Scripture References: Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:4-14; Isaiah 43:6-7; Romans 11:33-36; Psalm 50:9-15
Intro: Welcome! We're launching a new sermon series exploring the Book of Acts. Written by Luke, Acts chronicles the Holy Spirit's arrival and the birth and expansion of the early church after Jesus' ascension. The key verse, Acts 1:8, outlines the mission: empowered by the Spirit, believers become witnesses spreading from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth – that includes us! Over the next 20 weeks, we'll connect various topics (Spirit, gifts, community, suffering, etc.) to the overarching theme: The Mission of God.
Key Points:
- Acts is Fundamentally About GOD: While rich with history and practical lessons, Acts primarily reveals God's sovereign plan unfolding. The repeated emphasis on Old Testament fulfillment shows that the events aren't random but part of God's predetermined mission. We join His work.
- Our God is a Missionary God: The Trinity functions as a divine sending agency (Father sends Son, Son sends Spirit). God's very nature is missional – He desires to reveal Himself. We have Scripture because God is on mission. Therefore, "It's not that the church of God has a mission, but that the mission of God has a church."
- Defining God's Ultimate Mission: HIS GLORY: What is God's mission that we join? While encompassing restoration, salvation, building His family, and making all things new, the ultimate aim underlying all these is God's own glory. He acts "to the praise of His glory" (Eph 1). We were created for His glory (Isa 43:7).
- Why God Seeking His Glory is Loving (Addressing Concerns): This idea can be unsettling. Isn't it selfish?
- It's Loving BECAUSE It's Not About Us: Putting Himself at the center is the most loving thing God can do, because our souls were created for Him and find ultimate satisfaction only in Him.
- God Needs Nothing: Unlike insecure humans who seek validation, God is entirely self-sufficient (Rom 11:33-36; Ps 50). He owns all, knows all. He's an overflowing fountain, not a needy vacuum. He seeks His glory from His fullness, not to fill a lack.
- His Glory = Our Highest Good: God's glory is the manifestation of His perfect character (goodness, holiness, love). Seeing and experiencing His glory is our greatest good.
- His Glory = Our Fullest Joy: Our joy is completed when we praise what we delight in. God seeking His praise is Him seeking our fullest joy, found only in delighting in Him.
- His Glory = Our Deepest Satisfaction: God's glory fulfills the innate human longing for transcendence, for something bigger than ourselves.
Conclusion: The mission driving everything in Acts, and indeed all of Scripture, is God's commitment to glorifying Himself. This is not cosmic egoism, but the ultimate act of love, because His glory is the source of our greatest good, deepest joy, and ultimate satisfaction. We are invited to participate in this grand mission of seeing His glory fill the earth.
Call to Action: As we study Acts, read with "glory goggles" on. Ask: How does this event, this teaching, this miracle display God's glory? Pray like Moses: "Show me Your glory!" Let the pursuit of His glory, not just personal benefit, become your motivation for serving Him and participating in His mission.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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