TRUTH that Acts teaches
|
ACTION that Acts invites
|
1. Instructions for growing in piety
The pious person learns to perceive his life from G OD's viewpoint. He is ready to learn and adjust his conduct to the teachings of the L ORD. He takes care to not be presumptuous in all that he says and does. |
1:6-8
Seek to understand that the L ORD's calling in your life rests on His power and not your natural talents. Believe that G OD will fill you with his power so that you may fulfill all that He asks of you.
5:3
Learn to respond to divine reprimand or discipline, keeping a heart ready to clearly hear GOD's voice.
14:14-16
Don't doubt, not even for a moment that GOD has spoken in the past and don't speak in his name presumptuously. |
2. Keys for a wise life
The wise individual accepts G OD's testimony about the human inclination to sin. He measures himself in the light of the Word of G OD, and not by the flatteries of those who surround him. |
5:31
Beware of peoples' natural inclinations to follow carnal leaders because of lack of vision.
6:10
Open your ears to the Word of GOD, even when its message doesn't please you.
7:28
Understand that accepting correction helps us to know how to distinguish between the false and the true. |
3. Steps toward a dynamic devotion
The goal of a devotion centered on the L ORD is to know G OD. Remember that at the end we will be judged according to our knowledge of the L ORD and how much we have allowed Him to be manifested through us. |
9:23,24
Define the way of your life and ministry in demonstration of your desire to know G OD.
31:34
Understand that the essence of the new covenant is a people who know GOD. See how GOD defines eternal life in terms of the nature of your relationship with Him. |
4. Key lessons in faith
A person who has faith leans on the Word of G OD and understands that the L ORD is faithful to his Word. He knows that G OD honors his Word above everything and feels in his heart that G OD has promised to fulfill it. He maintains confidence in the promises of G OD and takes its warnings seriously. |
1:9,10
Believe that the Word of G OD reigns supreme over all nations and history.
1:11,12
Rest in the assurance that GOD always fulfills his Word.
6:16
Value every "new" teaching and stay faithful to the Word of GOD in all the simplicity of its message. Don't forget that you can't "improve" upon the Bible.
29:10-20
Remember that GOD seeks good for his people in order to give them hope. |
5. Lessons for leaders
Those whom G OD calls to occupy positions of leadership among his people must be faithful servants of his Word. G OD creates, edifies faith and governs through his Word. But the Bible tells us that we should renew our minds. Without this transformation, "we follow the inclinations and desires of our own hearts". Leaders should face this reality and stay faithful, not being so preoccupied with how popular they are. |
1:17-19
Leaders, believe that the L ORD is the bulwark who protects those whom he commissions and sent to proclaim his Word. Take courage when you must face opposition for preaching the truth of the Word of G OD.
37:16
Leaders, don't forget that GOD's servants have often been persecuted for faithfully proclaiming GOD's Word, without making concessions to those who oppose their message.
43:2-7
Leaders, neither distort the truth to please others, nor alter the Word of GOD to content men. Trust in GOD to protect those whom he sent to proclaim his Word.
23:25-27
Teachers, know that the LORD will not consider anyone innocent who proclaims his own message as if it were a message from GOD.
48:10-12
Leaders, stay faithful in preaching all the counsel of GOD faithfully. |
