Finding God's Will

Acts 1:15-26

15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said,

16 "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.

17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry."

18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 "For it is written in the Book of Psalms, "'May his camp become desolate, and let there be no one to dwell in it'; and "'Let another take his office.' 

21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us-one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection."

23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen

25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."

26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

1. Make every decision in life in view of God’s plan of redemption. (Acts 1:15-26)

• What are the immediate ramifications for the gospel? (Mark 3:13-15; Acts 10:39-42; Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:11-16)

• What are the eternal ramifications for the gospel? (Matthew 19:28; Revelation 21:12-14)

2. Distinguish between God’s revealed will and God’s concealed will.

• God’s revealed will = stuff that IS in the Bible

• God’s concealed will = stuff that is NOT in the Bible

3. Always start with God’s revealed will.

• Trust the Bible as your authority. (Acts 1:16;

cf. John 17:12; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

• Let the Bible interpret your life. (Acts 1:16-20; cf. Psalm 69:25)

• Do what the Bible says. (Acts 1:20-22)

4. Look for God’s concealed will through the lens of God’s revealed will.

• Gather all the information. (Acts 1:23)

• Seek God in prayer. (Acts 1:24)

• Make sure your heart is right. (Acts 1:24)

• Trust in God’s sovereignty. (Acts 1:24-25; cf. 1 Chronicles 29:11-12)

• Make a decision and go with it! (Acts 1:26; cf. Psalm 37:3-5; Proverbs 16:33; 18:18)

Thanks Pastor Jim!