).
The sign of speaking in tongues was repeated as others were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:44.46; 19:6).
When we are baptised in the Holy Spirit, we will speak in tongues as well.
Speaking in tongues was a supernatural sign to these believers and would soon become a supernatural sign to those who heard them (Acts 2:5-6). Peter would also experience the empowering of the Holy Spirit as he addressed those who had gathered (Acts 2:14-40).
God has called His people to proclaim the gospel. We also need the empowering of the Holy Spirit to accomplish this. Jesus promised this power (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Like Peter on the Day of Pentecost, we can expect the Holy Spirit to empower us to tell others about Jesus.
Questions for Application
How can believers stay full of the Holy Spirit?
What things might be helpful to a believer seeking to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit?
READ ALSO>>>Adults Sunday School Lesson 20: Sunday, 14th May, 2023.
Call to Discipleship
The Father's promised gift of the Holy Spirit is still available to those who follow Jesus Christ.
Having observed how obedience to the Lord was required for the first believers to receive that gift, consider how obedience to the Lord might be displayed by believers today.
Jesus clearly taught that living as His follower means having the Holy Spirit at work in one's life.
Without the baptism in the Spirit, believers don't have the power, to be effective witnesses of Jesus.
The baptism in the Holy Spirit helps believers develop the fruit of the Spirit and nanifest spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
Believers who have not been filled with the Spirit should seek God to be filled with the Spirit.
Believers who have been filled with Spirit are to learn how to walk in the Spirit and live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25).
Ministry in Action
If you have not received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, ask the Father for this promised gift (Luke 11:13).
Develop a greater Ewareness of the Spirit's leading in your life. Ask God to help you better hear the Spirit's voice.
Consider what you can do to influence other believers to desire and seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
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