Daily Reading Week 40
Sunday
Acts 18
DISCOVER:
When the Lord, in His divine presence, spoke to Paul in a dream, He said, "Stop trembling and speak freely." This revelation indicates that Paul had given in to fear. It's not surprising, since he had seen this pattern before. He would go to the synagogues to talk to the Jews, only to have them reject his message. So, he turned to the Gentiles, and they responded immediately—a flood of people. Of course, this made the Jews angry and hostile, and Paul knew trouble was coming.
Doesn't this beautifully portray Paul's humanity? We often think of him as bold and fearless, but like us, he wasn't immune to anxiety and fear. In fact, he openly admitted it in a letter to the Corinthians. In his first letter, he wrote, "When I came to you...I didn't come with fancy words or wisdom. I came to tell you about God's testimony... And I was weak and scared and trembling" (1 Corinthians 2:1a, 2:3 RSV). He was genuinely worried about what might happen to him there.
But the Lord appeared to Paul for this very reason. His words were kind and reassuring: "Paul, don't let fear control you! Stop trembling and don't hold back your voice. Keep preaching, because I'll protect you. Nothing bad will happen to you, because I have more work for you to do in this city." Some of the most encouraging things the Lord said were, "There are still many people in this city I need you to reach." They might not have become Christians yet, but the Lord knew they were there. When I face new situations, it's so encouraging to know that God put me there because He knows there are people who will respond to my message. And that's exactly what happened to Paul. Strengthened greatly, he preached the truth for a year and a half, and the city experienced a profound awakening.
Paul's experience reminds us that fear is something all humans experience. Even Paul, as God's instrument, faithfully fulfilled his divine calling, and in return, God promised to protect him. As we boldly walk the path God has set before us, reaching out to unbelievers with His message of hope and redemption, we can do so with unwavering confidence in His eternal promises to stay by our side.
RESPOND:
1. How does the story of Paul's boldness in following God's calling in Acts 18 inspire and challenge me to step out in faith and obedience in my own life?
2. In what areas of my life do I struggle with fear or hesitation when it comes to following God's calling? How can I overcome these obstacles and embrace a bolder and more courageous approach?
3. How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and reliance on God's guidance and provision as I seek to boldly follow His calling, even when faced with opposition or uncertainty?
Monday
Acts 13
DISCOVER:
Undoubtedly, the most significant promise mentioned in the Scriptures is God's commitment to Abraham, assuring him an increase in his descendants and the redemption of man through his family. (Gen. 1:28; 3:1–21; 17:1–8; 22:15–18). This blessing, which shapes the destiny of the Lord's people, passed down from Isaac to Jacob and his offspring (27:1–45). Those who receive the blessing are individuals who, by faith alone (Gal. 3:7), become part of Jacob's lineage. They begin to experience the blessings by trusting in God's promises and demonstrating their faith through acts of kindness and service (James 2:14–26). By blessing others, the holy people of the Lord themselves receive blessings (Prov. 11:24–26).
Ultimately, the blessing of Abraham is secure because it is bestowed upon Christ, who shares it with His followers (Gal. 3:16, 29). This transfer of the blessing to Jesus is seen initially in God's covenant with David and his descendants. The full realization of dominion and its associated benefits is promised to occur in the eternal throne of the Davidic king. The king represents the people of God, sharing the blessings with them (2 Sam. 7:12–16; Isa. 53). Through complete faithfulness to God's covenant on behalf of the people, the Davidic king unifies all subjects of the kingdom, enabling them to partake in the complete blessings.
Fulfilling the Almighty's covenant meant that a chosen descendant of David would have to bear the penalty of death for the sins of David's family and, consequently, the sins of the people represented by David's royal lineage (2 Sam. 7:14; Isa. 53). However, upholding the same covenant also required God to preserve the throne forever, for He cannot be a God who breaks His word (2 Sam. 7:13). The only way to reconcile these two requirements is through resurrection, as a descendant of David who dies for his people can only remain on his throne if he is raised from the dead and restored to it.
Therefore, the promise to bestow upon the rightful descendant "the holy and sure blessings of David" in today's passage (Acts 13:34) is essentially a promise to resurrect this descendant. God has indeed raised this chosen descendant—King Jesus—ensuring that we can partake in the blessings of life and prosperity first granted to Abraham.
As a faithful and true God, He must honor His covenant promises. Thus, His pledge to grant the greater son of David the holy and sure blessings of David is a pledge to resurrect Him, so that as the God-man, He may eternally enjoy these blessings. For those who are in Christ, the Lord has also promised the same eternal life, which encompasses the fulfillment of all the blessings mentioned in Scripture. In Christ, we have eternal life and will be resurrected on the final day.
RESPOND:
1. How does the promise of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises in Acts 13 encourage you to trust in Him and His Word in your own life?
2. In what ways have you experienced God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises in your personal journey? How does reflecting on these instances strengthen your trust in Him for the future?
3. Are there any specific promises of God that you find challenging to trust in or fully rely on? How can you deepen your faith and surrender those areas to God, trusting that He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing?
Tuesday
Acts 14
DISCOVER:
Paul's First Missionary Journey began after he and Barnabas returned to Antioch. The Holy Spirit instructed the church elders to commission and send them on a preaching tour. During their journey, they initially preached in synagogues, following the principle of sharing the Gospel with the Jews before the Gentiles. The birth of the church emerged from the nation of Israel, with salvation offered to the Israelites first before extending to the entire world. This period, from 30 to 70 AD, marked the transition from the old covenant centered on Israel to the new covenant centered on the church.
Their first stop was Cyprus, where they encountered Sergius Paulus, a proconsul influenced by a sorcerer named Elymas Bar-Jesus. Paul, empowered by God, struck the sorcerer blind, leading the proconsul to convert to Christianity. Next, they reached Pisidian Antioch, where Paul delivered a sermon that attracted a large audience. However, opposition from apostate Jews resulted in Paul and Barnabas leaving the city.
Their journey continued to Iconium, where they harvested both true Jews and God-fearing Gentiles into the church. However, the city became divided, and a plot was formed to harm the missionaries, forcing them to move on.
This account of Paul's missionary journey highlights the priority given to sharing the Good News within the covenant community. Similarly, we should consider our own obligations to prioritize ministry within our church and family of believers before reaching out to those outside. Take time to reflect on how this principle applies to your church and personal life.
RESPOND:
1. How am I actively engaging in sharing the Gospel with my family, friends, and those close to me?
2. Am I prioritizing my responsibility to share the Good News with those within my immediate circle of influence?
3. What steps can I take to create opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith and to demonstrate Christ's love to those closest to me?
Wednesday
Acts 15
DISCOVER:
One of the primary causes for the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century was the idea that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority for the church. The leaders of the reformation did not completely reject authorities such as councils and creeds. Instead, they selectively set aside those authorities and teachings that did not align with God's written Word. They still embraced ecumenical creeds like the Nicene Creed and the Definition of Chalcedon, and they found value in studying the early church fathers and medieval Christian thinkers for their insights into Scripture.
Additionally, Protestants conducted their own councils and formulated new creeds and confessions. This practice followed the church's longstanding tradition of convening councils to address disputes and combat heresy. This tradition can be traced back to the Apostolic era, as demonstrated in the example of the first-century council in Jerusalem. When a controversy arose regarding whether circumcision was necessary for Gentiles to join the church, the Apostles and elders gathered to discuss the matter. After careful deliberation, they concluded that Gentiles did not require circumcision to become Christians, and this decision was communicated to the churches through a letter (Acts 15:1–35).
The Jerusalem Council held a unique authority due to the presence of the Apostles. However, it is worth noting that such a significant decision was not made by a single Apostle, even though it could have been revealed through divine means. Instead, the entire church collectively considered the issue. This serves as an important lesson. If even the Apostles believed in reading and interpreting Scripture in collaboration with the entire church, how can we do otherwise? We should not be isolated Christians who interpret God's Word in isolation, although personal Bible study is valuable. Rather, we read God's Word within the community of believers, seeking guidance from one another and from appointed teachers and ministers to ensure accurate interpretation. We rely on God's people to help us comprehend His Word.
Throughout church history, many grave errors arose when individuals were unwilling to engage in Scriptural study alongside the rest of the church. We cannot be Christians disconnected from the church or unwilling to submit to one another within the local body of Christ. If we fail to seek communal reading of Scripture and learning from both past and present believers, we will inevitably make numerous mistakes in understanding God's Word.
RESPOND:
1. How does the account of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15 emphasize the importance of studying Scripture within the church to resolve doctrinal disputes and guide decision-making?
2. In what ways does Acts 15 challenge us to examine our own approach to studying Scripture within the church community? How can we ensure that our study of Scripture is rooted in a spirit of unity, humility, and love for one another?
3. Reflecting on Acts 15, what lessons can we draw regarding the role of Scripture in shaping our understanding of God's will and guiding our practices as a church? How can we encourage and foster a culture of regular Scripture study, interpretation, and application within our church community?
Thursday
Acts 16
DISCOVER:
In Acts 16, Luke focuses on three individuals in Philippi who represent different types of people we encounter in our lives. In light of our series on the power of the gospel to rescue, these examples show us how to engage different kinds of people with the gospel message.
Lydia, a prosperous businesswoman, is religious but not yet a follower of Christ. Many people today share this profile, open to spiritual conversations. To reach them, we can introduce them to the power of Scripture by inviting them to read it with us. The Bible holds convincing truths that can transform lives, if we have the courage to take the initiative.
The slave girl, in stark contrast to Lydia, is broken and captive, yet drawn to the faith while also displaying anger and mistrust. People in similar situations may rail against the church, but deep down, they long for redemption. Reaching them requires getting involved in their lives, bringing Christ's love to them where they are.
The jailer, unlike the previous two, is a hardened skeptic and cynical towards the gospel. Reading the Bible with him or expecting him to attend a worship service may not be effective. Instead, he experiences a radical change when shown extravagant grace by Paul, even in the face of injustice. Such acts of grace display the power of the gospel like nothing else, capturing the attention of even the most skeptical.
Ultimately, through the gospel, people from diverse backgrounds find a unity in Christ that cannot be found anywhere else.
RESPOND:
1. Reflecting on the events in Acts 16, how does the encounter with Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer demonstrate the universal nature of the gospel message? What aspects of the gospel transcend cultural, social, and personal boundaries?
2. In what ways does the story in Acts 16 challenge our understanding of who is receptive to the gospel? How can we guard against limiting our perception of who can receive the message of salvation and embrace the transformative power of Christ?
3. Considering the diverse backgrounds and circumstances of Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer, how does their collective response to the gospel highlight the inclusive nature of God's redemptive plan? How can we actively promote inclusivity and a universal approach to sharing the gospel within our own communities and interactions?
Friday
Acts 17
Advertisers have long understood the power of the slogan "New and improved" to captivate Americans by presenting a product as fresh and better. In a culture that values novelty and the present moment, "Old and the same" simply doesn't have the same appeal.
Improving a product when necessary or communicating its improvements isn't inherently wrong. The issue arises when we attempt to improve something that is already perfect, such as the Word of God. In an attempt to attract more people or make Christianity more "fresh and exciting," there have been countless attempts to "improve" the gospel. Some have minimized preaching with a short message lacking biblical substance, after a worship service focused on entertainment. Others have tried to remove less popular elements of the gospel, like the reality of God's wrath. Some have even sought to replace the gospel with political causes or social programs.
While these "improvements" may be well-intentioned, they are actually dangerous. Throughout history, the greatest threats to God's people have often come from within the community, from false prophets who distort or replace God's Word. Remaining faithful to the Lord means following the "ancient paths" and adhering to the truths of Scripture that were delivered to the saints long ago. Let us not be tempted to preach novelty, but rather draw from the sound interpretation of sacred Scripture.
It's important to note that these old teachings may sound new to some, as they may not have encountered them before. However, we're not referring to novelty in that sense. Nor are we suggesting that we shouldn't find new and faithful ways to illustrate these old truths to others. What we caution against are "innovative" doctrines that have no historical basis in the church. If we come across something new and true while studying, it's likely that others have taught it before, and further investigation will reveal their insights. Alternatively, it may be something new but false. Being cautious about adopting novelty helps us stay on the right path.
Sometimes we believe it takes courage to introduce something new. However, in our time, true courage lies in upholding what is true, regardless of its age. May we have the courage to proclaim the timeless truths of God's Word as the only solution to the challenges of this new era.
RESPOND:
1. How am I actively seeking to understand and internalize the gospel message revealed in the Bible?
2. In what ways am I guarding against the temptation to dilute or alter the gospel to make it more appealing or acceptable to others?
3. How am I demonstrating faithfulness to the gospel in both my words and actions, even when faced with opposition or societal pressures to compromise?
Saturdy
Psalm 111
DISCOVER:
Psalm 111 praises the great works of God, which are evident in the beauty and power of creation. Observing the world around us, we cannot help but recognize His attributes and seek to know Him more. We study His works with reverence, even though they may be disregarded by others.
However, God's greatness extends beyond creation to His work of salvation. The psalmist refers to the exodus from Egypt and the conquest of Canaan, highlighting God's provision, guidance, and redemption. Reflecting on these events, we learn that fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Through fearing God, we find His provision and protection. Conversely, neglecting the fear of the Lord can lead to negative consequences, as seen in the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness.
John Calvin reminds us of the importance of celebrating and praising God. Meditating on His works helps us remember His greatness and instills fear, honor, and love for Him. By contemplating God's mighty acts, we guard against forgetting His power and potential destruction. Therefore, it is crucial to set aside time each day to reflect on the magnificence of God's works.
RESPOND :
1. How does the fear of God contribute to a deeper understanding of wisdom in my own life?
2. In what ways does the fear of God shape my decision-making process and guide me towards wise choices?
3. Reflecting on the psalmist's words, how can I cultivate a greater reverence and fear of God in my daily life, and how might this impact my pursuit of wisdom?