Life in the Spirit: Season 1
Waiting for God’s Promise
Before the Church began its mission, the disciples waited in faith, trusting Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit would come and empower them for the work ahead.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The same Holy Spirit who came at Pentecost continues to guide, strengthen, and equip believers to follow Christ today.
Members of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church like to gather for worship and prayer, reflecting the Spirit-filled community that began at Pentecost and continues through the Church today.
Lesson 1.1 Waiting for the Promise
Acts 1:1–11
Season One: Life in the Spirit
Introduction
The resurrection of Jesus changed everything.
For forty days after His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His followers, teaching them about the Kingdom of God and preparing them for what would come next. The disciples had witnessed His death, experienced the joy of His resurrection, and now stood at a pivotal moment in God’s plan.
Surely now was the time for God’s kingdom to be fully established.
Yet instead of sending them immediately into ministry, Jesus told them to wait.
Before they could go, they needed power. Before they could witness, they needed the Holy Spirit. Before the Church could begin its mission, God would equip His people for the work ahead.
This lesson introduces the beginning of the Book of Acts and the promise that would lead to the birth of the Church.
Scripture Reference
Acts 1:1–11 (NASB)
Key Verse
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 (NASB)
Historical Background
The Book of Acts was written by Luke, the same author who wrote the Gospel of Luke.
Luke begins by reminding readers that his Gospel recorded what Jesus began to do and teach. Acts continues the story by showing what Jesus continued to do through the Holy Spirit and the Church.
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of forty days. During this time He taught them, encouraged them, and prepared them for the mission ahead.
The disciples expected God’s kingdom to be restored immediately. Instead, Jesus redirected their attention from dates and timelines to mission and witness.
The focus was no longer, “When will the kingdom come?”
The focus became, “How will God use His people to share the gospel with the world?”
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus Continues His Work
(Acts 1:1–3)
Luke explains that his Gospel described what Jesus began to do and teach.
This is important because Acts shows that Jesus’ ministry did not end with His ascension. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus continues His work through His followers.
The Church is not merely a human organization.
It is Christ’s continuing mission in the world.
The Promise of the Father
(Acts 1:4–5)
Jesus instructed the disciples not to leave Jerusalem.
Instead, they were to wait for “the promise of the Father.”
That promise was the Holy Spirit.
The disciples would soon discover that God’s work cannot be accomplished through human effort alone. They would need divine power for the mission ahead.
Waiting was not inactivity.
Waiting was preparation.
A Different Kind of Kingdom
(Acts 1:6–7)
The disciples asked:
“Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?”
They still expected a political kingdom.
Jesus redirected their attention.
God’s plan was larger than they imagined.
The kingdom would spread through transformed hearts rather than military power.
Instead of predicting dates, Jesus called them to trust God’s timing.
The Promise from the Father
(Acts 1:9–11)Jesus was taken up into heaven before the disciples’ eyes.
The ascension reminds us that Jesus reigns as Lord and King.
Two angels appeared and asked why the disciples were standing looking into the sky.
Their message was simple:
Jesus will return.
Until then, His followers have work to do.
The Church lives between Christ’s ascension and His return.
Reasons We Believe
Jesus Is Alive
Acts begins with the reality of the resurrection.
Christian faith is built upon the truth that Jesus conquered death and lives today.
The Holy Spirit Is God’s Gift
The Holy Spirit is not merely a force or influence.
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence with His people, empowering believers to live faithfully and serve effectively.
God’s Timing Is Perfect
The disciples wanted immediate answers.
Jesus called them to trust God’s plan and timing.
Faith often requires waiting before understanding.
The Mission Belongs to Every Believer
Jesus did not give His mission to a few leaders.
Every follower of Christ is called to be a witness.
Obedience in Action
The disciples were instructed to wait before acting.
Many people struggle with waiting because waiting feels unproductive.
Yet Scripture teaches that God often prepares us during seasons of waiting.
Like the disciples, we are called to:
Trust God’s timing.
Remain faithful while waiting.
Seek God’s guidance through prayer.
Prepare our hearts for future opportunities.
Depend upon the Holy Spirit rather than our own strength
Walk It Out
Consider these questions:
What are you currently waiting on God to do in your life?
How do you usually respond during seasons of waiting?
What does Acts 1 teach about trusting God’s timing?
How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit instead of your own abilities?
Where might God be calling you to be a witness for Christ?
Possible Responses
You may be waiting for healing, direction, answers, restoration, or clarity.
You may discover that God uses waiting to deepen trust and prepare you for future ministry.
You may realize that God often works in ways that are different from your expectations but better than your plans.
Living the Message
The disciples stood between resurrection and Pentecost.
They did not yet know exactly what would happen next.
What they did know was this:
Jesus was alive.
God had a promise.
The Holy Spirit was coming.
The mission would continue.
Like those first believers, we often live in seasons between God’s promises and their fulfillment.
Acts 1 reminds us that waiting is not wasted time when we are trusting God.
He is preparing us for what comes next.
Go Back to Learn the Story of the Church
Go Back to Life in the Spirit: Season One Overview.
Related Pages
Season One: Life in the Spirit
Pentecost
The Holy Spirit
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Next Lesson
Lesson 2: Waiting Together
Acts 1:12–26
While waiting for God’s promise, the believers gathered in prayer, unity, and faithful preparation.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith.
Come and See. Join us for Sunday School at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM. Visit PGUM.org to continue the journey.
