SCRIPTURE: Acts 13:32-43
OBSERVATION:
Paul stresses the resurrection as the key to Jesus’ claim, and the only hope for forgiveness. Death is the result of sin, so by defeating death, Jesus has defeated sin and guarantees forgiveness and freedom to those who trust in Him as the promised messiah. Paul realizes that a crucified messiah is not what the Jews were expecting (“something that you would never believe”, v.41). But here he initially receives a positive welcome, they want to hear him again. Paul once again summarizes the message of Jesus with the word GRACE, urging them to continue in the grace of God (v.43). In other words, you can’t earn God’s forgiveness by obeying the Law, just accept it as God’s free gift!
APPLICATION:
I am speaking to Gentiles (non-Jews), many of whom have heard so much about grace that they take it for granted and neglect the obedience side of following Jesus. In speaking to today’s audience, our biggest challenge is to take sin, grace and loyalty to Jesus serious enough. We assume that a simple faith gets us into heaven. We need to be urged to live OUT of God’s grace by continuing to live for Jesus and His mission – sharing and showing the message of grace to others. Good News is for sharing, and if we are not sharing it, chances are we have not yet understood or accepted it fully. Convicting!
PRAYER:
Lord, I have heard about Your grace all my life, to the point that I am taking it for granted. Thank You for reminding me of the price that Jesus paid for me through this passage, and for haring again Your call to continue in the life of grace. Amen.