(121) 1 May : Proverbs 13v9 / Acts 15v1-16v10 / Psalm 30v11-12

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, yor family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 13:9

Understanding to grow in

The church has always had to navigate disagreement. Here some Jewish Christians state that Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses - implying they are not truly saved without it. This is serious as it could not only keep Gentiles from becoming Christians, but encourage those that do to rely on their own righteousness which could never be suffcient to merit God's favour. Peter's response brings us all relief. People are saved "through grace" and so not required to obey Old Testament law as a system (15v11). Christ has done it all. Neverthless, Christian unity is important. So the council urged Gentiles to abstain from sexual immorality (a key area of sin in the Gentile world), and from various practices they were free to engage in but which would have unsettled their Jewish brothers and sisters in Christ. Likewise, we must be concerned not just for purity, but for putting aside our desires to accommodate the wishes of other Christians. As you read note the attitudes being urged upon believers.
Acts 15:1-16:10

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 30:11-12

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here.