Standing for Truth in Adversity (9/12/23)
Acts 16
Freya
9/13/2023
Life Lesson(s)…
When a person chooses to follow Christ, many are told that life becomes better. There is truth in that statement, but often a false understanding of the application – basically, many people believe that there will be less problems/issues in their life. It isn't that there will be less problems/issues in life, but rather the decisions we make and the reliance upon the Lord helps us to stand for truth, justice and fairness no matter the problem so that the Lord may work in/through us to free all and bring others into faith in Christ.
In Acts 16, see what Timothy is willing to do in order for the message of Christ to spread, even though it wasn't necessary, but he and Paul did not want the Jewish brothers to come against the message they carried. Consider Lydia of Macedonia and her family, the Lord opened her heart and that of her families and she gave provision to the apostles. Next, Paul and Silas did what had to be done, freeing the slave woman from the spirits that her masters used to make money off of her despite having to be beaten and imprisoned. Or, Paul stopping the prison guard from killing himself and bringing the guard and the guard's family to Christ. Moreover, consider how Paul stood up for truth against the Roman Empire regarding his and Silas' wrongful beating and imprisonment.
As Jesus reminded his disciples at the end of his explanation of overcoming the world (see John 16:25-33),
Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
Your Thoughts…
Study, pray and journal about standing for truth in adversity:
Be self-evaluative, did you ever believe that once you had Christ in your heart that you would have less trials, tribulations and problems in your life? Why or why not?
Read the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32) and ponder what links it to Acts 16. Explain how the parable connects to standing in truth in adversity. After much contemplation, does this strengthen your understanding of how God works in your life?
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Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.”
ACTS 16:37 (ESV)