Determining The Will of God. (Acts 1:12-26)

Episode Overview

Imagine a group of spiritually minded individuals huddled together in a room, trying to discern the will of God. How do we determine the will of God? Ephesians 5:17 commands us to “understand the will of the Lord,” indicating its importance. In Acts 1, the apostles seem to use a method akin to flipping a coin, raising questions about their discernment process. In this episode, we explore Acts 1:12-26 to uncover how the apostles discerned God's will and what we can learn from their process.

Key Points Discussed

1. The Gathering in Prayer (Acts 1:12-14):
   • After Jesus' ascension, the apostles return to Jerusalem and gather in an upper room, devoted to prayer.
   • This prayerful gathering includes the apostles, Mary the mother of Jesus, His brothers, and other believers.
2. The Need for Replacement (Acts 1:15-20):
   • Peter addresses the need to replace Judas Iscariot, quoting Psalms to justify this action.
   • Emphasis on choosing someone who was with Jesus from His baptism to His ascension.
3. The Selection Process (Acts 1:21-26):
   • Two candidates are nominated: Joseph called Barsabbas (Justus) and Matthias.
   • After praying for God's guidance, they cast lots, and Matthias is chosen.
4. Lessons on Discerning God's Will:
   • Prayer: The apostles were devoted to prayer, seeking divine direction before making decisions.
   • Scripture: Peter referenced the Psalms, showing the importance of grounding decisions in the Word of God.
   • Community: The decision involved the entire community of believers, emphasizing the value of collective discernment.
   • Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Casting lots was an expression of trust in God's control over the outcome.
5. Application for Today:
   • Pray Earnestly: Seek God’s guidance in all decisions.
   • Consult Scripture: Let the Bible inform and direct your choices.
   • Involve the Community: Seek counsel from spiritually mature believers.
   • Trust God: Place confidence in His sovereignty over the outcomes.

Reflection Questions

1. How does understanding the apostles' method of discerning God’s will impact your approach to decision-making?
2. In what ways can you incorporate prayer, Scripture, community, and trust in God’s sovereignty into your daily life?
3. How can you create opportunities for group prayer and collective discernment within your community?

Practical Applications

• Pray for Wisdom: Regularly ask God to guide your decisions.
• Study Scripture: Make Bible study a daily habit to understand God’s principles.
• Seek Counsel: Discuss decisions with trusted, mature Christians.
• Trust in God: Have faith that God will guide your steps according to His will.

Conclusion

Determining God's will can be challenging, but by following the principles of prayer, Scripture, community, and trust, we can discern His direction in our lives. The apostles' example in Acts 1 provides a timeless model for seeking God's guidance.

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Transcript

Determining The Will of God. (Acts 1:12-26)

Transcript: 

Imagine a group of spiritually minded individuals huddled together in a room, trying to discern the will of God. However, this scenario raises an essential question. How do we determine the will of God? Flipping a coin that seems ridiculous, but Ephesians 5:17 commands us, “To understand the will of the Lord”. So, it seems it’s important we know how to do that?

In Acts 1, we find a passage that might initially appear as though the apostles used a rather similar random method like flipping a coin, so wat does that mean. Let's explore this text to uncover how they discerned God's will and what if anything we can learn from their process……

After Jesus’ ascension back to heaven from the Mount of Olives, the apostles are seen to return to Jerusalem. Picking up in verse 12, we read:

Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

(Acts 1:12-14)

The apostles and other believers, gathered again in an upper room. This could have been the same upper room where they had the Last Supper. Among those present we see are Mary, the mother of Jesus, His brothers, and several women who supported Jesus' ministry.

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.” (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines spilled out.  Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted. let there be no one to dwell in it, and, “‘May another take his place of leadership. ‘Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

(Deuteronomy 1: 15-22)

So, Peter addresses the assembly, emphasizing the need to replace Judas Iscariot. He quotes Psalms to justify this action

Peter suggests that they must choose someone who had been with Jesus from His baptism by John until His ascension.

So, they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so, he was added to the eleven apostles.

(Acts 1:24-26)

The group proposed two candidates: someone called Joseph Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then, they prayed:

Casting lots might sound akin to flipping a coin. But in biblical times, it was a recognized method of seeking divine guidance, often accompanied by prayer. Proverbs 16:33 says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord."

The apostles' decision to cast lots was rooted in their understanding and trust in God’s sovereignty. They prayed earnestly, seeking God's guidance before casting lots. This wasn’t a random or thoughtless they did these other things first and narrowed down the candidates to two before then finally handing over the final act choice as a faith-filled appeal to God's will.

There are several lessons we can learn from this story about discerning God’s will.

First, seek God in prayer. The apostles were devoted to prayer, seeking divine direction before making any decisions. They didn’t rush; they waited and prayed.

Second, consult Scripture. Peter referenced the Psalms, showing the importance of grounding decisions in the Word of God. Scripture was their guide, providing clarity and direction.

Third, involve the community. The decision involved the entire community of believers, emphasizing the value of collective discernment. They made the decision together, showing unity and shared purpose.

Fourth, trust in God’s sovereignty. The casting of lots was an expression of trust in God's control over the outcome. They believed God would direct the process and reveal His will.

Casting lots involved placing marked stones in a bag and drawing one out, a common practice in the Old Testament for making decisions (e.g., dividing the land or determining temple duties). Proverbs 16:33 states, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord,” implying that God controls the outcome.

Matthias was chosen by lot and counted among the eleven apostles. Later Acts 6:2 refers to “the twelve,” recognizing Matthias as an apostle, affirming the legitimacy of their decision.

While we might not cast lots today, these principles remain relevant.

We should pray earnestly, seeking God's guidance in all decisions. We should study Scripture, letting the Bible inform and direct our choices. We should involve others, seeking counsel from spiritually mature believers. And ultimately, we should trust God, placing our confidence in His sovereignty over the outcomes.

Determining God's will can be challenging, but the story in Acts 1 provides valuable insights. The apostles' method, while culturally specific to that particular time it still underscores the timeless principles of prayer, scripture, community, and trust. 

By applying these principles, we can discern God’s will in our lives more clearly and confidently.

Remember this whole wider community of about 120 gathered in the upper room, praying together. Some preachers I have heard portray them as a group huddled in defeat, this imagery suggests a sense of fear and defeat but I don’t believe that that is what is really happening here.

We know from the text that they were praying. Were they praying without faith, not they were believing in the power of their prayers? 

This scenario reminds me of a story from a small town in the Midwest of America in the 1960’s.

A new bar and strip club opened, and the local church campaigned against it, praying fervently for its closure. During a storm, that very night, lightning struck the bar, burning it to the ground. The bar owner sued the church, claiming their prayers caused the fire. The judge noted the irony: the bar owner believed in the power of prayer more than the church did, as they had denied any responsibility.

So, were the disciples in the upper room praying without belief? I don’t think so. 

Remember, Jesus had just promised them the Holy Spirit and commissioned them to remain there and later to become His witnesses to the ends of the earth. All these people had also seen the risen Christ and were filled with anticipation. Their prayers were likely then filled with expectation and faith, not fear in my opinion.

The disciples prayed with great expectation, understanding the magnitude of God’s promise and power.

Furthermore, they prayed together. While private prayer is crucial, as Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer, there is immense power in group prayer. Churches that thrive often have strong prayer groups interceding for God’s work. 

British minister, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a great 19th-century preacher, had a group of about 20 people praying for him in the basement of the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London while he preached to thousands in the church above

Perhaps our churches today need more group prayer, where we pray with great expectation for God to move.

In this atmosphere of collective, expectant prayer, Peter stood up and addressed the group. He referenced Scripture, particularly Psalms, to explain the necessity of replacing Judas. He quoted Psalm 69 and Psalm 109. While these Psalms weren’t specific prophecies about Judas, they found their fullest application in his removal and the need for his replacement. Peter pointed out that it was God’s will for Judas to be removed and replaced, aligning with what Jesus had also indicated in John 13 and 17.

So, the disciples in the upper room were not defeated or faithless. They prayed with great expectation, trusting in Jesus’ promise. They sought God’s will through prayer, Scripture, and community, setting an example for us today.

This passage is crucial for understanding how the early church determined God's will in a specific situation. 

Yesterday we saw in Acts 1:8, Jesus told the disciples they would be witnesses to His resurrection, a specific commission to testify that He rose from the dead. Therefore, when Peter proposed replacing Judas, he emphasized that the new apostle must have been with Jesus from John the Baptist's ministry through to His resurrection. This person needed to be an eyewitness of the resurrection.

From their prayers and study of Scripture, they concluded that replacing Judas was God's will.

Should we cast lots to determine God’s will today? I believe the answer is no. Casting lots was not prescribed as a universal method for discerning God’s will. This instance was specific to the early church’s context. 

Similarly, Jesus washed the disciples' feet once, but this was not established as a universal practice. Christians generally recognize two ordinances: the Lord’s Supper and baptism.

The point of this passage is not to establish lot casting as a method for decision-making but to show the importance of prayer and Scripture in seeking God’s will. 

The early church prayed earnestly and sought guidance from Scripture. We, too, should engage in prayer, study Scripture, and seek godly counsel when making decisions. These practices help us discern God’s will in our lives. 

I think it's evident from the first part of the chapter that the Lord is working by the Holy Spirit he said he's going to continue by the Holy Spirit his work, so I would have to say this passage is teaching us that by the whole experience the Lord is working through prayer and the scripture.

The first part of this passage emphasizes the importance of prayer and Scripture in discerning God’s will. The early church gathered to pray and study the Scriptures, leading them to understand their need to replace Judas. This principle applies to us today: to know God’s will, we must pray and search the Scriptures.

Now, consider how people today often seek to know God’s will. Many think it involves praying until they feel a sense of peace about a decision. 

When I first became a Christian, this was a common teaching in my circles. However, through experience and study, I realized this method isn't the whole picture. People can often feel peace about decisions that later prove to be wrong.

However, I now believe the Bible consistently points us to Scripture as the primary means of knowing God’s will.

People sometimes rely on the modern equivalent casting in they use arbitrary feelings like this as a methods to discern God’s will, but this is not the full biblical approach. 

For instance, in history just over 100 years ago a bishop once declared that heavier-than-air flight was against God’s will—only to be proven wrong by his own sons. They were called, Orville and Wilbur Wright, who pretty much invented the airplane. 

Any dogmatic statements when not grounded in Scripture will always lead to error.

The Westminster Confession of Faith wisely states that all necessary guidance for God’s glory and our salvation is either explicitly found in scripture or can be deduced from it. This means we don’t need new revelations or traditions to know God’s will. The Bible provides all we need.

In this passage from Acts we see the early church’s method included prayer and searching the Scriptures and making decisions as a unified group. 

We should still follow the principles found here and in James 1 where James instructs us to ask God for wisdom if we lack it and to be doers of the Word, not just hearers.

So, to determine God’s will, we should:

·        Pray: Ask God for wisdom.

·        Search the Scriptures: Study the Bible to understand God’s commands and principles.

·        Seek godly counsel: Talk to mature Christians who know the Bible well and have walked with the Lord for a long time.

These methods ensures we are aligned with God’s, yet at the same time allowing room for personal preferences in non-essential matters. God gives us freedom in decisions that don't violate biblical principles, such as praying about what clothes to wear or what car to buy.

The most common questions I hear people struggle with are about major life decisions like, who to marry, what job to take, and where to live. 

These questions by nature also highlight why relying solely on a sense of peace to determine God's will isn't sufficient. The Bible provides clear guidance on some matters, like marriage, where it stipulates that believers should marry fellow Christians. 

In fact, 1 Corinthians 7:39 go so far as to say a widow is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only in the Lord. This implies that while there is freedom in choosing a spouse, they must be a believer. Does that mean they have to be exactly the same type of Christian denomination as you? I believe not, but they should be a believer, that is for sure.

However, practical wisdom is also necessary. You should pray for wisdom and seek counsel from others mature Christian believers.

While any Christian is a potential spouse, not every Christian will be a suitable partner for you. So it's crucial to seek God’s wisdom and advice from mature believers.

To determine God's will, it's helpful to also understand that in some situations there is significant freedom within the boundaries set by Scripture. Use common sense, seek godly counsel, and rely on prayer. If you study this passage and think you should flip a coin to make decisions, you've missed the whole point.

To summarize, there are three steps to determine God's will show here:

1.   Search the Scriptures: Look at what the Bible says.

2.   Pray: Ask God for wisdom.

3.   Seek Godly Counsel: Talk to mature Christians who know the Bible well.

J.I. Packer, in his book "Your Father Loves You," provides excellent advice on discerning God's will. He outlines five guidelines for making right decisions: And I would like to finish by quoting them.

1.   Be Willing to Think: Avoid relying solely on inward impressions without rational basis. God made us thinking beings and guides our minds as we think things through in His presence. The Bible constantly urges us to use our minds.

2.   Think Ahead: Consider the long-term consequences of your actions. We can often discern what is wise and right by contemplating long-term outcomes.

3.   Take Advice: Seeking advice is a sign of maturity. There are people who understand the Bible, human nature, and our own strengths and weaknesses better than we do. Carefully weighing their advice is beneficial.

4.   Be Honest with Yourself: Question your motives and be ruthless in your self-examination. Often, people decide what they want to do and then rationalize it as God's will. Genuine self-honesty is crucial.

5.   Be Willing to Wait: Waiting on the Lord is a frequent theme in the Psalms and is often necessary. When in doubt, do nothing but continue to seek God.

Ultimately, finding God’s will starts with a deep desire to align your life with His plans. 

This by nature will of course then already involves studying Scripture, praying for wisdom, and seeking godly advice.

And always be honest with yourself and patient in waiting for God's direction.