Acts 13
February 22, 2022
“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from the law of Moses.” (v 38-39)
By the end of this sermon, Paul is preaching the gospel: justification - not through self-effort, but through Jesus. Justification before God comes - not through our works, but through the finished work of Jesus (v29-30).
Father, I praise You for making a way to give me the very thing I most need, which I’m unable to obtain on my own. Forgive me for the times I have sought a faux justification, where I try to “justify myself” in others’ eyes - through trying to be a respected pastor, a good dad, a generous steward, a faithful Christian. So much of my chasing after success in life (even as a child) has been an attempt to “justify” myself. Today, I renounce all attempts to justify myself and cling only to the cross of Christ as my source of justification! Thank You for the joy and peace that is mine when I rest in Your finished work!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
