THE BOOK OF ACTS JANUARY 19, 2025
A GRID FOR MAKING GOOD DECISIONS


SCRIPTURE
During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them. “Brothers,” he said, “the Scriptures had to be fulfilled concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. This was predicted long ago by the Holy Spirit, speaking through King David. Judas was one of us and shared in the ministry with us.” Peter continued, “This was written in the book of Psalms, where it says, ‘Let his home become desolate, with no one living in it.’ It also says, ‘Let someone else take his position.’ “So now we must choose a replacement for Judas from among the men who were with us the entire time we were traveling with the Lord Jesus—from the time He was baptized by John until the day He was taken from us. Whoever is chosen will join us as a witness of Jesus’ resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they all prayed, “O Lord, You know every heart. Show us which of these men You have chosen as an apostle to replace Judas in this ministry, for he has deserted us and gone where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and Matthias was selected to become an apostle with the other eleven. Acts 1:15-17; 21-26


STONES & SPIRIT

Peter engaged a grid to best determine the next Apostle (practical wisdom, Scripture, prayer, Old Testament methodology, etc.).

Before Acts 2, the Spirit would come and go. Thus, lots were cast. After Acts 2, the Spirit dwells within us. Thus, lots are not cast.

God knows the decision that needs to be made. Our part is discovery.

The Lord permits us to make choices to allow for autonomy and to observe obedience.



THREE TYPES OF DECISIONS WE MAKE

1/ We all make minute decisions.


2/ We all make minor decisions.


3/ We all make major decisions.




FOUR WAYS WE MAKE BAD DECISIONS

1/ Some people make decisions based on pure instinct.


2/ Some people make decisions based on pure intellect.


3/ Some people make decisions based on pure intuition.


4/ Some people make decisions based on pure instruction.



SEVEN STEPS FOR MAKING GOOD DECISIONS

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Don’t act thoughtlessly but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:15; 17

“Some people grow old but never grow up.” Darren Hileman

1/ Inner Spirit

A healthy conscience is not the Holy Spirit but works in tandem with Him.


2/ Holy Spirit

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13

Beware of setting out False Fleeces.

“On which option does the Spirit seem to rest?”

Every move should be run through a grid to determine the will of God, even prophecy.

Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21

Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 1 Corinthians 14:29



3/ Scripture

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16
“When I pray, I talk to God. When I read the Bible, God talks to me.” D.L. Moody


4/ Sphere of Relationships

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

We should have friendships that speak loving truth.


5/ Spiritual Leaders

Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. Job 12:12

The Dunning-Kruger Effect says: “The less you know about something, the more confident you are about it.”

We should surround ourselves with those who have gone before us.


6/ Situation

We should consult the Spirit in all situations, but some decisions just make sense.

“It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us.” Acts 15:28


7/ Sacred Echoes

Hold this concept loosely, because you can always find what you’re looking for.