LESSON ONE ACTS 2:29-47
SITUATION
For almost two months, Jerusalem had been buzzing with plots, a headline crucifixion, rumors of a resurrection, transformed lives, visits from the risen Jesus, and his sudden departure to heaven. After Jesus left his followers gathered to pray in an upper room, and the Holy Spirit showed up! In the early-morning hours of Pentecost, a new sound was heard in the temple courts: Galileans speaking various languages, praising God in tongues other than their own. A crowd gathered. Conclusions were reached. Then one of the disciples stood up and spoke. Peter, the transformed fisherman who had betrayed his Lord, delivered the first sermon, explaining from Scripture who Jesus really was and why he died. The results were remarkable.
OBSERVATION Read Acts 2:29–47 from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
29 “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (My emphasis)
INSPIRATION
A transformed group stood beside a transformed Peter as he announced some weeks later: “So, all the people of Israel should know this truly: God has made Jesus—the man you nailed to the cross—both Lord and Christ.” No timidity in his words. No reluctance. About three thousand people believed his message. The apostles sparked a movement. The people became followers of the death-conqueror. They couldn’t hear enough or say enough about him . . . Christ was their model, their message. They preached “Jesus Christ and him crucified,” not for the lack of another topic, but because they couldn’t exhaust this one. What unlocked the doors of the apostles’ hearts? Simple. They saw Jesus. They encountered the Christ. Their sins collided with their Savior and their Savior won! A lot of things would happen to them over the next few decades. Many nights would be spent away from home. Hunger would gnaw at their bellies. Rain would soak their skin. Stones would bruise their bodies. Shipwrecks, lashings, martyrdom. But there was a scene in the repertoire of memories that caused them to never look back: the betrayed coming back to find his betrayers; not to scourge them, but to send them. Not to criticize them for forgetting, but to commission them to remember. Remember that he who was dead is alive and they who were guilty have been forgiven. (From Six Hours One Friday by Max Lucado.)
REACTION 7. What changes has Jesus made in your life? [Your Response Here]
8. What circumstances caused you to open your heart to God? [Your Response Here]
9. Why do you think some people resist the convicting work of the Holy Spirit? [Your Response Here]
10. The Holy Spirit gave Peter boldness to speak the truth. What ability or gift have you received from God? [Your Response Here]
11. How have you discovered the spiritual gifts God has given you? [Your Response Here]
12. How can you use your gifts to help bring others into God’s kingdom? [Your Response Here]
LIFE LESSONS
Authentic followers of Jesus always have company. In fact, if we feel all alone in our faith, one of the explanations may be that we’re not following Jesus as closely as we think we are. The first disciples went from feeling all alone to speaking out and discovering more than 3,000 new companions. The practice of faith involves others. So make it a point to pursue healthy relationships with other believers. Ask Jesus to change you into an agent of peace in every situation you find yourself in. Ask him to make you into good company.
DEVOTION
Father, we invite the powerful indwelling of your Spirit, because we know that we do not have the power to change ourselves. May we be open to your convicting work. May we be sincere and willing to grow as you lead us. Father, transform us into your likeness.
JOURNALING
In what area of your life have you resisted the Spirit’s work? How can you change that attitude?
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