Acts (1)

Be sure to view the video introducing our study of Acts by clicking here.

Read and meditate on Acts 1.9-11.
One of the most neglected teachings of the entire Bible is the ascension and enthronement of Jesus Christ as King of kings. Luke doesn’t flesh out the details here, not because they’re not important, but because they were well known from the psalms and prophets of the Old Testament. Indeed, the enthronement of Christ provides the unspoken backdrop, overarching agenda, and essential motive force for everything that happens in Acts (and beyond, for that matter).

For reflection
1.  So what in the world is Jesus doing in the world as He pursues the work He began to do while on earth? What do you learn from Hebrews 7.25, Psalm 110, Hebrews 1.3, Matthew 12.22-29, Matthew 16.18, and John 14.1-3 about the present work of our ascended King?

2.  The work of Jesus, enthroned at the Father’s right hand, is definitely not small stuff. Upon His ascension Jesus was restored to His eternal throne (Pss. 2, 47, 110) and given absolute dominion over a Kingdom not of this world and literally, out of this world. And then – get ready – He is giving this Kingdom to us! (cf. Dan. 7.11-27). How are you expecting Jesus to give His Kingdom to you today?

3.  Every day Jesus “rides out” conquering and to conquer, by His Word and Spirit, in His people (Rev. 6.1, 2; cf. Ps. 45.1-6), and nothing can stand before Him (Dan. 2.44, 45). How do you experience His conquering presence in and through your life? Is the conquering presence of Christ in you evident to others? Explain.

4.  Restored to His glory, Jesus is doing the ongoing work of restoring the world to His gracious rule, a work He will only partially complete during the course of history. The book of Acts provides a template or footprint of what we should expect as Jesus continues His restorative work in and through us. Do you sense any of your own Kingdom expectations being challenged, expanded, or clarified?

5.  If the book of Acts were a baroque cantata, the ascension and enthronement of Christ would be the harpsichord continuo running consistently under all the other instruments and voices. Take away that harpsichord, and the piece loses its continuity, consistency, and undergirding energy. Soon enough, we’d all get bored and just give it up. But keep that harpsichord continually in motion, and the whole piece moves gloriously, ineluctably forward. Is this how you experience the Kingdom and rule of Jesus? Explain. How much do the ascension and enthronement of Christ feature in your daily meditations? Why does Paul insist that setting our minds on things above is so important (Col. 3.1-3)?

Summary
Jesus is even now exalted at the Father’s right hand, doing the work only He can do. He is doing an important aspect of that work through those who know, love, and serve Him. So we need to be ready. We need to keep Him exalted in our minds at all times. And we need to wait on Him and His Word, making ourselves ready for obedience at all times. What will that require of you today?

Closing Prayer
God has gone up with a shout,
The LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
Sing praises to God, sing praises!
Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with understanding.
God reigns over the nations;
God sits on His holy throne.
The princes of the people have gathered together,
The people of the God of Abraham.
For the shields of the earth belong to God;
He is greatly exalted.

Psalm 47.5-9

T. M. Moore

Each week’s studies in Acts are bound together into a free PDF that you can download for personal or group use (click here). Each week also features a video related to the studies of the week, which you may find helpful as you work through our studies Acts.

Acts is the record of Christ’s ongoing work as King and Lord. For more insight to His work in our here and now, order the book, The Kingship of Jesus, from our online store by clicking here.

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