Before We Get Started

Intro - How you prepare tells me how well you understand. If you prepare for a marathon by lifting a bunch of weights, I’d call you a fool. Those that were with Jesus prepared themselves through their devotion, addressing defection, and determining a course of action.

TR: First, after the ascension they devoted themselves...

Devoted

After having just seen Jesus ascended they returned back to Jerusalem from Olivet.

What did they do in the mean time? In between what had happened and what was to come?

They spent time in prayer and there was no dispute about it.

They were like minded that whatever was going to be faced next had to be bathed in prayer

Guidance from the Lord.

Think of it this way, they just left the guy and they are already reconnecting to Him moments later and consistently

They immediately put into practice their dependence upon Him. And not just the apostles but also the band of people.

These people consisted of men and women, cowards and zealots, family members and friends, all in unity.

They were devoted both to each other “one accord” and to Jesus.

TR: After they devoted themselves to one another they had to address the defection of Judas...

Defection

Listen, even the defector was known.

Unfortunately, even those who would defect from the faith, deceive others and turn their backs on God are known.

They cannot deter the plan of God, this was the concern.

Example of a shepherd calling to His sheep. Only His sheep are going to respond.

The trajedy is that they themselves are deceived.

Judas, went out and ministered with the other apostles, more than likely cast out demons, participated and witnessed Jesus’ miracles and yet he himself was not saved.

That’s the danger in judging salvation predominantly by behaviors.

And Judas was “noble” externally

John 12:5 ESV

“Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”

Yet for all of his outward appearance he as filled with Satan.

John 6:64 ESV

But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)

Here’s the amazing thing, Jesus will even use unbelievers in His plan to save the world if He desires to.

So family, here’s the point, even the defects are determined! That doesn’t excuse them but it does display their purpose.

There was also redemption possible for Judas…and for you if you’ve defected.

Nothing will slow or inhibit the plan of God.

TR: And just as the defects are foreknown, their replacements have been determined as well...

Determined

However, whenever something needs to be replaced, don’t just grab the first thing coming.

“A poor man buys twice”....if you just try to find any ole replacement at the cheapest cost without standards you’re going to end up having to put that one back to.

Peter stands up and outlines that in fact Judas’ betrayal didn’t mess up God’s plan and in fact they had a worthy replacement in their midst

Psalm 109:8 ESV

May his days be few; may another take his office!

Peter identifying this passage as prophetic and leading them to select a replacement.

The standard was that the person needed to have personal experience with Jesus’s earthly ministry and witnessed the resurrected Christ.

Why is that important? How can you go and talk about something that you have experienced and that you’re not convinced of?

If you have sat at Jesus’s feet and learned, saw Him die, and then talked to Him a few days later, you’re better qualified for what they were being called to do than someone who hadn’t.

They sought the Lord and through the casting of lots and the lot fell to Matthias.