Making Decisions
Acts 1:15-26
Good morning,
I read a post on a question board the other day that said…
“I have come to a crossroads in my life involving several big decisions in regard to my dating relationship, career, and where I live.
Typical advice involves “going to God and asking him”, which I have done, but I am still just as lost as to where I should go and what I should do.
My question is, when we ask God for advice, how does He answer our questions?
One person answered, “I believe that God puts desires in our hearts and gifts us with things, and we are free to make decisions on what we want to do.
I have learned how to discern God‘s voice in my life over the years so I know when it’s Him and I know when it’s not.”
Please open your Bibles to Acts 1, as continue in that study.
Last week we learned that the Ascension of Jesus is important for many reasons including that it signified the completion of His earthly ministry.
The Ascension of Jesus Christ is of utmost importance to the Christian faith because it proves Jesus’ supreme authority over His Church and creation.
As soon as the two men or angels were done speaking with the Disciples, they did what Jesus had told them to do, to wait for the promise from the Father, i/e., the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, the promise keeper, promised us He was going back to the Father to prepare a place for us. Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit who would empower us, and that He would be with us.
We also learned when the Church members use their gifts, it causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Now today, we will learn how the Disciples wanted to find a replacement for Judas Iscariot as the 12th Apostle.
I. Fulfilled prophecy.
Read Acts 1:15-17
120 people were waiting in the upper room and Peter spoke.
Notice, “And in those days”. There were ten days between the Ascension of Christ and the Day of Pentecost when the 120 followers of Christ received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Peter began his plea to the other Apostles to choose a Twelfth Apostle, by proclaiming what Judas did, was actually known by the LORD, 1000 years before it happened.
Judas Iscariot was famously remembered for betraying Jesus.
Judas, as one of the original Apostles, lived with and ministered next to Jesus for the three years of His earthly ministry.
Do you remember the narrative of Mary wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair after she poured expensive perfume on them?
John 12:3 Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
John 12:4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said,
John 12:5 "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?"
John 12:6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. NKJV
Money was important to Judas, and remember, he betrayed Jesus for “thirty silver coins”.
But Jesus knew what Judas Iscariot would do before he ever betrayed Him.
John 6:70 Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?"
John 6:71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve. NKJV
During the Last Supper, we are told…
John 13:26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
John 13:27 Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly." NKJV
Notice, “Became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.”
After Jesus’ High Priestly prayer in John 17, we then read.
John 18:1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered.
John 18:2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
John 18:3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
John 18:4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, "Whom are you seeking?"
John 18:5 They answered Him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am He." And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them.
John 18:6 Now when He said to them, "I am He," they drew back and fell to the ground. NKJV
In Acts 1, Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, discussed some prophecies found in the Old Testament about Judas’ betrayal and said, “This scripture had to be fulfilled.”
Isn’t ironic that after something has taken place, we can look back and recognize the LORD’s hand on the situation? What Judas did was evil, but Peter recognized it was planned by God.
What scripture was fulfilled by Judas betraying Jesus?
Psalm 41:9 Even my own familiar friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. NKJV
There are other prophecies about Judas as well.
In Acts 1, Peter took a leadership role and said there was a need for a 12th Apostle as he stood up as a spokesperson in the group.
II. The remorse of Judas.
Read Acts 1:18-20
We believe that all scripture was given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, who gave it to holy men who wrote the Books of the Bible. We believe the Bible is perfect in its original writing.
But there are many apparent contradictions in scripture that critics love to attack to try and discredit the Word of God.
Acts 1:18 seems to contradict Matthew’s account of the demise of Judas Iscariot.
Luke in the Book of Acts records the cause of death while Matthew records the instrument used in the suicide of Judas.
Norm Geisler said, “Matthew declares that Judas hanged himself. However, the Book of Acts says that he fell and his body burst open.
These accounts are not contradictory, but mutually complementary. Judas hung himself exactly as Matthew affirms he did.
The account in Acts simply adds that Judas fell, and his body opened up at the middle and his intestines gushed out.
This is the very thing one would expect of someone who hanged himself from a tree over a cliff and fell on sharp rocks below.”
Notice Judas was killed by the impact of falling from the tree in the Field of Blood.
It was a Field of Blood because Judas died there and because the field was bought with the “blood money” from Judas.
Matthew 27:3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Matthew 27:4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!"
Matthew 27:5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.
Matthew 27:6 But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, "It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood."
Matthew 27:7 And they consulted together and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.
Matthew 27:8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. NKJV
Re-read Acts 1:20
King David said in Psalm 109:6, “Set a wicked man over him and let an accuser stand at his right hand”.
Psalm 109:7 When he is judged, let him be found guilty, and let his prayer become sin.
Psalm 109:8 Let his days be few and let another take his office.
When David was betrayed, he asked the LORD to make his betrayer desolate and to have another fill the person’s office.
King David was a picture of what would happen to Jesus. The Messiah, as the Son of David, was betrayed by Judas, and another needed to fill his office.
Notice Acts 1:20 fulfills several Old Testament prophecies.
Matthew 27:9 Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced,
Matthew 27:10 and gave them for the potter's field, as the LORD directed me." NKJV
King David said in Psalm 69:25, Let their dwelling place be desolate; let no one live in their tents. NKJV
Again, this act of Judas Iscariot was evil, but it was pre-known and planned by God.
III. A roll of the dice.
Read Acts 1:21-26
Notice the qualifications the Apostles laid out in order for a new man to fulfill the office of becoming the twelfth Apostle.
The man had to be around during Jesus’ whole earthly ministry, beginning at John’s baptism, be an eyewitness to the resurrection, and be a witness to Jesus’ Ascension.
But the question is, were these qualifications from God?
Casting lots was something found within scripture that was used to select, or to make a decision, by throwing objects similar to dice, stones, sticks, or tokens.
The outcome was considered to be guided by divine providence or fate by certain prophets and people within the Bible.
Casting lots was used to make decisions about dividing land among the tribes of Israel and to make decisions about the priestly offices.
The last time casting lots was used in scripture was in Acts 1, which happened before the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, which occurred after Pentecost in Acts 2.
Warren Wiersbe asked, “But it was wrong for them to select a new apostle,” some claim, “because Paul was the one who was chosen by God to fill up the ranks.”
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of the question, “whether or not the choice for this new Apostle was God’s will?”
Some of the things that seem to indicate this exercise of casting lots was not from the LORD:
1. The LORD told the Disciples to wait for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and this had not taken place yet, at this time.
2. Some would surmise that casting lots is not how the decision should have been made.
3. Matthias was never heard of again, after this account of casting lots.
4. After the LORD chose Paul as an Apostle, he became the most prominent Apostle in the New Testament, so some say he should have been the twelfth Apostle.
5. Paul saw the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.
Now let’s discuss some things that seem to indicate this exercise of casting lots was okay with the LORD.
1. None of the original Twelve Apostles, except for Peter and John, are mentioned by name in the Book of Acts after this!
2. Paul did not meet all of the qualifications in Acts 1. Paul was not baptized by John; he didn’t travel with the apostles as Jesus was on earth, and he didn’t witness the Ascension.
3. The other Apostles primarily ministered to the Jews, while Paul was sent to the Gentiles.
4. Peter and the other Disciples believed it was God’s will to select Matthias, and the LORD empowered him with the same Spirit given to the other men whom Jesus selected.
Some believe the common sense of the Apostles choosing Matthais was sanctified because they obediently waited in fellowship, in prayer, and in the Scriptures, in the upper room.
It is impossible for anyone today to be an Apostle within the original context because no one can meet the qualifications.
The word apostle means sent out ones, which every follower of Christ is, but to be an original Apostle is impossible today.
Notice what we are told in vs. 24, “And they prayed”.
Even though they cast lots, it seems that these followers were trying to rely on the LORD for His wisdom and answers to their decision for a new leader.
Proverbs 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. NKJV
The discussion of whether or not Matthais is truly the twelfth Apostle is interesting, but let’s not forget the LORD is sovereign.
If it was not His will for Matthias to be the twelfth Apostle, the LORD could have stopped him from being chosen.
It will be interesting to see who the twelfth Apostle will be when the End Times happen.
Revelation 21:14 Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. NKJV
IV. Conclusion.
What are the take-home applications for us this morning?
When it comes to making decisions, we can glean some practical steps from the Disciples who were waiting in the Upper Room for the Holy Spirit.
1. The Disciples obeyed by waiting for the Holy Spirit.
Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? NKJV
The LORD’s love is not given to us because of our performance, but if we truly love the Lord, that love should compel us to obey and live for Him!
Our obedience to the Lord and His call in our lives, brings blessings to us because we are doing things the way the LORD call us to do them.
The LORD knows what is best for us, and doing things His way will always lead to blessings.
The reason faithfulness and obedience are so important to the child of God is that we trust Him. The LORD knows the future, so He tells us what actions on our part lead to His abundant life.
Obedience and faithfulness happen as we rest in the Lord and trust what He says is truth and those show our love response!
2. The Disciples were in unity, prayer, and fellowship as they waited for the promise from the Father.
Saint Augustine said, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
Philippians 1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, NKJV
The enemy’s goal is to divide and conquer the Church. Paul said his desire was for Christians to be unified with the essentials of the faith while their conduct was worthy of the Gospel.
Fellowship means sharing things in common so Christians have the same Spirit and therefore we should be like-minded.
Believers are to be in unity with each other, as we are led by the Holy Spirit’s comfort, fellowship, tenderness, compassion, love, and purpose while discovering our motivation for our actions.
And prayer. The first thing we need to understand about prayer is that prayer is not the way to get God to do things our way.
Prayer is the way to get us to do the LORD’s will here on earth, as prayer lines our will up with God’s will, as we submit to Him.
3. The Disciples also studied the Scriptures and desired to do God’s will.
The Word of God must be where we receive our guide for conduct and truth within our lives personally and for the life of our church corporately.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Test all things; hold fast what is good.
How do I discover God’s will for my life?
First, the will of the Father is that you will accept the payment Jesus made by taking the Cross, to forgive your sin and give you eternal life. Jesus fulfilled His destiny to give us eternal life.
The LORD’s will is not lost, hidden, or even tough to discern.
2 Peter 1:3 tells us that Jesus has given us all we need in order to live godly in this life.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
The problem with a living sacrifice on the Altar is that they have a tendency to climb off of that altar from time to time. Paul said “go back, and continually place ourselves on the Alter of God.”
We need to place ourselves on the Alter, not only daily, but we also need to examine our walk and willingly place ourselves on the Alter, moment by moment!
This is the Spirit-filled walk of a believer; dying to self and living for Christ, moment by moment. When you come to Christ and accept His Salvation, He cleanses you by His shed blood.
You aren’t holy and acceptable because, after faith you have lived a sinless life. You are holy and acceptable because God the Father sees Jesus Christ, living in you.
Finally, “that you may prove or “know” what the acceptable and perfect will of God is”. The NIV says, “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is…”
You will always remain in the center of God’s will as you give yourself as a “living sacrifice” unto Him. Just hang out with the Shepherd, and no one can snatch you out of His hand (John 10).
Augustine, “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, and then do whatever you want”. If we love the Lord with our whole heart, the things we want to do will be in the center of His will!
Here are some practical questions for you to ask yourself while discerning God’s will for your life…
Is your decision consistent with the Word of God?
Have I been still and listened for the quiet voice of God? (in circumstances, through other people, in meditation times, and especially in prayer)
Is this a wise decision? What are the future consequences? Does the Holy Spirit bear witness with your conscience?
Do I have complete peace about this choice?
Does this decision fit who I am as a believer, and maintain a good Christian witness?
Does this plan fit God’s overall plan for my life? Will this choice honor God? He is Lord and Master!
After discerning the LORD’s call, do you seek wise counsel?
Finally, don’t make decisions based on emotions or human rationale, make all decisions based upon the will of the Lord. Be still and wait on His still small voice!
4. The Disciples used their common sense and did what they could do to rely on God, as they waited.
The LORD has gifted all of His believers with some discernment.
After testing all things and asking all of the other questions about the LORD’s will in this decision, use the common sense He has gifted you with.
