How can we ensure our ministry fulfills God's purpose, as seen in Acts 1:25? Setting the Scene “Then they prayed, ‘Lord You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to assume this ministry and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to his own place.’ ” (Acts 1:24-25) The Eleven are seeking God’s chosen replacement for Judas. Ministry is portrayed as a divine assignment, not a human career move. Core Truths About Ministry from Acts 1:25 • Ministry is God-given (“You have chosen”). • It carries clear purpose (“to assume this ministry and apostleship”). • It can be forfeited by unfaithfulness (“which Judas abandoned”). • God personally replaces the unfaithful to keep His plan on course. Foundational Principles for Fulfilling God’s Purpose • Divine appointment: recognize every role as a trust from Christ (1 Timothy 1:12). • Simple requirement: “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Ongoing dependence: seek the Lord’s direction before every major step (Proverbs 3:5-6). • Communal affirmation: submit decisions to prayerful, Spirit-led community, as the Eleven did (Acts 13:2-3). Practical Commitments That Keep Ministry on Track 1. Pray before acting – Follow the pattern: “Then they prayed” (Acts 1:24). – Prayer tunes the heart to God’s will (Colossians 4:12). 2. Guard personal integrity – Judas’s fall warns against hidden compromise (John 12:6). – “Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for” (2 John 1:8). 3. Stay rooted in Scripture – Peter’s decision was shaped by Psalms (Acts 1:20). – God’s Word equips “for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 4. Embrace accountability – The group verified Matthias’s qualifications (Acts 1:21-23). – “Iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). 5. Rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance – The Spirit later commissions Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2). – “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). 6. Measure success by faithfulness, not numbers – Matthias disappears from Scripture, yet his obedience mattered. – “Well done, good and faithful servant” is the goal (Matthew 25:23). Pitfalls to Avoid • Self-promotion: ministry chosen for prestige rather than obedience (3 John 9-10). • Mission drift: substituting personal agendas for God’s assignment (Galatians 1:6-7). • Neglect of character: gifting without holiness leads to collapse (1 Timothy 3:1-7). Promises That Sustain Faithful Servants • God equips every calling: “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10). • He rewards steadfast labor: “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). • He completes what He begins: “He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Stay prayerful, stay pure, stay Word-anchored, and the ministry entrusted to you will align with God’s unchanging purpose—just as it did for Matthias on the very day Acts 1:25 was fulfilled. |
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