The Holy Spirit would help the disciples share the gospel.
Scripture: Acts 1:4-11
Central Truth
Although Jesus had already explained what they would face (see John 16:1-4), the disciples couldn’t wrap their heads around it. They couldn’t see how badly they would need the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain them through difficult circumstances—persecution, rejection, and death. But God always knows what we need.
Key Question
Jesus’s followers needed the power of the Holy Spirit—God within them. What is the danger in moving ahead when God tells us to wait?
Keep in Mind
Jesus told the disciples to go into all nations to share the good news of the gospel. In other words, He explained that the gospel is for everyone. Some of our students may struggle with racism, prejudice, or entitlement. Some of them are carrying the ideals they’ve grown up hearing within their homes. While this can be a difficult subject to discuss, it’s important that we help them see the heart behind Jesus’s words. God sent His Son for all people. His heart is for all people to come to a saving knowledge and spend eternity with Him. Sadly, many believers (and even churches) teach that God loves some people more than others. This is simply untrue and unbiblical. This message is not in line with the gospel, and we want to help our students understand this truth.
APPLICATION
What steps can you take to depend on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than on your own?
THE WIN
FOR THE STUDENT: Some students think they can handle things on their own. Maybe they had to grow up quickly because of life circumstances. Maybe they’re really driven, and they don’t let anything get in the way of achieving what they want. We want to encourage them to depend on God rather than on themselves.
FOR THE LEADER: As leaders, we can also struggle with handling things on our own without God’s guidance. Being a problem-solver is usually a great quality, but it can also make us prideful. We can ask God to help us lay down pride. We can ask Him to help us depend on Him, praying for guidance and a desire to obey His direction in our lives.
