1. Waiting On God's Power ...

The "Then" Refers Back To Their Last Encounter With The Risen Christ

Possibility It Was The "Upper Room" ... No Scriptural Basis That It Was

A. Notice the size of the group ...

B. Notice who is in the group ... first the women ... status of women in early church

1. Mary (Jesus' mother)

2. Mary Magdalene

3. Jesus' brothers

4. The faithful ... and the forgiven

Notice What They Were Doing During This Time Of Waiting ...

A. It was corporate prayer ... they were praying together ...

1. "Of one mind" ... there was consensus ... a unity of purpose in their prayer

2. "Constantly devoted" ... they prayed with persistence and diligence

B. What were they praying for?

1. Studying Hebrew Scriptures ... reflecting on Jesus' teaching

2. Praying for faith ... strength and courage to face the assignment

3. Seeking understanding ... learn and unlearn ... human vs. kingdom values ... power

2. Trusting God's Purpose ...

Let's Not Understate The Implications Of The Simple Phrase ... "Peter Stood Up ..."

A. Peter's restoration to leadership within the church is an incredible story

1. Restored by Jesus ... both publicly and privately

2. Must have been restored by the community as well

B. Perhaps waiting and prayer played a role in Peter's ability to assume leadership

First Act Of Leadership ... Deal With The Issue Of Judas' Betrayal ... Worth Reflecting On

A. Luke's editorial parenthesis ... provided to inform the Greek readers ... with Matthew ...

1. Remorse ... returned money .. went and hung himself ... branch broke or body burst

2. Blood money ... used to buy field ... known as the Field of Blood

B. First step ... encourages the believers to trust in the sovereignty of God

1. Defection of Judas was predicted by Jesus ... Hebrew Scriptures ... Psalm 69 & 109

2. Betrayal ... sign of God's sovereign rule ... evidence of God's plan ... not God's defeat

C. Review ... sovereignty ... kingdoms ... God's absolute & exclusive right to exercise authority

1. Authority/power is exercised for accomplishment of God's purpose

2. Providence ... interplay of divine action & will by which God brings plan to fruition

D. All things which take place in course of human events ... take place in God's sovereign will

1. Efficacious will ... things God purposes & himself carries out by his power)

2. Moral will ... things God has instructed us to do ... wants to do through us

3. Permissive will ... things which God neither desires or purposes ... but permits

E. Sovereignty is just a theological term ... it something we choose to trust in

1. Trust ... choosing to believe God is present ... and working for the good

2. Faithfulness ... persistence in turning to God ... even when it doesn't make sense

3. Obedience ... persistence in living for God ... showing character of God ... at cost

What About Judas?

A. Did Judas get a raw deal?

1. Jesus knew from beginning ... yet ... God did not force Judas into choice

2. The paradox of providence ... God's will and our free will ... coexist

3. Was Judas forgiven?

3. Prepared For God's Plan ...

A. Someone with them from beginning ... (2) witness to the resurrection ... (3) chosen by Jesus

1. What about Paul ... did these believers get it wrong?

2. Two men put forward ... Joseph/Barsabbas/Justus ... and Matthias

B. Matthias selected by "casting of lots" ...

1. Very common ... prior to coming of Holy Spirit

Practical Application ... The Issue Of Discerning God's Will ...

A. How can I discern God's will for my life ...

1. No "guarantee" ... more art than science ... relationship ... not computer program

2. Began in context of faith ... follow Jesus at any cost ... find place in God's story

3. Prayer ... patient ... unceasing ... persistent prayer

4. Searching of the scriptures ... starting from what God has already revealed

5. All done in community ...