SCRIPTURE: Acts 18:9-17
“Persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law.” (Acts 18:13)
The message of Jesus is that we are justified before God by faith, not the Law.
The Law can only show us how we fail, it cannot make us right or help us change.
Jesus fulfills the Law for us, so that we can now live by faith, not Law.
The life we live by faith is not lawless, but honours the heart of the Law.
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:18)
The Spirit of Jesus helps us to love God and people, as the Law required.
All the secondary laws for Israel have served their purpose, now that Christ has come.
The Jews were correct in one way, Paul was leading people away from the Law to Jesus.
But on the other hands, by coming to Jesus, the Spirit was helping them fulfill the heart of the Law.
Notice how the crowds beat the synagogue leader; one wonders, is this not “contrary to the Law”?
Their intent seems more about guarding their religion, than honouring God’s will.
This is what Jesus came to change – to help us honour God’s will!
Paul is not teaching contrary to the Law, but moving beyond the Law.
To Jesus, what the Law was pointing to all along.
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (Colossians 2:16-17)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, all the laws were designed to point to You, the perfect example of what the Law was all about. Thank You for saving me from sin and for helping me love God and people as we ought to. Keep changing me this way!
Observation/Application
The Lord speaks to His people moving them to action and His people need to hear and listen and do.
The Jews didn’t like what Paul was saying and tried to bring him before the law. Paul was bringing the Word of God but the Jews were insistent of their own way. Gallio would not involve himself with religious affairs and so the crowd – mob rule – took it out on the synagogue leaders and Gallio remained silent. He was indifferent or didn’t care about these happenings.
I need open ears and open heart to hear the Word of God and not insist upon my own ways/traditions/ways of worship. When the Word shows me where I need to change, change I must. Have Thine own Way Lord.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.