The Waiting Room Acts 1: Lesson 3 January 18

Think about this … What are some important characteristics of a good leader? Today we see leadership on two levels – Peter as an early leader of the church – God as the leader in your life

Listen for prophecy fulfilled. Acts 1:15-17 (NIV) In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus-- 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry."

Peter Takes Charge How did Peter take leadership of the early Christians after Jesus’ ascension? When have you felt uncomfortable submitting to someone’s leadership? Recalling that Peter denied Jesus earlier, how do you think the disciples would have felt about Peter’s leadership?

Peter Takes Charge How did Peter show high regard for the Scriptures? Recall Luke 22:47-48: While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

Peter Takes Charge Theorize about Judas’ relationship with the rest of the apostles prior to the night of the betrayal … how do you think they all got along with each other? How does the body of believers help us stay faithful to Christ?

Listen for Peter’s proposal. Acts 1:18-26 (NIV) (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 "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

Listen for Peter’s proposal. his place of leadership.' 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 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." 23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.

Replacement Determined What happened as a result of Judas’s treachery? What did Peter propose to do about the vacancy left by Judas? What was the criteria for the replacement position?

Replacement Determined Notice what Peter is doing here. 1. He draws out the Bible’s explanation. 2. He describes the Bible’s application. 3. He appeals to a Bible-based community for confirmation. 4. He prays for God’s specific direction.

Replacement Determined What kinds of decisions do we have for which we need guidance? When you aren’t sure what God says about your decisions, where can you turn for help?

Listen for how the choice was made. Acts 1: (NIV) Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Praying for God’s Guidance What did the apostles do to select the right candidate to succeed Judas? Why is it a good idea to turn others to remind you of God’s Word and bear your burdens with you? When you pray over your decisions, how should you ask God what you want?

Praying for God’s Guidance How can we worship Him through these decisions? How can we focus more on a relationship with God than the prayer request?

Application With children and grandchildren – Talk with your children about the importance of praying about difficult decisions, – Also discuss the benefit of praying with other Christians.

Application Students need to know – Importance of Godly community cannot be stressed enough to teenagers – Pray for the friends your teens – Consider 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’”

Application For everyone … – Remember that our Godly community needs us. – The body of Christ (the Church) needs every member present at all times – We must be available for other believers who may need us.

The Waiting Room Acts 1: Lesson 3 January 18