Week #3 – Praying and Obeying
This past Friday to Sunday, we visited our daughter for her university’s family weekend. It was great to see her new “home” (I’m still not really able to call it that), cheer on her school to a lopsided victory, and worship at her Christ-centered church. On Saturday evening, she suggested we head to a popular local frozen custard place. Not wanting to waste time staring at the menu upon arrival, my wife asked ChatGPT for information while I drove. Through a brief conversation (yes, you read that right), the A.I. told us what made the place famous, recommended a few treats, customized the list to account for our affinity for chocolate and peanut butter, and even suggested ways to keep it on the “lighter side.” Ok, the advice on that last part was pretty much, “Eat somewhere else.” But seriously, it was so handy!
We live in an age where information is more readily available than ever before. Whether it is restaurant reviews or particle physics, just a few requests or finger taps reveal seemingly endless information on too many subjects to count. And yet, in aspects of our lives far more weighty than dessert, we must still do the two most essential things ourselves: know whether to trust the source, and use the information to make decisions.
In the back half of Acts 1, the fledgling early Church has to make some decisions. They are down an apostle and still awaiting the Holy Spirit. What information source will be their authority, directing their lives and ministries? Will they look to their past, rely on their feelings, or take a poll? What can we learn for our own lives from their chosen approach?
Using the questions below, explore Acts 1:12-26 together in your group discussion. Be sure to read through the passage first, and then may God bless your time.
In Christ,
Pastor Ken
Week #3 – Questions
- After Jesus ascended, the disciples returned to Jerusalem as instructed. Why do you think Luke highlights the location and distance (the mount called Olivet, a Sabbath day’s journey)? What does this detail teach us about the historicity and reliability of Acts and the Bible?
- Luke also lists those present in the upper room, including Jesus’ mother and his siblings. Roman Catholics do not believe that Mary had other children, but most Protestants believe that she likely did. Why the difference in beliefs? Does it really matter?
- Peter “stood up among the brothers” (v15) and explained what they must do. What is the source of his rationale? What does his choice of that source instead of any other tell us about where we should look for authority?
- How does Peter interpret Judas’ betrayal and death in light of God’s plan? How can we hold together both Judas’ responsibility and God’s sovereignty in this situation?
- Read Matthew 27:3-10. Compare and contrast this account of Judas’ death with that of v18-20. Why does our belief in Sola Scriptura mean that we must reconcile the two accounts? Can we?
- Peter quotes the Psalms to explain what happened with Judas. Why is it important that the disciples saw Judas’ betrayal not as random, but as fulfillment of Scripture?
- Peter grounds their following actions as a Church in the Old Testament. What does this teach us about how we should approach the Old Testament when seeking to understand the New Testament church and mission? How should we look at both for our lives?
- How does recognizing that God fulfills his Word build confidence for us as we face uncertainty or opposition in our walk with Christ?
- The disciples faced a leadership gap and decided to replace Judas. They made the decision based on criteria and prayer (v21-24) and then casting lots (25-26). What does this teach us about how we should make decisions?
- The disciples didn’t remain passive after Jesus’ ascension—they prayed, applied Scripture, and acted. What steps of faithful action might God be calling you (or many of us) to take in this season?