SF868-How to Wait On God (ACTS 1)
Acts 1:12-26
Introduction
Setting (1:12-13)
The disciples had been commanded to return to Jerusalem and wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Obediently they returned and waited and prayed.
The passage may be understood by sorting it into three sections: the submission of the disciples, the suicide of a disciple, and the selection of a disciple.
1A. The Submission of the Disciples (1:12-14)
1B. They persevered.
“These all…were continually”
They refused to be distracted or disappointed. No souls were being saved, no ministry was being done. Yet they waited.
2B. They were united.
“These all with one mind..”
Ø No dissenting
Ø No murmuring
Ø No complaining
Ø No doubting
Ø They were united and waiting for the Lord to fulfill His promise.
3B. They prayed.
“devoting themselves to prayer.”
Ø They did not pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit, God had promised that it would come.
Ø They may have prayed for a replacement for Judas.
Ø They may have prayed that they would be fit vessels for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
2A. The Suicide of a Disciple (1:15-20)
1B. The prophecy concerning Judas (1:15-17)
The Bible must be fulfilled.
Isaiah 46:10 (NASB) 10Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
Judas was chosen for this purpose.
John 6:64, 70-71 (NKJV) 64But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.
2B. The punishment of Judas (1:18-20)
Judas did not actually buy the field
Ø The money he returned was used to buy the field
Judas suffered justly for his sin.
Ø Judas felt guilt but not repentance and he took his life.
Ø True repentance leads to life.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) 10For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
3A. The Selection of a Disciple (1:21-26)
1B. Peter lists the requirements for a successor. (1:21-23)
Ø He had to have witnessed the Lord’s entire earthly ministry.
Ø He must have seen the resurrected Christ.
Ø They had two qualified candidates.
2B. Peter follows accepted Old Testament practice for determining God’s will. (1:24-26)
Ø They prayed first. (1:24-25)
Ø They drew lots
Proverbs 16:33 (NKJV) 33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.
Ø They accepted God’s decision.
Application
How to wait on God.
1. Obey His last command.
2. Search His Word for further instructions.
3. Seek His will and follow His direction one step at a time.
HOW TO WAIT ON GOD
Sunday, January 09, 2000 - Acts 1:12-26
1A. The Submission of the Disciples (1:12-14)
1B. They _____________________________________.
2B. They were _________________________________.
Ø No ______________________________________
Ø No murmuring
Ø No complaining
Ø No ______________________________________
Ø They were ___________________________ and waiting for the Lord to fulfill His promise.
3B. They _____________________________________.
2A. The Suicide of a Disciple (1:15-20)
1B. The ______________ concerning Judas (1:15-17)
The Bible __________________________ be fulfilled.
Isaiah 46:10 (NASB) 10Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’;
Judas was ______________________ for this purpose.
John 6:64, 70-71 (NKJV) 64But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.
2B. The ______________________ of Judas (1:18-20)
Judas did not actually buy the field
Judas suffered _______________________ for his sin.
Ø Judas felt guilt but not repentance and he took his life.
Ø True repentance leads to life.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) 10For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
3A. The Selection of a Disciple (1:21-26)
1B. Peter ___________________ the requirements for a successor. (1:21-23)
Ø He had to have witnessed the Lord’s ___________ earthly ministry.
Ø He must have ___________ the resurrected Christ.
2B. Peter follows accepted Old Testament practice for determining God’s _________________. (1:24-26)
Ø They prayed first. (1:24-25)
Ø They drew ________________________________
Proverbs 16:33 (NKJV) 33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.
Ø They accepted God’s decision.
Application
How to wait on God.
4. ______________________ His last command.
5. ______________________ His Word for further instructions.
3. ______________________ His will and follow His direction one step at a time.