Sunday, June 7, 2026

Mapping Out the Mission

Acts 1:1-11

Austin Axen
Sermon & Bible
Watch sermonBible.com · Acts 1ESV.org · Acts 1
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Study Guide

The Big Idea

Jesus gives every believer his Spirit's power to be his witness, beginning in the place and relationships already around us.

Remember Sunday’s message

Sermon reminders

01

God's Promise

Austin connected Luke and Acts as one story centered on Jesus. God sent his Son for our salvation and sent his Spirit to live in believers, giving his presence and power for the mission.

02

God's Power

Jesus redirected the disciples from questions about God's timing to the work before them. God's kingdom advances through ordinary people who depend on the extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit.

03

God's Purpose

Jesus sends his people to be witnesses, beginning where they already are and moving outward. Hope in his return should move us toward faithful action rather than passive observation.

Wednesday’s conversation

Reflect & discuss

Read Acts 1:4-11 together and pray. As you listen, notice what Jesus promises, what he redirects, and what he sends his followers to do.

1

Acts 1:4-5

A mission we cannot power ourselves

Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Father's promise before beginning their mission. What does that waiting teach us about the difference between God's work and activity powered only by ourselves?

2

Acts 1:6-8

From speculation to faithfulness

The disciples asked about the timing of Israel's restored kingdom, but Jesus redirected them to the Spirit and their present mission. What questions outside your control most easily distract you from faithful action today?

3

Acts 1:8

Your Jerusalem

Austin described Jerusalem as the place and relationships already around us. What is one part of your current circle where prayer, care, or a faithful conversation may be needed?

4

Acts 1:9-11

Hope that sends us

The angels promised that Jesus would return and redirected the disciples from standing still to carrying out his mission. How can hope in Christ's return make us more faithful in the present?

Carry it into the week

Next Steps

From the sermon

  • Read Luke 24 beside Acts 1.
  • Read John 16.
  • Draw your personal mission circle and write down one name within it.
  • Pray each day for the Holy Spirit's power to live on mission.

Application

Choose one person or place within your circle. Pray consistently this week, then take one concrete step of care, hospitality, service, or conversation as an opportunity becomes clear.

My notes

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Text Edition: 2025. Used by permission. Permissions. Prepared for this small group from the June 7, 2026 sermon; questions and applications are editorial study material.