From Mark Copeland... Waiting For The Promise (Ac.1:12-26)

                          "THE BOOK OF ACTS"

                   Waiting For The Promise (1:12-26)

INTRODUCTION

1. After Jesus ascended to heaven, His disciples returned to
   Jerusalem...
   a. As instructed by Jesus - Ac 1:4
   b. To wait for the promise of the Spirit - Ac 1:4-5

2. Today, we are waiting for a promise...
   a. Not the promise of the Spirit
   b. But the promise of the Son - cf. Ac 1:11

[How the disciples of Jesus waited for the promise of the Spirit provides
some insight as to how we should wait for the promise of the Son.  So
let's first consider what is said about how they waited for...]

I. WAITING FOR THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT (THEN)
   
   A. THEY ASSEMBLED...
      1. The disciples returned to Jerusalem from Mount Olivet - Ac 1:12
         a. From which Jesus ascended to heaven
         b. A distance described as "a Sabbath day's journey" (2000
            cubits, or 0.6 miles)
      2. The apostles assembled in an upper room - Ac 1:13-14
         a. With "the women" (likely those who had accompanied Jesus
            from Galilee and witnessed the crucifixion and empty tomb)
            - cf. Lk 8:2-3; 23:49,55-56; 24:2-11
         b. With Mary the mother of Jesus (the last time she is
            mentioned in the NT)
         c. With Jesus' brothers (who had not believed prior to His
            resurrection) - Mk 6:3; Jn 7:5

   B. THEY PRAYED...
      1. They continued with one accord in prayer and supplication - Ac 1:14
      2. "It is likely that they were praying constantly that the
         promised Spirit would descend" - ESV Study Bible 

   C. THEY PREPARED...
      1. Peter outlines the need to replace Judas Iscariot - Ac 1:15-20
         a. Who had died a gruesome death
         b. Whose death and replacement was foretold by the Spirit 
            - cf. Ps 69:25; 109:8
      2. The apostolic requirements are given - Ac 1:21-22
         a. Someone who had accompanied the apostles
         b. From the baptism of John to the day Jesus ascended
         c. Who could then serve as a witness of the resurrection
      3. The replacement selected - Ac 1:23-26
         a. Two men put forward:  Joseph (Barsabas) Justus, and
            Matthias
         c. Matthias is selected and numbered with the eleven apostles

[In this manner the disciples of Jesus waited for the promise of the
Spirit.  In a similar way, so should disciples today wait for the promise
of the Lord's return...]

II. WAITING FOR THE PROMISE OF THE SON (NOW)

   A.  WE SHOULD ASSEMBLE...
      1. A practice we are not to forsake - He 10:24-25; 1Th 5:1-11
         a. Important to remaining encouraged and motivated
         b. Especially since Christ's return can happen at any moment
      2. Especially on the Lord's day - cf. Ac 20:7; 1Co 11:26
         a. When we assemble on the first day of the week to break
            bread
         b. In which we proclaim the Lord's death "till He come"
      3. If we truly long for our Savior's return...
         a. We will not forsake the practice of assembling
         b. We will encourage one another with our presence

   B. WE SHOULD PRAY...
      1. Jesus taught His disciples the need to pray - Lk 18:1-8;
         21:34-36
         a. Lest they lose heart and faith
         b. Lest the Day come upon them unexpectedly
      2. Thus we are to pray - Col 4:2; 1Co 16:22; Re 22:20; 2Pe 3:11-13
         a. Earnestly, with vigilance
         b. Anxious for His coming
         c. Looking for and hastening that Day
      3. If we truly long for our Savior's return...
         a. We will be fervent in our prayers
         b. Expressing hope and anticipation concerning His return

   C. WE SHOULD PREPARE...
      1. Jesus taught His disciples the need to be prepared - 

         Mt 24:45-51; 25:1-30
         a. Like a wise and faithful servant
         b. Like wise virgins waiting for the bridegroom
         c. Like faithful servants putting their talents to work
      2. Thus we are to be prepared and productive - 2Pe 3:11-14; 1Co 15:58
         a. With holy conduct and godliness, found in peace, without
            spot and blameless
         b. Steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the
            Lord  
      3. If we truly long for our Savior's return...
         a. We will not only watch, but work!
         b. Growing in grace, knowledge, and service!

CONCLUSION

1. The apostles received the promise of the Spirit...
   a. In ten days, on the Day of Pentecost - Ac 2:1-4
   b. Equipping them for service as witnesses for Christ - cf. Ac 1:8

2. One day we will receive the promise of the Son...
   a. Even though it has almost been two thousand years - cf. 2Pe 3:3-9
   b. Rewarding us with the promise of wonderful blessings! - 2Pe 3:14;
      Re 21:1-7

Until then, let us wait for the promise of the Son by assembling,
praying, and preparing...!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2012