Speaking Truth
Posted by Karah
Pause
Mull over what you’ve learned in the past few week’s devotions. Thank God for the gift He has given us in Jesus.
Over the course of the past month, you’ve studied how God faithfully prepared the world for the promised Messiah. Even so, Jesus came into a world that doubted God’s faithfulness, questioned Jesus’ identity and purpose, or downright scoffed at His good news of salvation. For a better picture of this, read Acts 13:16-40.
“And we ourselves proclaim to you the good news of the promise that was made to our ancestors. God has fulfilled this for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm: You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” —Acts 13:32-33
While all of the rest of last month’s devotions occurred before Jesus’ birth, this passage happened after His death, resurrection, and ascension. Paul and Barnabas had gone into the synagogue at Antioch to share the good news that Jesus was the Messiah. Ask yourself:
How did Paul tie Jesus to these Old Testament events? How did Paul present Jesus as the Messiah?
Ponder verses 38-39. Paul proclaimed that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, God had provided forgiveness of sin and the only way humanity could be set free from sin. Why is this message still vital today?
Think about the response discussed in verses 40-41. How does the world continue to scoff at the gospel today?
Respond
Paul was speaking to a group of people who didn’t want to hear the gospel because it was offensive and revealed hard truths about their sin nature.
Who are the people in your world who have heard the gospel, yet continue to reject Jesus?
How can you be faithful to the truth of the gospel and share it with them this week? Ask God to give the courage and willingness to share and to provide opportunities to do so.
When do you feel most threatened because of your faith? Pray about these situations, asking God to help you remain faithful to the gospel.
For further study of the forgiveness of sin we have in Jesus, read Luke 24:44-49; Acts 2:38-40; and Acts 5:29-32.
Behind the Story
It was Paul and Barnabas’ custom to visit the synagogue first when they arrived in a new city. The synagogue was the center of Jewish life. The people not only worshiped there, but the synagogue also served as the center of education. It was where judicial matters were decided, as well as a social gathering place. Intent on sharing the good news that Jesus was the promised Messiah with the Jews, it was the logical place for Paul and Barnabas to begin their missionary work.
The Point
In a world of scoffers, we must remain faithful to the truth of the gospel no matter what.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions