(Acts 1:12-26)
SERMON OUTLINE
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. (Acts 1:14)
Response of Disciples to Being Called (Acts 1:10-14)
- Response embraces the calling (encouragement from God)
- Response is unified (scattered when arrested)
- Response indicates growth of disciples (pride to humility)
Prayer is Always Step #1 (Acts 1:14)
- To being close to Jesus
- Does not come naturally
- Recognition of where power resides
- In times of need (Acts 1:15-26)
- In times of uncertainty (Acts 1:7-8)
Growing in Prayer
- Changing perspective on prayer
- Space to pray (Acts 1:13)
- Time to pray (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- Awareness to pray
- Praying as a community
- Activate mission and calling
To proclaim and embody the love of Jesus Christ in the city and in the world.
Discussion Questions
- We are in week 2 of our series at Eastbrook entitled “Activate,” about the church energized for God’s mission. This week, we are looking at Acts 1:10-26. Take some time to pray, asking God to speak to you as you read His word.
- Try to place yourself in the shoes of the disciples at this moment in Acts 1. Jesus has just ascended to heaven after giving you His final words to be a witness of Him in the world. What emotions would the disciples be experiencing at this time? (verse 10)?
- In verse 11, how does God provide encouragement to the disciples? How important is receiving encouragement in your life?
- Being a witness to the ascension of Jesus had to have been a “mountaintop experience”. Three of the disciples also had a “mountaintop experience” in Mark 9, being a witness to the transfiguration of Jesus. The contrasting responses indicate a tremendous growth in these men. Read Mark 9:28 and Mark 9:33-34. Where is the focus of the disciples after the transfiguration? How is their response different in Acts 1:12-14?
- In Acts 1:15-26, we see a need addressed. What is the need? There is an unusual way in which the new disciple is picked. Was this a foolish way to choose the next disciple?
- The disciples are told by Jesus that there are things that will be unknown to them as they live their calling. Why do we tend not to like or embrace uncertainty? Is the fear of lacking of control a trait that keeps us from trusting God? How can prayer help in times of uncertainty?
- What do you think the motivation is for the people in Acts 1 to pray? What is our motivation to pray?
- What are reasons we give for not spending time in prayer? The people in Acts 1 could have given plausible reasons (safety, fear, uncertainty, confusion, busyness of life) and yet they don’t let anything keep them from praying. What can we learn from this powerful picture of unity and prioritization of prayer?
- List 5 things in our city and world that need prayer. What are 5 things in your life that need prayer? Take time pray as a group or family in unity for these needs.
- One priority of Eastbrook is to grow as a praying church. How are you connected with the church through prayer? Are there things you need prayer for? Would you be willing to join us Tuesday night at 7 pm as we pray together?