Resurgence: Spirit Filled Courage - Week 1
Our Vision: “Equipping believers to discover their calling and live it out together.”
1. Engagement
2. Community
3. Spirit- Filled Courage
The Spirit doesn’t just comfort us—He empowers us.
Courage starts with waiting (Acts 1:4–5)
- God often forms courage in us before He expresses courage through us.
“When we are at our wits’ end… the Holy Spirit can give us an answer… but how can He when we’re still well supplied with answers of our own?” - Karl Barth
“There is no effective witness without the Spirit, and the way to spiritual empowerment is to wait in prayer.” - John Polhill
Waiting isn’t passive; it forms courageous people (Acts 1:12–26)
1) Gather together (1:12–14)
2) Pursue together (1:14–15)
- Prayer is active attention to Jesus’ purposes, presence, and kingdom.
3) Prepare together (1:16–26)
Ordinary people, courageous witnesses(Acts 2:1–13)
1) Audible (2:2)
2) Visible (2:3–4)
3) Evangelistic (2:5–13)
1. Courage is not personality; it’s power.
2. Move from “I should” to “I’m sent.”
3. Ask + Obey (daily)
4. Vision connection (church culture)
Small group discussion questions
Warm-up
1. When do you feel least courageous in your faith right now (home, work, friends, etc.)?
2. What’s one word you’d use to describe your current pace—rushed, steady, anxious, hopeful, tired?
Read Acts 1:4–8
3) Jesus says “wait.” Why do you think waiting is part of His plan?
4) Where are you most tempted to do God’s mission in your own strength (personality, control, effort)?
5) What would it look like for you to “receive God’s power for God’s purposes” this week?
Acts 1:12–26 — The posture
6) Which of these do you need most right now: gather, pursue (pray), or prepare (obey what you know)? Why?
7) How have you seen courage become “contagious” in the community?
8) What is one “next faithful step” you can take while you’re waiting (something you already know God is calling you to)?
Read Acts 2:1–13
9) What stands out to you about Pentecost—audible, visible, or evangelistic? Why?
10) What does it mean that the Spirit rested on each person—not just leaders?
11) The miracle isn’t only tongues—it’s mission. What does that tell us about why God gives power?
Application
12) Finish this sentence: “Courage is not my personality; it’s ________.”
13) Identify one place you’re already positioned to witness: home / work / neighborhood / school / gym. What’s one simple step you could take there?
14) Practice plan: What is your “One ask. One obey.” for this week?
15) Who can the group pray for by name that you’ll encourage, serve, or invite?
Prayer
16) Pray a short sentence prayer each: “Holy Spirit, fill me and send me to ________.”
3-day devotional
Day 1 — Wait to be filled
Read: Acts 1:4–8
Big idea: Waiting isn’t weakness; it’s alignment.
Reflect: Where am I trying to do God’s mission in human strength? What am I afraid will happen if I slow down and wait on the Lord?
Pray: “Jesus, I stop striving. Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power for Your purposes.”
Do (One ask. One obey.)
Ask: “Holy Spirit, who can I encourage today?”
Obey: Send one text of encouragement (specific, not vague).
Day 2 — Gather, pursue, prepare
Read: Acts 1:12–14 (and skim 1:15–26)
Big idea: Waiting is not passive—it forms courageous people.
Reflect: Which posture do I need today: gather, pursue (prayer), or prepare (obedience)? What’s one “next faithful step” I already know I should take
Pray: “Lord, align me with Your purposes. Give me courage through prayer and simple obedience.”
Do (One ask. One obey.)
Ask: “Holy Spirit, what’s one faithful step You want from me today?”
Obey: Take it (make the call, apologize, schedule the coffee, serve someone quietly).
Day 3 — Power for witness
Read: Acts 2:1–13
Big idea: The Spirit doesn’t upgrade your personality—He assigns your life.
Reflect: Where do I need Spirit-given courage to speak or serve? Who is one person God may be drawing near me right now?
Pray: “Holy Spirit, make me a witness. Give me clarity, love, and courage. Send me today.”
Do (One ask. One obey.)
Ask: “Who can I invite, serve, or pray with today?”
Obey: Take one outward step -
1. invite someone to coffee
2. offer to pray for a coworker/friend
3. start a natural spiritual conversation (“Can I share something that’s been helping me lately?”)
Simple weekly challenge:
Write it down: My place (where I’m sent) + My person + My next step.
Then live it: One ask. One obey. Every day this week.