Series Big Idea: "Unpacking the book of Acts and the amazing spread of the gospel and the kingdom of God"

Sermon Big Idea: "Unity and prayer are vital in making decisions for the Church"

Key Scripture (Acts 1:15-26)

In our modern society, we are constantly bombarded with differing opinions and ideas that often conflict each other. The Church is certainly not immune to this. There are times we see division and discord within the body of Christ. Our Scripture text today focuses an important but difficult decision the early Church had to make in the wake of choosing a new apostle to replace Judas Iscariot. I believe this little passage teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of following the Lord’s lead in making decisions for the Church. We will see that through prayer and seeking God’s will, they remained united and faithful to the mission Christ had given them.

(Acts 1:15-26)

15 During these days Peter stood up among the brothers - the number of people who were together was about 120 - and said: 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry.” 18 Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst and burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out. 19 This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, Field of Blood). 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms: Let his dwelling become desolate; let no on live in it; and Let someone else take his position. 21 “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us - from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place.” 26 Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

If we as the Church are to continue the mission Christ gave to those early disciples and apostles who in turn passed on to the Church going forward, there are several important lessons we must remember.

The Church must Prioritize unity and harmony

Judas, one of the twelve original apostles, had betrayed Jesus and ended his own life. This left the remaining eleven in a difficult situation. The Jewish hope is for God to restore the ten lost tribes and reunite all Israel in the end times. Scattered Jews will be gathered by God. By appointing twelve apostles, Jesus and His Church symbolically represent a reconstituted Israel, which now includes Gentiles as well as Jews.

The Apostle Peter encouraged and helped unite the group of 120 who were assembled waiting on the Holy Spirit, to remember that Scripture had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, and that the betrayal of Jesus by Judas was part of God’s plan (v. 16) (Psalm 41:9). The unity that was displayed by the apostles is an example for us as leaders in the Church. We must prioritize harmony not only in our decisions but also in our purpose and mission. When we are united in Christ, we can more effectively fulfill His mission and bring glory to His name.

The Church must Prayerfully Seek God’s will

Despite the recent loss of Judas, the group remained united and gathered in prayer (v. 15). Peter explained that Judas was numbered among the disciples and had a share in the ministry, highlighting the fact that even though Judas ultimately made a wrong decision, he was initially chosen by Jesus to be a part of His inner circle (v. 17). This group prayed and sought God’s will (v. 24). They asked for His guidance in choosing between two qualified men who had been selected. They realize and acknowledge that only God knows the heart of men. We must prayerfully seek God’s will in everything we do, especially in the Church.

The Church must Trust God‘s providence and will

Now that they had two men to chose from, Justus and Matthias, they prayed acknowledging the Lord’s omniscience Psalm 139:1-6) (John 2:25) (John 4:29) and drew lots. We don’t know exactly how this was done but two names were probably written on stones and placed in a container. When the stones were shaken out of the container, the first stone to fall was considered the Lord’s choice.

This is the last time in the Bible that lots are said to have been used to determine God’s will. So, there were no moral issues here. Remember, the Holy Spirit hadn’t been given yet. It was a matter of making a choice between two men who were equally qualified. This procedure could have come from (Proverbs 16:33) where it says that says the decision of lots is from the Lord. For us in the church today we are to search the Scriptures and seek God’s will in prayer but to then trust in His providence. We should be open to His leading and recognize that His ways are higher than our ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Conclusion

The Bible teaches us that God desires for His people to be united as one body (Ephesians 4:3). This unity is not only for individuals, but also for leaders within the Church. It is our responsibility to demonstrate unity in leadership in order to glorify Him.

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

Barton, Bruce et al. Life Application New Testament Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2001. Print.

Butler, John G. Analytical Bible Expositor: Acts. Clinton, IA: LBC Publications, 2009. Print.

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Fernando, Ajith. Acts. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998. Print. The NIV Application Commentary.

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Peterson, David G. The Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, MI; Nottingham, England: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2009. Print. The Pillar New Testament Commentary.

Schnabel, Eckhard J. Acts. Expanded Digital Edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012. Print. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament.

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. Print.

MacArthur, John F., Jr. The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006. Print.

Smith, Jerome H. The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge: The Most Complete Listing of Cross References Available Anywhere- Every Verse, Every Theme, Every Important Word. Nashville TN: Thomas Nelson, 1992. Print.

Robertson, A.T. Word Pictures in the New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933. Print.

Vincent, Marvin Richardson. Word Studies in the New Testament. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887. Print.

Richards, Lawrence O. The Bible Reader’s Companion. electronic ed. Wheaton: Victor Books, 1991. Print.

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