January 31, 2012

Acts 15:13-29 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 10:16-25, Psalm 23, Genesis 50

Journal Entry

Scripture

v.28-29 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.

Observation

In this passage, James states to the apostles and elders how the Spirit was leading with regards to the new Gentile believers. Before becoming believers, Gentiles routinely consumed food obtained from animals used in sacrifices to idols. The food itself was not a form of idol worship, but the concern was the consumption of the food might lead someone who is weak in faith down the path of idolatry. Sexual immorality was also a prevalent practice among the Gentiles, but was an issue that went against God’s intention for marriage. All together, the intention was to lift the burden of the Law from the Gentiles; but more than that, to open their eyes to the true purpose of Mosaic Law, to love God and love each other.

Application

Clearly, we are saved by grace through faith. Not by any work or righteousness of my own. But, there is a need to live by God’s rules: To love God and those around me. How many times relationships have I ruined due to my sin? My pride, my selfishness, my anger, my sin. How many times has my sinful behavior caused another to stumble and turn them further away from God? Not to mention how offensive my actions may be to God. I need to not only profess love, but show love in how I live my life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that I may live my life according to your will, embracing Your Law, that is, to love You and those around me in a holy way. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

--sam w.