You Will Be My Witnesses
Acts 1:1-11
Key verse 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Good morning! At this conference, we learned that we are a chosen people. That is what you are, but do you know what we will be? Jesus says, “You will be my witnesses.” This is God’s great vision for us. “We have been chosen” is an incomplete sentence. The complete sentence is, “We have been chosen for God’s mission.”
Last night we heard world mission reports and life testimonies. If Abe Lee can be a missionary to China, then anyone can be Jesus’ witness!
Look at verses 1&2. “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.” This “former book” is Luke’s gospel. Luke was a carefully researcher. (Lk 1:3) In the book of Luke, we learn about the entire life of Jesus, from his birth to his death and resurrection. But Acts 1:1 says, “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach.” Jesus’ life on earth was only the beginning of the gospel. After his resurrection, Jesus gave instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. Then he ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit to be with them. The book of Acts is primarily about the Spirit of God, and how he worked mightily through the apostles to accomplish world mission.
Let’s read verse 3. After his suffering, he showed himself to these men, and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. Generally, people don’t have to prove they are alive. But Jesus provided such proof that he was alive, so that we can all be confident in his bodily resurrection as a validated historical fact. The eyewitnesses testify that he offered many convincing proofs. Jesus resurrection is historical fact.
Looking at verse 3 we can see what the main teaching of Jesus was in these final visits. “He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” Jesus’ time with disciples was very limited. There were many things he might have wanted to teach them in these final days. But what was the one thing that they most needed? It was the hope of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God may seem to be an abstract concept, that is not relevant to our daily lives. But the kingdom of God is highly relevant and was central to Jesus’ teaching. Jesus’ ministry began by proclaiming that, “the time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mk 1:15) In this way, Jesus taught that he was the one who brings the kingdom of God, and elsewhere Jesus said that since his time, “the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.” (Lk 17:16) Jesus also declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” (Jn 3:3) And when asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you. (or, alternatively, is among you)” (Lk 17:20-21) It was the subject of many parables. It is like a tiny mustard seed that grows into a tree (Mt 13:31-32) And it is like a treasure hidden in a field. “When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Mt13:44) The kingdom of God starts small. It is not valued by men, in fact they cannot even see it, because it is like a hidden treasure to them. But for those who have been saved, the kingdom of God grows within them; it is their source of hope and joy.
Jesus also taught his disciples about the Holy Spirit. Let’s read verses 4-5. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit? This baptism occurs when we are saved (Ac 10:45, Eph 1:13-14). (This was different for the disciples, like Peter and John, because they were saved before Jesus’ death, his resurrection or the sending of the Holy Spirit, so they had to wait for it.) But for people today, the baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs when we are saved. It is unrelated to water baptism. Also, the baptism of the Holy Spirit does not necessarily mean that we feel euphoric, because he is the Holy Spirit, not the Happy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God. So his primary function is to make us holy, and to teach our hearts the character of God. The baptism of the Spirit means that Holy God has made his dwelling in our once-dark hearts.
If you are not, don’t miss this chance. Chosen. And don’t move on to mission. Foundation before building.
Second the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is not the same thing as receiving power from, although it is a prerequisite.
Third it is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to do the work of God. Fruit of Spirit is joy love peace kindnaess patience,… Without Holy Spirit, sheep are unloveable and too slow. Instinct.
Fourth It is not an excuse for laziness.
They needed the Holy Spirit. Peter was … James and John were … no love,
Why did they need to wait for the Holy Spirit? Because without the holy spirit, they have no power to be Jesus witnesses. Peter wanted to be Jesus’ witness. He swore to follow him to death. But he did not have the Holy Spirit, so he had no power. He denied Jesus three times to a little servant girl. When the Holy Spirit came, he had power to be Jesus witness to a large crowd, saving 3,000, and before the hostile Sanhedrin.
From this we can learn three things. First that they need the Holy Spirit, that without the Holy spirit, they cannot be his witnesses, that it is the Holy Spirit that will give them the power to be his witnesses. Peter…
Second that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is necessary.
That the baptism of and the being filled with are different but contingent and how to do.
In the same way, we need the Holy Spirit. But what does that mean for us?
Today, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs at the moment that we are saved. This is different for Peter, because he was saved before the Holy Spirit had come at Pentecost. But for us, we should be clear what someone means when they say…
Jesus told the disciples to wait a few days, because the Feast of Pentecost would be a most historic event. Joel had prophesied what would happen, “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy [which means to declare God’s word], your young men will see visions your old men will dream dreams.”
The Holy Spirit would be poured out on all believers. Not just on a few prophets,
We need the Holy Spirit.
But what does that mean?
Today, there is a controversy about how do we know if we have the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Some people really missed the point, and thought of the Holy Spirit as a good feeling, or as a magical force. But the Holy Spirit is God, and when we receive the Holy Spirit, his primary effect is to make us like God. The Holy Spirit makes us Holy. The Holy Spirit gives us power. He does not give us power so that we can show off, or so that we can feel good. He gives us power to be his witnesses. The Holy Spirit is also described like a fire that burns away our sins, and makes us Holy, and leads us in God’s way. If you have accepted Jesus, you have the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It is not even necessary to be baptized with water first (Ac 10:47). The disciples had to wait for the Spirit because Jesus had not yet ascended, but the situation is not the same today, after the ascension – all believers have the Holy Spirit, and his fruit should be seen in our lives. His fruit is not described as charismatic gifts like prophesying or speaking in tongues. Rather, the Bible teaches: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal 5:22-23)
In verse 4-5, we can, among other things, draw two points: 1) Wait! And 2) Don’t keep waiting!
First: “Wait!” At that time, Jesus had just been crucified and his disciples were on the run. There were posters with their faces all over the city, reading, “wanted dead or alive.” Jerusalem was a dangerous place and they may have wanted to flee. But Jesus told them to wait. At that time, Jesus could have sent the Holy Spirit immediately. But he told them to wait. Waiting is not what we like to do. If children have to wait 5 minutes, they start to fidget, then they get up and run around. When children are asked if they would like one candy now or two candies later, most choose to eat the one candy right now. These days, many adults behave like children. People expect instant gratification. But waiting and patience are Biblical principles. When Saul did not wait for Samuel, he lost his chance to have an enduring throne. When Esau could not wait to fill his hungry stomach for just a little while, he sold his birthright for a bowl of stew.
The disciples were told to wait for the Holy Spirit. In doing the work of God, we need the Holy Spirit. If we do the work of God without the Holy Spirit, our Bible Students become, to our eyes, hard-to-love and we become impatient when they don’t grow as we planned. We rely on our own instinct in teaching and doing God’s work. But, in contrast, Jesus encouraged us to not even think about we will say, but that God will give us the words, if we focus on seeking the Holy Spirit. With the Holy Spirit, we are not doing the work of God, but God is doing his work through us. “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” (Ps 127:1)
The second point is: “Don’t keep waiting!” While some people are impatient and don’t wait on God, others are content to wait their whole lives. But verse 5 says, “in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Just a few days. We may see a Christian sitting in a bench on campus looking at the crowds of lost students passing by. We ask him, “What are you waiting for? Preach to them before they pass away!” And he answers, “I am sitting here waiting for the Holy Spirit to move me to preach.” He sounds so spiritual. But it is foolish! If you are Christian, you have already been baptized with the Holy Spirit, and that’s it – once for all. Because of our sins, we do not always feel “filled with the Holy Spirit,” but we do always have the Spirit, if we are Christian (Rom 8:9). He will never leave us (Jn 14:16) We don’t need to wait for him, but we need to let him work in our lives. “Those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Rom 8:5) So don’t sit around waiting forever. You have to allow the Spirit to work in you. I remember one time in particular when I didn’t feel “filled with the Holy Spirit,” but I went fishing anyway, not because I wanted to, but just to discharge my duty, and I found a Bible student. Verse 4 is not an excuse to be lazy. But rather, “always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord” (1Cor 15:58)
Look at verse 6. So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Jesus taught them about the kingdom of God, but they asked about the kingdom of Israel. It was a funny question. Jesus was about to leave in a few moments but they were clueless and thought he was going to stay on earth forever. They still couldn’t let go of their earthly dream. Under King David and King Solomon, Israel enjoyed great power. They hoped to see Jesus take his place on David’s throne forever as prophesied in Isaiah 9, restoring the kingdom of Israel. They are confused about the times, and their hope is incomplete, but their question is mostly positive. They are eager for Jesus kingdom to come right away. Are we so eager? Now when the time is much nearer, we too are to pray for God’s kingdom to come.
Lets all read Jesus’ answer in verses 7-8. He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times and dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Jesus redirected their energies. Instead of contemplating the future and the times that the Father has set by his own authority, Jesus directed his disciples toward what they were to do. God decides to do whatever he decides, when he decides to do it. He doesn’t consult us. And even if we knew the hour, it wouldn’t change our mission; we would still have the same mission to be his witnesses right up to the end. Jesus said that was not for them to know. But he then gave them clear direction, what was for them to do. They would receive power when the Holy Spirit came on them, and they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. From this verse were learn 3 lessons.
First, our mission is to be Jesus’ witnesses wherever we are. Jesus is concerned for all peoples from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. In the world today are billions of people who have never heard an accurate gospel message. Many are suffering in oppressive societies where they are not valued as individuals, or are suffering from abject poverty and disease. All are suffering under the power of sin and death, and at the hands of ruthless men. When we think of such people, many shrug their shoulders, “Someone should do something, but not me.” Two hundred years ago, a young minister named William Carey brought up the issue at a clergy meeting, and his superior rebuked him, “Young man sit down. If God wants to save the heathen, he will do it without asking you or me.” It sounds like such a spiritual answer. But we find in Acts chapter 1 that it has never been a question of whether God wanted to evangelize the heathen, but just a question of who would go for the Lord to accomplish his work.
I also used to wonder why God didn’t just do all the work himself, and let me live my own life. But that is not God’s way. He has entrusted us with the sacred task of being Jesus’ witnesses. When I was a new Bible student, the idea of being Jesus’ witness troubled me very much, even after I became a young Christian. I was afraid to tell anyone about the Bible. I didn’t want to approach people and was most worried that I would meet someone I knew. Later I understood that mission is the blessed gift of God. As Romans 1:7 proclaims, “Through [Jesus] and for his name’s sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles…” Jesus’ call to be his witnesses is here described as the grace of God. The reason is that God can certainly accomplish everything without us, but in his grace, he gives us a mission. From the beginning, man was made with a mission. When I didn’t know my mission in life, my life was meaningless. I was always troubled by death and could not find meaning in the face of death. Many people view the meaning of life as the great, unanswerable question. But Acts 1:8 gives our lives meaning, direction and purpose. It gives us vision and hope that God has a grand plan for us to be his witnesses to the world.
The Greek word used here, martus, is the root of the English word “martyr”. For most of the disciples, their calling to testify to Jesus’ resurrection would lead them to become martyrs killed for their faith in God.
Second, Jesus had vision for his disciples to be missionaries to all the world. The disciples were very slow to learn. Only a few days before, they had scattered and abandoned him at the cross. They were not rich or educated men, many had been fishermen, before following Jesus. But Jesus had vision for them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. It was not because of their talents, but because of the power that they would receive from the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ vision for the disciples is the same as for us. We need to accept God’s vision for us. On Thursday we heard about Abram. His vision was to have a son. But God had a far greater vision to make him into great nation and a blessing to all peoples on earth. My story is like Abram. As a teenager, I was full of hope. I was the top of my high school and full of ambition. I would often think about my bright future. Maybe I will win the Nobel Prize, like Albert Einstien. Maybe I will become build a prosperous computer Empire like Steven Jobs (back then, Bill Gates wasn’t famous yet). Then I went to college and found that it was much harder than high school. I was an average student getting average grades; I could never win the Nobel Prize. At age 19, I felt like a washed-up Abram with no hope for the future or meaning in life. But God gave me a new vision in life to be Jesus’ witness. It is a far better hope, because it is eternal. It is also a better hope, because it is possible. It does not depend on my weak abilities, but on the Holy Spirit who gives us the power to do his work, if we will allow him to use us. We do not need to calculate and worry, but to trust God.
Third, the work of God begins in Jerusalem and then progressively moves out until it reaches to the ends of the earth. For the disciples, Jerusalem was where they were at the moment. They would first be Jesus witnesses there. Later they would spread out to the surrounding countryside of Judea. Later to the neighboring, half-gentile area of Samaria, and finally to the ends of the earth. For instance, Thomas who had seemed hopeless, is believed to have become a missionary to India and to have founded churches which exist to this day, before being martyred by the natives. The progressive advancement of the gospel is the typical way of mission work. When we become Christian, we need some training in our comfortable environment, for me that is the University of Maryland. This may not be easy, especially if you go to a rural university like Penn State or Shippensburg or Lehigh. But we must first grow as excellent Bible teachers in our local area, before we can go out. As I fish on campus, I feel like I am doing world mission. I have a Muslim student from Iran. There are Russian students and Chinese students. It is excellent training for World Mission. It can also be our prayer to raise up missionaries. After Jerusalem, we need to expand our vision to include Judea, for us: all of 206 east coast campuses. Then we look to Samaria, where is that? Some have suggested Latin America. In Washington Center, many people are taking Spanish classes with vision for Latin America Pioneering. And finally we consider then ends of the earth. Next month, Shepherd Joe will go for mission all the way over the end of the earth, to the Land Down Under. It is the ends of the earth. And there are also Muslim and Communist countries; who will tell these shut-off peoples? From the Life Testimonies and World Mission Reports, I could see God’s hope for all peoples, and God’s calling for America to be a Missionary sending country.
In conclusion, let’s read verses 9-11. “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
The disciples were gazing intently into the sky, wondering when Jesus would come back. They felt lost without Jesus. They didn’t know what to do on their own. But two angels were sent to give them direction. “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” One day Jesus will return in the clouds with power. Until then, we are not to stare up into the clouds but to look down to earth at the fields ripe for harvest. Whenever I attend a conference, it is like a taste of heaven. I never want to leave. But we cannot stay here forever. What are we to do? Let’s pray for the Holy Spirit and for power to do God’s work.
Let’s read the key verse.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will e my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.