Sermon notes to come.

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

and

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.—Acts 1:12–26

 

Sermon Discussion Questions

Main Point: Wait upon the Lord by praying, searching the Scriptures, and taking action by faith.

Outline

1. Wait on the Lord by Devoting Yourself to Prayer (Acts 1:12–14)
2. Wait on the Lord by Searching the Scriptures (Acts 1:15–20)
3. Wait on the Lord by Taking Action by Faith (Acts 1:21–24)

Launching Question: Is there a situation, circumstance, or area of life in which you are waiting on an answer from the Lord? Have you lost heart in asking? What is your heart attitude toward God regarding this area of life in which you continue to wait?

Discussion Questions

• Why did the disciples return to Jerusalem? Why is it significant that they were of “one accord” and were “devoting themselves to prayer”?
• In what way were the Scriptures fulfilled? (Acts 1:16) Why does Peter say they were spoke by the Holy Spirit by the mouth of David?
• Take a moment to see how other New Testament authors used Psalm 69 (turn to John 2:17 and Romans 15:3, citing Psalm 69:9; Matthew 27:34, citing Psalm 69:21; and Romans 11:9, citing Psalm 69:22). What do we learn by how they interpret and use Psalm 69?
• Why is it significant that Judas died in the manner that he did? How do the disciples go about reading the Psalms?
• Why do the apostles pray and then cast lots? What does this action show? (Proverbs 16:33) 

Application Questions

• How can we wait on God by devoting ourselves to prayer? What are some prayer habits or rhythms we can implement?
• How can we wait on God by searching the Scriptures? What are some promises of God that we can commit to memory and pray back to God regularly?
• How can we wait on God by taking action by faith? Where might we need to take action in some area of life? Is there any area in which we are failing to pray, trust, or take action?
• Since we already possess the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, how can we take heart in waiting upon the Lord?
• What are some key passages from Scripture that help you when you are waiting upon the Lord? 

Prayer Focus
Thank God that he is providentially and sovereignly ruling and reigning over all things. Thank God that even in the hardships and trials of life, he is active, working, and not absent or powerless. Confess any sins of doubt, unbelief, or cynicism that have crept into your prayer life. Ask God to help you to wait on him. Ask God to renew your desperation for and delight in Jesus. Ask God to help you search the Scriptures, and ask God to help you take action by faith.