The Waiting Room Acts 1: Lesson 3

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The Waiting RoomActs 1 Lesson 3

• January 18

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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

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Listen for prophecy fulfilled.

• Acts 115-17 (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."

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Peter Takes Charge

• How did Peter take leadership of the early
  Christians after Jesus ascension?
• When have you felt uncomfortable submitting to
  someones leadership?
• Recalling that Peter denied Jesus earlier, how do
  you think the disciples would have felt about
  Peters leadership?

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Peter Takes Charge

• How did Peter show high regard for the
  Scriptures?
• Recall Luke 2247-48 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?

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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?

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Listen for Peters proposal.

• Acts 118-26 (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

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Listen for Peters 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.

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Replacement Determined

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

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Replacement Determined

• Notice what Peter is doing here.
• 1. He draws out the Bibles explanation.
• 2. He describes the Bibles application.
• 3. He appeals to a Bible-based community for
  confirmation.
• 4. He prays for Gods specific direction.

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Replacement Determined

• What kinds of decisions do we have for which we
  need guidance?
• When you arent sure what God says about your
  decisions, where can you turn for help?

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Listen for how the choice was made.

• Acts 124 - 26 (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.

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Praying for Gods 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 Gods Word and bear your burdens with you?
• When you pray over your decisions, how should you
  ask God what you want?

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Praying for Gods Guidance

• How can we worship Him through these decisions?
• How can we focus more on a relationship with God
  than the prayer request?

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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.

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Application

• Students need to know
• Importance of Godly community cannot be stressed
  enough to teenagers
• Pray for the friends your teens
• Consider 1 Corinthians 1533 Do not be deceived
  Bad company ruins good morals.

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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.

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The Waiting RoomActs 1 Lesson 3

• January 18