"Why Are You Standing Here?"

“WHY ARE YOU STANDING HERE…?” (Outline)

May 16, 2010 -

Easter 7 -

ACTS 1:8-14

INTRO: At different times in our lives we are faced with various senses of duty. In college we have a sense of duty to our studies. In marriage we have a sense of duty for our family. In our calling in life we have a certain sense of duty to our employer. As believers we are privileged to know that our lives have a sense of duty to share God’s gospel with the world. Sometimes we may forget the urgency for this task. "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again" (2 CORINTHIANS 5:14,15). The angels remind us of our mission.

“WHY ARE YOU STANDING HERE…?”

I. Share God’s kingdom of grace. II. Watch for his kingdom of glory.

I. SHARE GOD’S KINGDOM OF GRACE.

A. The disciples had been with Jesus during miracles, teachings, crucifixion, death, and resurrection.

1. In verse 6 before our text the disciples want to know if Jesus will restore the kingdom to Israel.

2. Jesus’ disciples are still thinking of Jesus as an earthly king to drive out the Romans.

3. Verse 8. The disciples will receive power. They will be the ones to extend God’s kingdom.

a. God’s kingdom was (is) spiritual. b. God’s kingdom will extend to all nations.

B. Verse 9. Jesus rises into the sky. A cloud conceals Jesus from them. They wonder, “What next?”

C. Verse 10. God sends his angels to bring the disciples back to their senses. The disciples see and hear.

1. Angels marked the importance of this event. They did not come very often during Jesus’ life.

a. Birth b. Wilderness temptation c. Garden of Gethsemane d. Resurrection e. Ascension

2. Verse 11a. The disciples have much more to do than just looking into the empty sky.

D. Even though Jesus’ disciples had close contact with Jesus for three years they still focused on an earthly kingdom rather than spiritual. So it is the same with all too many today. Some feel that by believing they deserve a better life than others. Others preach that faith will result in great material blessings. Our heavenly Father is concerned about our earthly life. But God is far more concerned about his kingdom of grace. Jesus warned against false prophets who would preach God’s kingdom only for the here and now. "’The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, `Here it is,’ or `There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you’"(LUKE 17:20b, 21). Faith by grace.

E. God’s word is still the truth. The Bible is the only truth that reveals the gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of mankind. In our day and age truth is relative. This means that each person can determine his or her own truth for himself or herself. Absolute truth is thought to be impossible. When we tell others that Scripture is God’s truth they counter with the thought that that is your truth, not mine. Rejoice that God has revealed his truth to you. Celebrate that we do not sit in darkness as many in this world. "We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty" (2 PETER 1:16). By God’s grace we have seen the wonders of the majesty of God as clearly revealed to us in his word of truth. We can share God’s truth.

F. Sharing the truth of God is not always easy. We are born into this world as God’s enemies, not God’s messengers. Like the disciples we stand in wonder and awe that God has called us, has chosen us, and now sends us out to the very ends of the earth. Our world is searching for answers. The times are evil and the hearts of many are growing colder and colder and darker and darker. We have the answer. God gives us the solution to solve man’s deepest needs. "For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not remain quiet, till her righteousness shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch" (ISAIAH 62:1). We share God’s grace for God’s glory (not our glory). Why stand/sit here!

“WHY ARE YOU STANDING HERE…?”

Share God’s kingdom of grace with those still in the dark.

II. WATCH FOR HIS KINGDOM OF GLORY.

A. The disciples had much to think about. Jesus told them they would receive power (Pentecost).