10/6/09

Acts 1:12-26 (New International Version)

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk[a] from the city. 13When 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. 14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
15In those days Peter stood up among the believers[b] (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16and 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— 17he was one of our number and shared in this ministry."

18(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. 19Everyone 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,'[c] and,
" 'May another take his place of leadership.'[d] 21Therefore 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, 22beginning 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."

23So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles

When you face a difficult task, an important decision,or a dilemma, don't just rush in and hope it comes out the way it should. Pray first for the Holy Spirits power and guidance (v.12,13). This is the first thing that Disciples did when Jesus ascended to heaven. Although they didn't believe he was the messiah while on earth, Jesus' brothers now recognized that he was. Jesus appeared specially to James (v.14). The first church meeting was held during this scripture. There were over 120 people in attendance. The Apostles prayed, sought Gods guidance, and got organized waiting for God does not mean being idle. Do all that you can , but don't run ahead of God. Although Jesus predicted Judas' betrayal, it was still Judas' Choice. He had hardened his heart and joined in the plot of Jesus death. Those that are close to the truth, are not necessarily always committed. The disciples choosing another twelfth disciple gives us a good example of how to proceed when we make important decisions. Make biblical based decisions, examine the alternatives, and pray for wisdom and guidance to reach a decision.

The second topic I want to begin today is temptation and growing through it. I do not come up with these ideas alone. They are God led. He led me here today and may lead me there for a couple of more days. Every temptation is an opportunity to do good. It becomes a bridge rather than a gap when you realize that it's as much an opportunity to do right as it is to do wrong. It is Satan's main weapon,God will use it to develop you. There are nine fruits of the spirit. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and self-control. These are the Fruits that Satan works on spoiling for you. God develops this fruit by allowing you to be tempted to do the exact opposite of what you're supposed to do. Remember that fruit always matures and ripens slowly!

God teaches us joy in the midst of sorrow when we turn to Him. Happiness is external, but joy is internal. We learn true peace by trusting in God when we are tempted to worry. Patience is developed when we are forced to wait on something we want or we become angry. God will use the opposite situation of each fruit to allow us a choice. How can you claim to be faithful unless you have been tempted otherwise? Satan uses a four step process to lure us into temptation. First He identifies a desire inside of you. He may suggest a thought for you to fulfill a valid desire except he will want you to do it the wrong way or at the wrong time. Beware of shortcuts as they are often temptations. Temptation begins within us. If you don't internally desire it, it won't tempt you. The Bible says that there are a whole array of evil desires within us. Secondly, Satan instills doubt by trying to get you to doubt what God says about sin. Don't let doubts turn you away from God. Thirdly Satan uses deception by offering his lie to replace what God has already said in His word. A little sin is like a little pregnant: It will eventually show itself. The Fourth process is disobedience. What began as an idea gets birthed into behavior.

How do we overcome temptation? Refuse to be intimidated by it. No matter how spiritually mature you become, you will always be tempted. Satan doesn't have to tempt those already doing his will. Satan tempts you because he hates you and wants to turn you away from God. Do not be discouraged by this. Jesus was tempted, but He did not sin. Temptation only becomes a sin when you give in to it. The Devil will make suggestions but you do not have to act on them. For example, attraction and arousal are natural and God given, but lust is a choice to commit in your mind what you would like to do with your body.

The closer you grow to God, the more Satan will try to tempt you. Satan will throw bizarre thoughts in your head while you are praying, but this means that Satan fears your prayers and will do anything to stop them. Treat it as a distraction and immediately shift your focus back to God. Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it. Satan will work on your specific weaknesses, and he will constantly push you toward those situations. When are you most tempted? How do you usually feel when temptation strikes hardest? Prepare to avoid all of those situations as much as possible. Wise planning reduces temptation. Request God's help. When temptation strikes, just cry out to God quickly. Ask for His help because he understands even if it happens 200 times a day. Approach His throne to find grace to help us when we need it most. Go boldly to Him. Ask Him for the power to do the right thing and expect Him to provide it.

Temptations make us depend on the Lord. Roots grow stronger when wind blows against a tree. Standing up to temptation causes us to become more Christ-like. Don't give in. Look to God, expect Him to help you, and remember that there is a reward waiting for you.

Heavenly father, there have already been many temptations today and I praise your name for your encouraging words. You know what to say when we need it the most. I pray all those prayers for friends and family that are going through tough situations this week and today. I ask that you heal them if it be your will. Lord have them learn what it is you want them to do. Lord help us to understand that being patient is one of the fruits of the spirit and we need to accept what you give us on a daily basis in trust. I still ask you to show me your will and your way. Please forgive me where I have failed you, and thank-you for keeping me and my family safe on our daily walk. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice of Christ and the promise of eternal life. I still ask you to bless this bible study that we are about to begin and that all glory goes to you. In Jesus' name I pray amen.