GETTING STARTED
As Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said, “Freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved.” Our freedom was achieved by others before us and will continue to be fought for in the days ahead. Unlike our civil liberties, our eternal freedom has been established and will not change. Although we often try to find this freedom and forgiveness from sin through obedience or achievement, we cannot earn it ourselves. Christ came so that we might be set free, through his achievement, not ours.
- What would life be like without freedom?
READ THE WORD: ACTS 13:38-43 (ESV)
38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.40 Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about:
41 “‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’”
42 As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- What does Christ offer that the Law of Moses did not?
- What does Christ free you from? How can you receive such freedom?
- What was the response of Paul’s audience? Did anyone heed the words of Paul and Barnabas and turn to Christ?
- Christ provides freedom from sin to those who believe. Do you find yourself attempting to add to this truth? How might you be seeking the Law of Moses rather than the gospel of Christ?
RESPOND TO GOD
These few verses are the conclusion and application to Paul’s exhortation at the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch. Paul spent the previous 23 verses laying out the path to Christ’s arrival, his death, burial, and resurrection. His fellow countrymen sought obedience to the Law for forgiveness and had overlooked the freedom that comes in belief in Christ alone. The truth that was laid out led to an infectious joy, conversion to new life in Christ, and a response of men begging to hear more. Does the truth and freedom found in Christ stir up the same response in you?
- Quiet your heart and meditate on that truth.
- Spend some time thanking God for the freedom he has provided through Christ.