Thursday: The Twelfth Apostle
The first administrative action of the early Christian community, which numbered about 120 believers (Acts 1:15), was to choose a successor to Judas.
Read Acts 1:21-22. What qualifications was the successor to Judas expected to have? Why would these be so important?
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The need was for a witness of Jesus’ resurrection (compare with Acts 4:33); this is crucial because time and again the resurrection is viewed as powerful evidence for the Messiahship of Jesus and the truth of the whole Christian faith.
The choice, however, was to be made from among those who had accompanied the apostles throughout Jesus’ ministry. Paul would later insist that, despite not having been with the earthly Jesus, he was nevertheless entitled to the apostolic office because his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus qualified him to bear witness to His resurrection (1 Cor. 9:1). Though admitting to be as “one untimely born” (1 Cor. 15:8, ESV), Paul refused to consider himself less qualified than the other apostles (1 Cor. 9:2, Gal. 2:6-9). Only the Twelve and Paul, then, were “apostles” in the technical, authoritative sense (Acts 1:25-26); yet, in its basic, general sense as envoys or messengers, the term also could be used for other gospel workers (Acts 14:4, Acts 14:14; Gal. 1:19).
Read Acts 1:23-26. How was Matthias chosen?
The method they used to choose Matthias may seem strange, but the casting of lots was a long-established way of making decisions (for example, Lev. 16:5-10, Num. 26:55). In addition, the choice was between two previously recognized candidates of equal qualifications, not a step into the unknown. The believers also prayed to God, believing that the result would reflect His will (compare with Prov. 16:33). There is no evidence that the decision was ever challenged. After Pentecost, the casting of lots became no longer necessary due to the direct guidance of the Spirit (Acts 5:3, Acts 11:15-18, Acts 13:2, Acts 16:6-9).
| If someone were to come to you and ask, “How can I know what God’s will is for my life?” what would you answer, and why? |
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A preacher gave a very eloquent message.
As he stood by the door, an old lady greeted him and said that was a good sermon but it would be even better if you know Jesus for yourself.
He was able to put together a sermon intellectually without the knowledge of him.
Harvest is much but laborers are few.
"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"
Flows out permeates the surrounding.
How to know God’s will in your life?
Eight steps for those who have committed their life to the LORD (extract from book by M Venden)
1) Have no will of your own
2) Don’t depend on your feelings only
3) Consult God’s Word for principles & communication
4) Providential circumstances – remember how the Lord has led in the past
5) Consult Godly friends
6) Pray specifically for guidance
7) Take sufficient time & consider all steps then make a decision and tell the Lord
8) Step out in faith and invite the Lord to stop you if you are wrong
NB: God’s timing takes into consideration His plans for our whole life and our place in His plans for the Universe
Texts and examples available for each step.
Proverbs 3:6 states - "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths". This is often my question, that of how to know what God's will is for me. I take consolation, while not directly knowing his will, but in seeing how he has been directing my life and trusting that he directs it for my good. We may never find out the answer to that question, and the answer may even be of little consequence, once we fear (love, respect) God, and keep his commandments, as this is man's duty/purpose (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
1 Thessalonians 4:3 "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:" the will of God is for us to be sanctify by the truth as we are transform by his grace.
Esther Moran
How can any learn what God's will is for their life?
First, don't ask anyone else for the answer to a question only God can answer. Seek to know HIS will through HIS word, the pray for clear guidance while claiming the "exceeding great and precious promises" of God who has promised to "instruct and teach you in the way you should go". How can asking anyone else gain the answer to this question? God is still on His throne and is faithful to keep His word to all who believe and obey it.
Joseph appeared to have name recognition, because he had so many of them. Joseph, called Barsabas, surnamed Justus. Then there was Matthias. It's easy to get caught up in name recognition, but this story shows God chooses who He wills.
Desire of Ages pg 668
But to pray in Christ's name means much. It means that we are to accept His character, manifest His spirit, and work His works. The Saviour's promise is given on condition. "If ye love Me," He says, "keep My commandments." He saves men, not in sin, but from sin; and those who love Him will show their love by obedience.
All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.
As Christ lived the law in humanity, so we may do if we will take hold of the Strong for strength. But we are not to place the responsibility of our duty upon others, and wait for them to tell us what to do. We cannot depend for counsel upon humanity. The Lord will teach us our duty just as willingly as He will teach somebody else. If we come to Him in faith, He will speak His mysteries to us personally. Our hearts will often burn within us as One draws nigh to commune with us as He did with Enoch. Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength. Power for obedience, for service, will be imparted to them, as Christ has promised. Whatever was given to Christ--the "all things" to supply the need of fallen men--was given to Him as the head and representative of humanity. And "whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22.
The way I know what God's will is for my life may also help someone else find God's will for his/her life. I always begin with the premise "not my will, but Thy will be done".
Then:
1. Prayer and fasting
2. Ask for a specific sign. It worked for Gideon, and it works for me.
3. Have faith in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I truly believe that if I some how choose the wrong path, God will make it "work for my good". He will "make my crooked places straight".
Our Heavenly Father loves us so much. He knows our hearts. He guides us to the right choice when we surrender our will to Him. That's how I can know what God's will is for my life.
Somewhere else EGW says, "Take up the work that lies nearest at hand, Commit your works to The Lord, watch for the indications of His Providence." I have always used these three steps and they always work for me. Proverbs 16:3 goes really good with these three steps too.
At times I'm confused because I may need an immediate answer and do not have time to fast. Also I've prayed and yet I was still doubtful because I fear making another mistake. I want to be so close to God and the HolySpirit abiding in me that I can literally hear Them speaking audibly to me.