Week 3 - Others
This week in summary| Day 1 : Summary | Acts 15 |
| Day 2 : Holy Spirit of God | Acts 16-17 |
| Day 3 : Meekness | Acts 18 |
| Day 4 : Blessing | Acts 19 |
| Day 5 : Faith with Feet | Acts 20-21 |
Summary
Acts Chapters 15-21
A big transition just happened in the middle of this otherwise culturally Jewish movement. The leaders are seeing that God has a plan for non-Jewish outsiders. Samaritans (half-Jews) and gentiles (non-Jews) are getting involved. The Spirit of God is verifying the validity of their inclusion in his Kingdom. The leaders gather together to discuss this issue. What do we do with our ancient animosity and prejudice? Do they need to become like us or like Jesus? What do we do with these ‘others’?
In these chapters, we begin to note a marked decline in the direct mentioning of the Holy Spirit. We might not know what, exactly, if anything at all, we should make of this. Does it mean we shouldn't see the Holy Spirit at work in quite so many places? Does it mean we should only credit Him in the extraordinary events? Has Luke now established so well that the Holy Spirit is the main character that it would seem cliché to keep bringing Him up?
Yet in especially two places the Holy Spirit is made mention of in this chapter set. First, we see the Holy Spirit actually prevent the missionaries from preaching the Good News twice! How do we account for this strange activity? Later on, Paul comes across some disciples who had never heard there even was a Holy Spirit! He lays hands on them and they receive Him.
The section closes on the Holy Spirit both compelling Paul to go up to Jerusalem and at the same time warning him of what is to come. It seems in 21:4, though, that the Holy Spirit is still quite prominent in that the believers there make a strong attempt to keep Paul there longer—perhaps praying for permission from Him for Paul to stay a while longer.
Holy Spirit of God
The following list describes of some of the ways the Spirit of God interacts with us. There are many more, this is just to get you started.
- The Spirit of God leads us with:
- Wisdom
- Guidance
- Specific instructions
- Giving us words as we proclaiming Jesus
- The Spirit of God gives us power:
- Boldness
- Prophecy
- Speaking in tongues
- Miraculous signs
- Healing
- Cursing
- The Spirit of God validates our testimony:
- Using miraculous signs
- While we proclaim Jesus
- Verifying to the audience
- Verifying the inclusion of outsiders (gentiles)
Meekness
strength under control
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth
The meek, who know they don’t have it all together and have thus yielded control of their life to God and can be gentle with other people and themselves.
The word meek is not one we use a great deal so here is what it means from Jesus point of view.
Meek here is not weak, in fact it is best pictured as strength under control. I knew a man when I was very young; he worked with my father in construction. This man was 6 foot five and had the biggest hands I ever saw. He was Norwegian and his family had for many years built boats that were very detailed and finely built, almost to the point of being furniture. This large, huge handed man could do the finest finish work imaginable. I remember my father complimenting his abilities many times.
The same huge man that had the capacity for fine work could have also been a formidable foe is he wanted. But the man was gentle and very unassuming. It’s like he knew where he came from, and so used it for good.
In another place in the Bible it says that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. A meek, gentle person knows this and gives credit and honor to God who again has everything at His disposal and Gives to those who will use His gifts well.
The whole inheriting the earth thing is just that, the things of the earth that belong to God come to us when we humbly submit and come to Him, the giver of every good and perfect gift.
Blessing Your Neighbors
Pray with your Family - Remember your neighbors by name during mealtime and bedtime prayers.
Prayer Walk - Walk by yourself or with family, roommates, and other neighbors who are believers. Pray over each home by name as you pass and ask God for opportunities with your neighbors.
Ask Open-ended Questions - How long have you lived here? What line of work are you in? What do you do for fun?
Ask Follow-up Questions - How did that test go? Are you feeling better? How was your vacation?
Enjoy a Meal Together - Invite a neighbor (or two) for a BBQ, order in Pizza, or have everyone bring a dessert to share.
Celebrate Special Occasions and Holidays - Bake cupcakes for birthdays. Send a casserole to new parents. Deliver Christmas cookies.
Serve While You’re Outside - Turn lawn chores into opportunities to serve: Mow lawns, water yards, etc.
Serve In Times of Need - Visit when a neighbor passes away or has a baby. Deliver flowers or a gift. Coordinate meals with other neighbors.
Share Commonalities - Hobbies such as golf, book club, bunko night, or a running/fitness group can all bring people together.
Socialize and Make Holidays Special - Enjoy recreational areas. Participate in yard sales and BBQs. Attend holiday parties.
5 People I will bless this week
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Faith with Feet
Based on Acts 15-21 What do you believe God wants you to do?
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What have you learned about God’s heart & values?
How did people follow God’s instructions?
What changes took place to society?
What parts of this story might apply to you?
Why is this story important for someone like you?