What is Your Why?
Notes
Transcript
talk about the hook, mission, vision...
What would you say is your purpose in life? or your driving passion?
Turn to your neighbor and say “what is your purpose?” or “What is your mission?” or “What is your passion?” These questions get at the heart of today’s sermon.
LifeWay research, a Christian research group out of Nashville, recently surveyed Americans—more than half (57%) of American adults wondered how they can get more meaning and purpose in their lives. and the research shows most Americans consider it monthly...
In other words…life often feels meaningless, pointless, purposeless...
Ever feel that way?
what can change that?
am I really making a difference, especially if you work with people—this can feel like an ongoing question.
Mark Twain famously said, “The 2 most important day sin your life are the day you are born…and the day you find out why.”
One business leader said “People don’t buy what you do they buy why you do it.” (Simon Sinek)
what is your why?
what gets you out of bed?
as followers of Jesus—what does God tell us is our Why?
please turn to Acts—the book of Acts chapter 1.
Background
Author: True or False, the book of Acts was written by Luke. The answer — True.
Question — what was Luke’s job? (besides writing a Gospel) he was a doctor
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
Paul also calls him a fellow worker in another place.
when Paul is imprisoned later in his life—Paul says that Luke alone is with me. (2 Tim. 4:11)
he is not a Jew—most likely a Gentile—he cares so much about the Gospel going out to all kinds of people
and he is very detailed--
so that leads to the 2nd question—the book of Acts is a sequel to the book of Luke. True or False—true!
In Luke--
1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,
2 just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word.
3 With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,
4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.
so the book of Luke is volume 1
Acts is volume 2
they are meant to be read together
Question - Recipient: The Book of Acts is addressed to...
Theophilus
the early church
us
what do you think?
well technically Theophilus—but his name means “lover of God...” that’s a term that all of us hopefully have
Theophilus we think might have been financially rich; he sponsored the writing of Luke and Acts—so Luke could travel, interview people, do research. It took lots of money to write a work like this. so it’s a reminder that those who have resources can make a big kingdom impact if you used for the kingdom
last question: The Book of Acts is about...
the apostles (like Paul and Peter) (apostles were chosen and had important role)
the early church
the Holy Spirit
or something or someone else? (Jesus)
look at Acts 1:1
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach
so if Luke is the former book—Acts is now about Jesus and what He continues to do by Holy Spirit in and through the apostles and early church and now us today
chapter 1:1. please stand — see if you can out what is your w-h-y...
1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach
2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.
3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
We are going to talk about—how do you capture our purpose—our why…(and along the way—we will see our purpose)
Trust that Jesus actually lived, died, and rose from the dead. (vs.3-4)
3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
it’s really interesting that Luke the historian doctor mentions Jesus—showing the disciples convincing proofs that he was alive. What were these proofs?
let’s go to volume 1—the book of Luke—toward the end...
Luke 24:36–40 (NIV)
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (that would have been terrifying—Jesus has a sense of humor!)
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.
38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
they had a hard time understanding—they did not expect—and Jesus shows them himself—touch, experience.
41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
it is absolutely essential that part of our faith journey is always remembering that Jesus lived, died, and rose again—in history. it’s a real event.
and if you are a newer believer or considering Christianity one of the biggest hangups is actually believing that Jesus rose from the dead. You may have problems with other hard beliefs like the existence of hell—but if Jesus rose from the dead—it changes everything. so Jesus spent a long time-showing them— “Hey disciples, look at this...” “I can walk through walls....appear on a whim…but you can touch me.” “Get some fish and pass the tartar sauce Peter.”
it was vital they believed this—because a resurrected Lord changes everything. the disciples—it took time to believe that Jesus rose from the dead—and it changed everything about their why.
they went from fearful, hiding, to bold, courageous spreaders of Jesus and His kingdom.
it is especially important for this thing called the kingdom of God (Jesus spoke about this in verse 3).
there was this expectation that the Messiah would bring in a new era—the kingdom—God’s rule and reign over all things. everything bad, sin, enemies, death would be defeated.
Jesus’ resurrection proves that the kingdom of God has come—that the powers of God have broken into our world. However, it’s not quite what they expected.
Jesus talks about baptizing them with the Holy Spirit in vs. 4-5 (chapter 2—Day of Pentecost)
but look at verse 6--
6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
Jesus’ kingdom challenged their expectation
look carefully...
restore - - they expected a political or military kingdom
Israel - they thought it involved national or ethnic Israelites/Jews
at this time—right away.
the kingdom was different than all that what they expected
it’s not political and military but spiritual
it’s not just Israel—but the Gentiles—all one church by faith
it’s not right way
that the kingdom of God has begun—in Him because of his death—and resurrection. it’s here—but not fully here yet. It’s already but not yet.
In other words--expect victory—because Jesus rose from the grave—but expect suffering---b/c Jesus died on the cross.
but even if you suffer and die—it will not stop you from God’s kingdom—you will be with Jesus and it will not stop the advancement of God’s kingdom.
you see this first point is so essential in developing your why....b/c if you are struggling with meaning, purpose, mission--
it’s remarkable that we serve a risen Savior—that Jesus—He is King—I am going to let Him define my future why. can you imagine how the disciples were reacting to a risen Jesus—that changes everything about their why!
if He rose from the dead—then I will have kingdom expectations of both victory—God will do something—but also suffering—I won’t let suffering keep me from doing God’s why.
if I am struggling with just feeling apathetic and blah about my faith—I need to re-tell the story of Jesus to my heart.
am I regularly thinking about Jesus and His resurrection?
if we are going to develop our why…as individuals and as a church...
2. Realize that our mission is not optional Acts 1:8
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
before we talk about the mission—this verse is really the outline of the entire book.
The good news of Jesus—the Gospel—will go forth from
Jerusalem
to Judea and Samaria
and to the ends of the earth
look at this map —
look on here
chapters 1-7 — Jerusalem
chapters 8-12 — Judea
and chapters 13 - 28 to the ends of the earth
this is an incredible mission....
the disciples thought that since Jesus had rose from the dead—that Israel would rise in prominence and be free from Rome—they were thinking in terms of military and politic might...
but their mission was not political or military—but to spread the good news of Jesus Christ—to be a witness. to testify.
not to bear the sword—but by their life and deeds testifying to the reality of a risen Savior Jesus Christ who can free them from sin, make them a part of his kingdom, give them a new family—and give them a mission.
and that mission—though it started with the disciples and early Church—is now ours.
and it’s interesting when you look at this mission—it wasn’t question from Jesus— “Guys, do you want to do this?” “what do you think?”
It wasn’t even a command in what we normally think.
It was better than both of those—a declaration—this is who you are—this is what you will do and speak about—you will be my witness.
and that word witness will show up 13x total in the book of Acts—it’s a major theme.
and that word witness is also where get our word “Marty.” The original Greek text—the word for martyr comes from the Greek word martus
there’s a cost involved...
I was thinking—how do we do this on an everyday basis....
because the beautiful thing about this mission…is that all of us are called to do it...
it’s not just pastors or elders or leaders...
everyday people—if you call yourself a follower of Jesus—you are called to witness.
and the beautiful thing is—you can do this in every setting, every job, school, home, neighborhood—every vocation—on the assembly line, the fast food kitchen, the counseling session, the football field…at home with little ones and their messes…you witness. you can be a much more effective witness than I can b/c God has placed you in a certain family, neighborhood, job, hobbies--
how do you actually do this? b/c let’s face it—I mentioned that being a pastor—brings ups a lot of guilt in people’s lives. People feel like they need to confess things to me...
this is one of those— “Pastor, I know we should witness…yes...” BTW—that’s how people sound in our congregation when they are confessing.
my advice would be...
--don’t over-complicate it...
—let people know you are a Christian—that you go to church, that you are a part of a Bible study, or SS group, or class or conference—that can open up doors
—ask to pray for them—make it short—15 seconds or less…not awkward—especially if they are going through something
—be discerning—but take a risk—maybe they are ready to sit down with you for coffee and let’s read thru some of the Gospel of Mark together out loud.
—don’t underestimate the power of talking about Jesus...
—when you bring up Jesus Christ—there is often a notable shift in the conversation—there is power in that name—and some people will resist and some will be thirsty for more...
—the thing about witnessing is we already have the subject—Jesus—we talk about his life, his death on the cross for sin in our place—and his resurrection…that gives us hope....don’t over complicate it...
---and then also why you are doing this—make sure your life backs it up—no you will not be perfect…but if you are an employee—do you put in a full day’s hard work? if you are a boss—does that affect the way you manage? — if you are parent—do your kids see you living for and in love with Jesus at some level?
—most of all pray for them, pray for open doors—let’s pray right now for that
some of the best witnesses I have seen over the years—are those who faithfully show up day after day; they don’t have to have a lot of charisma; they don’t even have to be extroverted—in fact, some of the best witnesses I have seen don’t really naturally like being around people—but they faithfully, live their lives to the glory of God each day and look for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus.
so what is your Why?
if you know #1 — that Jesus really lived, died, and rose (that gives certainty)
and #2—it is your mission now to tell it— (that gives clarity)
that changes your why?
the #3 gives us confidence...
3. Know you have the person and power of the Holy Spirit (vs. 4-5, 8)
Acts 1:4–5 (NIV)
4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
5 For John (that’s John the Baptist who prepared the way for Jesus) baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
John the Baptist had predicted this Baptism with the Holy Spirit (it shows up once in each of the 4 Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
John’s ministry was in water—preparing people to confess their sins and make way for the Messiah.
but He said one who is coming (Jesus) who would baptism them with the Holy Spirit.
(this is going to come in chapter 2 on the Day of Pentecost)
and then verse 8 will happen...
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
power…real power..through the giving of the Holy Spirit so we can go and witness about Jesus Christ in every possible setting on this earth....
when does this power come—when are you and I baptized with the Spirit?
The disciples in chapter 2—the Day of Pentecost that was a unique event when they underwent a transition from the Old covenant area to the New Covenant area. that’s when they got the Spirit.
that’s why Jesus had to leave here in verses 9 - 11—called his ascension. he leaves—so the Holy Spirit can come. Jesus talked about this at the Last Supper with his apostles, preparing them for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit.
We now, in this new covenant area—get the Spirit—when we believe in Jesus Christ.
when we receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord—this Messiah—we are baptized in or with or by the Holy Spirit—we are clothed with power from on high.
I don’t believe the Spirit comes later—we get Him b/c we get Jesus—and the Spirit exists to point others to Jesus.
and part of that clothing with the Spirit—propels us outward to be a witness.
I would imagine that one of the top reasons we don’t witness for Jesus is what....that we are afraid...
what will happen?
what will people think of me?
will it get awkward? (Yes it probably will—awkwardness is one of my personal core values—embrace it)
as we increasingly live in a world that is no longer neutral about Christianity-they find it hateful, offensive, hate speech—that are ways are not just “hmm.” but disturbing to some.
but how would it change your why—for mission—if you knew you have the very power and presence of God in you and on you?
if you knew that God was equipping you and empowering you what to say?
that you have the same Holy Spirit that we see Guided Jesus all throughout His ministry—the Gospel of Luke—how would that change?
that real results can happen—radical, supernatural things?
certainly God’s power includes signs and wonders—but can also include things like service—that’s the upside down kingdom of God, weakness, humility…forgiveness...
even if you are the only follower of Jesus on your team, in your classroom, in your workplace or neighborhood—if you have the Holy Spirit…you are not outnumbered...
It’s like a cheat code...
It’s like having Lionel Messi on your soccer team…or Simone Biles on your gymnastics team...
so what is your why? what is it right now?
we have certainty…about Jesus’ resurrection
clarity…about the mission (it’s not optional)
confidence…dare I say....a humble boldness to share…b/c of the Holy Spirit
where do you need to witness and speak up?
why to be continued...
about what Jesus continued to do
and what He continues to do in and through you---what is the story that God wants to keep using you to write
Let’s pray.
Sections:
Themes
Application
Why we are doing this Series