Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord. Acts 13:12
While I have completed my study of Zechariah and it's time to transition to Malachi (as part of my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book), I continue a pause before moving to Malachi to study Acts 13-14 as preparation for my Sunday school discussion this upcoming Sunday. For today, I lean on sermon delivered by John Piper covering Acts 13:1-12.
- Acts is narrative of how the book of Acts is a transition from how God sent His Son Jesus into the world to how Christ sent the church into the world. Churches out to be not in maintenance mode but in mission mode.
- Acts 13 is a great example of mission mode.
- God's mission heart started at Advent to send His Son that extends to His church to save cannot be stopped. God softened the heart of leaders such as Sergius Paulus who pave the way to lead others to Him (v7, 12). He also removes obstacles such as Bar Jesus/Elymas that seek to stop God's mission (vv6-11).
- The straight paths of the Lord vv8,10 represent God's mission to bring Good News to the world and to bring many to Himself in faith. God has straight paths - He gives wisdom and He removes obstacles. We pray, we fast, we seek and God provides straight paths.
- The proconsul believed - this is the straight path in this text. God used Elymas as a means to demonstrate His might to Sergius Paulus. God uses these obstacles for His purpose to bring about His plan.
- Grow, press on in mission mode. Don't slip into maintenance mode.
- Don't let the Elymas characters of the world stop you - there are these characters in our lives; trust in God, pray, seek Him and God will make straight a path to His purpose.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God and my Savior! I have seen how You have made straight the paths in my life to bring about Your purpose in my life. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You save and bless. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
