oDay 21, Read Acts 14:21-28. 14:23: "They commended them to the Lord."

Appointing elders is, in a sense, the easy part.  Being elders is impossible.  This chapter alone is evidence of the special attack by Satan on those who are recognized as leaders and spokesmen in the church.  So Paul commended them to the Lord.  But this was no mere ritualistic ordination ceremony.  It was preceded by prayer and fasting.  Paul knew the need of being commended to the grace of God (v26) so that the work might be completed.  Why, among our so-called "lay elders" are there not more Stephen's and Philip's (Ac. 6:5,8; 8:5)?  Why do so many fail to endure?  Perhaps our "ordination" has lacked in prayer and fasting.

oDay 20, Read Acts 14:8-20. 14:15: "We also are men with the same nature as you."

This is what the proud Herod should have said (12:20-23).  But Paul and Barnabas don't have that pride for they have the mind of Christ (Phil. 2:5-11).  These men understand that a key to effective ministry is identification with those to be ministered to (1 Cor. 9:19-23), even as Christ who was tempted as we are (Heb. 4:14-16), Who lived among us (Jn. 1:14).  Often in ministry today it seems that men feel the need to be exalted in the eyes of those they minister to so as to be received.  They wear flashy clothes, sport all the latest in music and technology, and surround themselves with beauty and power.  But the mind of Christ is to be humbled so God can be seen and heard.

oDay 19, Read Acts 14:1-7. 14:3: "Therefore they stayed there a long time."

What is the "therefore" there for?  Did they stay a long time because many believed (v1)?  Did success keep them in Iconium?  No!  It was because there were enemies of the gospel who were stirred up (v2).  This is the opposite of our natural way of thinking.  We stay when all goes well.  We leave when there is trouble.  Here we see Paul's "deep concern for all the churches" (2 Cor. 11:28).  Later they fled certain death (v6) after protecting the flock, and then returned to provide permanent shepherds (14:21-23).  A good shepherd will be sure the sheep are safe at all times.

Psalm 19

 

This Psalm is another truly classic “Psalm of the Word”.  It speaks to us of God’s revelation of Himself.

God has revealed Himself in Creation (v1-6).  In theology this is called general revelation.  It is God’s revelation to all men, speaking generally of God’s reality and character.  (Rom. 1:18-32 explains this message and man’s responsibility in light of creation’s truth.)  We are told that creation reveals God’s glory, giving a visible footprint of the invisible God.  This revelation is available to all men, 24 hours a day, in every part of the world.  Man’s greatest danger is that he would turn from the Creator and worship creation (Rom. 1:22-25).  We ought to avail ourselves of the study and enjoyment of creation, but we need to know more about God.  Creation does not provide us with knowledge of salvation; it only leaves us without excuse in our sin (Rom. 1:20). Creation also speaks of God's goodness. Thus I believe that creation tells us we should look to the Creator in hope for a solution to our guilt.

God has revealed Himself in Scripture (v7-11).  This is His special revelation in that it reveals specific truth about God and what He expects of His creation.  Special revelation reveals God’s plan of salvation through the death and resurrection of Christ.  It is special also in that it requires the Holy Spirit’s ministry to understand it (1 Cor. 2:4-16).  Special revelation is the content of the Bible.

Let us not miss the marvelous things Scripture can do for those who delight in it.  It …

·       7: converts the soul and makes the simple to be wise.

·       8: brings joy to the heart and enlightenment to the eyes.

·       9: endures forever in complete truth and righteousness.

·       10: is both valuable and satisfying.

·       11: warns of the dangers of disobedience and encourages us with the rewards of obedience.

These are not just poetic devices.  The word of God has great power in the life of the one who devotes himself to it.  It can do for us what wealth, friends and pleasure cannot do.

The closing verses speak of another revelation (v12-14).  Having seen God in Creation and Scripture the writer asks God to reveal his sinfulness to him so that his words and thoughts might be pleasing to God.  This is the only proper response when we have seen God in His general and special revelations.  Perhaps you will want to make this your prayer of response today, and often, as you reflect on God’s truth.

oRead Acts 13:42-52. 13:46: "judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life."

They judged themselves, Paul says.  He didn't judge them; he merely observed their rejection of the Word of God.  It is true that only those appointed to eternal life believed (v48).  But it is also true that none believed without the Word (Rom. 10:17).  And how did Paul know who was appointed to eternal life?  It was those who begged that the Word be preached to them (v42) and who glorified the Word (v48).  Let us not miss this!  Lord, help me to be your instrument by which the Word may spread throughout our region and the world. 

oRead Acts 13:26-41. 13:30: "God raised Him from the dead."

 

Three times in this passage we have reference to the resurrection by God (v30,33,35).  Specifically, He was raised to die no more (v34-35).  It is this that allows us, no, demands, that we exalt Christ as Lord above all others.  No religious leader can say this.  No demon or angel has tasted death and so cannot lay claim to resurrection.  Easter tends to trivialize this because as a holiday it lends itself to celebration by those who do not recognize this point.  We must make it a focal point of preaching, not just at Easter but in every gospel presentation.  Without it Christ competes with other great men; with it there is no competition.

 

oRead Acts 13:13-25. 13:21: "Saul the son of Kish."

Notice that God gave King Saul to Israel (v21) and God also removed him (v22).  This is part of Job's realization that the Lord gives and the Lord has taken away (Job 1:21).  But in King Saul's case it also fits the biblical rule that the Lord humbles the exalted and exalts the humble.  We are not called to question God's sovereignty (e.g. "Lord, why did You give him if You were only going to take him away?").  Rather we are called to learn God's truth!  In this case it is explained: God sought a man after (His) own heart, who would do (His) will.  In Job's case, as in every case, the lesson was simple: submit yourself to the God of gods.  It's interesting.  Jonathan, King Saul's son, always was submissive to God.  He readily accepted the rule of David.  Lord, help me to accept Your plan for my day and life and to have no desire for myself that will stand against You!

oRead Acts 13:1-12. 13:11: "seeking someone to lead him by the hand."

When we can't see where we are going we long for someone to lead us by the hand.  It is reassuring IF the person can be trusted.  But what Bar-Jesus needed was someone to lead his spirit, his soul.  For he was perverting the ways of the Lord (v10).  In fact the hand of the Lord was upon him for judgment.  What he needed was to be led by the Holy Spirit as were the Elders (v1-3).  Look as the confident Saul/Paul (v9-10) speaks boldly by the Holy Spirit.  Am I willing to so deny self, to afflict the soul, to pray and fast, that I might be led by the invisible but real hand of God?

 

oRead Acts 12:12-25. 12:24: "the word of God grew and multiplied."

What is of interest is the way God helped this process by the use of angels.  An angel delivered Peter who had already gone to another place to preach in safety.  And an angel killed Herod who had had the arrogance to kill an apostle and to please the enemies of the cross.  Consistent with Scripture, no one prayed to angels or for angels.  Prayer was simply made continuously to God Who sovereignly moved.  This time God happened to use His ministering spirits.  How often does God use angels with us?  I believe it really doesn’t matter.  We are to pray constantly to God.  God will answer as He wills, maybe with an angel, maybe with a Christian brother or sister.  And God will get the praise, all of it!

 

oRead Acts 12:1-11. 12:11: "the expectation of the Jewish people."

Expectations can bring disappointment when we set our hearts on them. The Jews expected to be pleased again (v3).  They expected Peter to die as had James (v2).  They expected a "trouble free Passover" (v4).  They expected Herod to do all the dirty work (v1).  This must have seemed the perfect plan.  But one must remember that expectations are not "deed accomplished."  They failed to account for the constant prayer of a loving church (v5).  They did not account for a delivering God (v11).  We must not proceed with expectations but must yield these to God so that we remain in His will.  Note that Peter was not expecting an angel, but got one.  The praying church was not expecting Peter but got him (v16).  And Herod expected to live in wealth and peace but died instead (v23).  Yield everything to God, especially your expectations.

 

Psalm 18

 

The historical setting of this Psalm is made clear both from the title and from the fact that it appears originally in the narrative of the life of David in 2 Samuel 22.  The setting in 2 Samuel is that it is somewhat of a summary of God’s deliverances of David over the course of his life.  David is ascribing faithfulness to God for not one but for a lifetime of deliverances.  From David’s experiences we too are encouraged to trust in the faithful God.  While David speaks of receiving deliverance from his enemy in the future, his faith was placed in His God who had delivered him in the past.

Here is an outline with brief comment of this lengthy Psalm.

·       v1-2: we can be confident because of who God is.  Identify 8 thoughts about God.  The “Rock” is one in which we hide.  The “Horn” is an emblem of power.

·       v3-6: we can be confident because God hears us.  We are emboldened to cry out to God and to believe that He will hear the cry of faith.

·       v7-19: we can be confident because God delivers those who call on him.  David’s description of God’s great movement on his behalf is likely describing the totality of God’s many deliverances as king.  David experienced deliverance from Saul, and then from the Philistines, Ammonites, Syrians and other surrounding nations.

·       v20-29: we can be confident because God is faithful.  This passage is not a denial of grace.  The point is that David was God’s anointed, given a special covenant whereby God would establish his throne.  Of course we are aware of his sin with Bathsheba and the overwhelming consequences.  But even in that situation God forgave and gave David victory over Absalom and the rebellious tribes. 

·       v30-36: we can be confident because God equips us.  Again, note 8 ways God enables us to be useful in His hands to bring about victory over the enemy.  In v30 David notes that God’s way is “perfect”.  In v32 God makes David’s way “perfect”.  This refers to being complete or whole.  God misses nothing; His plan will prosper.  Thus the way He lays out before us is also complete.  That is something for David to say as he had his shortcomings.  Furthermore the years of God’s deliverance from Saul were a “path” that often had danger.  David found himself in tight spots from time to time.  He is saying that while God’s way for him was not the easiest in the sense of being free of trouble, it was the easiest because God always delivered.  Think about this.  Since God’s way is perfect, the way He has planned for you is also perfect!

·       v37-45: we can be confident because God gives overwhelming victory.  The point here is that when God gives victory, it is amazing. God brings Deliverance in such a way that it brings glory to Him.  David understood what Paul understood when he worshiped God for giving us more than we ask or think (Eph. 3:20). 

·       v36-50: we can be confident!  The hymn ends as it began.  It is a strong exclamation point that God can be trusted!!  He will not disappoint us.  They will never be ashamed who put their trust in our Rock!  This term “Rock” is different than the hiding place of v2.  This is the boulder on which we can stand firm.  David’s use of it in this summary of God’s deliverances is interesting in that the references to God as Israel’s “Rock” are in Deut. 32 (v4,15,18,30,31).  Deut. 32 (The Song of Moses) speaks of God’s relationship to Israel in her times of trouble, exactly the thing for which David gives praise.  What “rock” are you standing on?  Is it a solid foundation?  Do you have confidence in times of distress?

The final verse of Psalm 18 gives us a clear picture of the Messianic nature of Psalms of David. He has based his request on the promise of God in Psalm 2. It is the basis of God's Covenant with David. If you read the Covenant in 2nd Samuel 7 you will see that God extended it to David's sons if, by faith, they received the promise of God. The ultimate and final son of David is the Messiah, God's Anointed (Heb. masiah). Hallelujah!

oRead Acts 11:19-30. 11:23: "had seen the grace of God."

When they saw God's grace what did they actually see?  What they saw was the many who believed and turned to the Lord.  In fact faith cannot be seen except there be a turning to the Lord (James 2:18).  This turning is what we call conversion.  Conversion involves a change.  In this case the "change" was evidenced in giving to the poor at Jerusalem.  It is true that Jews and Gentiles give to the poor but usually not according to their ability.  It is usually according to someone else's expectations or to satisfy some level of guilt.  So God's grace was visible!  Make no mistake: salvation is by the grace of God, and God's grace is not without effect.

 

oRead Acts 11:1-18. 11:2: "contended with him."

So is this a church fight?  No.  Church "fights" usually have proud people on both sides, unwilling to give to the other.  But here we see Peter willing to answer their questions.  He understands their position because it had been his position.  In 2 Contents 2 Realities Francis Schaeffer said Christians must be willing to answer people's questions as part of evangelism.  Like Peter we ought not be offended by the questions but rather see an opportunity to serve Christ by building up His body.

 

oRead Acts 10:30-48. 10:36: "He is Lord of all."

Can anyone find a sermon or a testimony in Acts where the Lordship of Christ is not made the issue?  No, because it simply is the issue.  Peter here, at the beginning of his words, does what Jesus taught by example: make Him (Christ) the issue.  The fundamental question is "Who is Jesus Christ?"  So Peter says "He is Lord of all."  Now Cornelieus and his family and his friends must decide if their search for God has ended at the feet of Jesus Christ.  The evidence is clear: God anointed Him (v38), God was with Him (v38), God raised Him from the dead (v40), witnesses saw Him (v41), and the prophets witness to Him (v43).  Is it any wonder that they believed?  Jesus IS Lord of all!!!

oRead Acts 10:9-29. 10:14: "I have never."

We often say "never say never".  That's the case for Peter.  Put yourself in his sandals: to have never eaten pork in all his life!  But now he is commanded to do so.  But of course it's just a trance.  He doesn't actually eat anything unclean; rather he is led to meditate (v17).  Then came the men from Cornelieus.  Now Peter really has to violate one of his nevers!  Jews never went to the homes of Gentiles.  Yet he does it without objection (v29).  Why?  The trance certainly helped.  But likely it's the new Peter. The old Peter had told Christ he would never let Him die (Mt. 16:21-22), yet he did. The old Peter had told Christ he would never deny Him (Mt. 26:30-35), yet he did. Peter was then wonderfully restored by grace when Jesus uttered His own never: "you will never depart from Me" (Jn. 21:15-23; esp. v18). Armed with this assurance Peter would never again be moved to say never to God.

 

oRead Acts 10:1-8. 10:2,30: "gave alms ... prayed to God ... fasted."

These are all activities Jesus dealt with in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 6:1-18) where he confronted hypocrisy.  Jesus taught us to do these in secret, not to be seen.  Since Cornelieus was devout and feared God we must conclude he had a right heart attitude about these activities.  So now we ask: did these good works save him?  Of course not.  That's the point of the story: he still needed to hear the gospel.  What they do indicate is that Cornelieus was a man who sought God.  And he who seeks, finds (v4,34-35; Deut. 4:29; 1 Chron. 28:9; Prov. 8:17; Jer. 29:13).