First Irving Sermons

Driving Question. What do we learn about the gospel from these Spirit-filled Apostles when they are opposed by the Jewish leaders for ministering in the Name of Jesus?

The Gospel of Salvation is exclusively found in Jesus’ Name (5–12)

3 temptations we face today in caving to speak of the exclusivity of Christ

That we would be found arrogant

That we would be found as intolerant

That we would be charged with being narrow-minded

Opposition to the gospel will come because of Jesus’ Name (13–22)

There are times when we obey God rather than magistrates.

If the government said we could not preach the gospel (God commanded us to Mk 16:15)

If the government said we could not preach against sinful lifestyles (1 Pet 2:21)

If the government said we couldn't gather as the church (Heb 10:24–25)

Despite opposition, we keep proclaiming the gospel in Jesus’ Name (23–31)

Takeaways.

Marvel at the Savior and Rejoice in the gospel.

He shapes our rest

He shapes our boldness

He shapes our work

He shapes our mission

Prepare to be opposed because of Jesus’ Name.

Driving Question/or Main Idea. Why is Peter’s message more glorious than the miracle it follows? Because the message shifts all the focus onto Jesus.

Because his message conveys that healing is found in Jesus’ Name (12–16)

Because his message offers an even greater healing in Jesus’ Name (17–21)

And then Peter provides 3 purpose clauses (that)... that serve as 3 promises to the one who repents:

1. that your sins may be blotted out,

2. that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.

3. that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

Because his message reinforces that Jesus is the One they’ve been waiting for (22–26)

Takeaways.

Jesus is provided to bless you (v.26).

The value of Jesus as the glorified One (v.13).

Main Idea:

The mission of Christ unfolds as His Spirit-filled witnesses bring hope to the hopeless and credibility to their Christ.

1. The Mission of Christ (vv. 1-4)

2. The Wonders of Christ (vv. 5-10)

-The Wonder of His Name (v. 6)

-The Wonder of His Power (v. 7)

-The Wonder of His Hope and Grace (v. 8)

-The Wonder of His Identity (vv. 8-10)

Response

1. Live on mission with Christ

2. Reflect on your desperate state before Christ saved you

3. Commit to being a channel of God’s power and grace in the lives of others

Driving Question: Who is this Jesus whom Peter is preaching?

The One Whom the Spirit Speaks About Through Prophets (vv. 16–21)

The One Whom The Apostles Witnessed (vv. 22–32)

The One Whom The Father Exults (vv. 33–36)

The One Who Offers You Grace in His Name (vv. 37–41)

Responses.

Proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ with bold conviction, and clear presentation.

Glory in the Gospel daily.

Repent and be baptized.

Driving Questions. Who is the Holy Spirit? What is his purpose?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

His Manifestation Confirms That He is God (1–3)

Who is the Holy Spirit?

He is the Fulfillment of God’s Promises (4)

What is his purpose?

His Message Proclaims God’s Mighty Works in Christ

Takeaways. (Theological connections)

God comes to us through His Spirit.

The Spirit of God is the Agent who strengthens ordinary people to boldly testify.

The Gospel is for the nations.

Main Idea: Jesus’ followers seek the Lord’s will together by uniting in prayer, relying on the inspired Scriptures, and trusting God to direct sovereignly.

Driving Question. What can we learn from Jesus’ followers about seeking the Lord’s will?

Jesus’ followers were unified and devoted to prayer (14)

Applications for prayers.

- Confess your tendency to be busy and not pray.

- Remain diligent in prayer, for it keeps you from being divided.

- Unite together and pray for God's redemptive purposes.

- Submit humbly to Christ.

Jesus’ followers were dependent on the inspired Scriptures (15–20)

Apply.

- Trust the Scriptures as your authority.

- Look at the Scriptures through the lens of Christ.

- Run to the Scriptures to interpret your life.

Jesus’ followers agreed and trusted in God’s sovereign direction (24–26)

Takeaways.

- Obey and practice what God has clearly revealed in his word.

- Let the Scriptures inform wise, logical decisions that are connected to his mission and the spread of the gospel.

- Be devoted to a group of like-minded people who share the same beliefs and convictions about Christ.