(Read Acts 17:1-4)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing.” After their stint in prison, Paul and Silas traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and settled in Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. Paul was not coming up with words and ways to convince people that Jesus was the Messiah. No, he explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah everyone was waiting for, according to the Word of God, was supposed to suffer and rise from the dead. Once he made that point clear to people, Paul then said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” Paul painted a clear picture of what the Bible prophecies said of the Messiah, and he then made the comparison between the prophecies and the life of Jesus. Anyone with common sense could see that Jesus was the Messiah the prophets of old spoke of. After making his case, many people were persuaded by Paul and they became followers of Jesus the Christ. In the group were Jews, God-fearing Greek men and quite a few prominent women.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. As believers we must stick to the Word of God. Paul did not expect people to follow him because of his personality or charisma. Paul did not expect people to follow him because he was a good speaker. No, Paul took the time to show people the Word of God. Once people were able to see the Word for themselves, and how the prophets clearly described a Messiah who was just like Jesus, they were able to believe that Jesus was the Messiah, they accepted Jesus as Lord, and they were Born-Again. Our approach should be the same today. Never attempt to make up an argument. Just show people the Word of God. Far too many people believe man instead of reading the Word for themselves. But when you show them in the Word, and they read it with their own eyes, they will clearly see that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!
2. Scripture is the best commentary for scripture. The best way to show people something from the Word of God is to allow one scripture to support another, and then the next, and so on. People don’t really want to hear what you have to say about scripture. They want to see how the scripture comments on itself. When you can show someone how one verse supports another verse, and then the next verse, and so on, they will be more apt to believe. That is exactly what Paul did and it is what we should be doing today.
3. Scripture must be believed by faith, but it should be presented in a reasonable and logical way. You cannot believe in a God you cannot see without faith, nor can we please God without faith (Heb 11:6). But that does not mean that we should expect people to accept one verse, like John 3:16, by faith, without any explanation or presentation of an argument. Paul carefully made his case with the believers in Thessalonica and he presented his argument in a very logical and easy to follow way. Paul reasoned with the people and made the Gospel plain and simple. Once people could understand what Paul was saying, in a very clear, simple, reasonable and logical way, only then did they accept the Gospel and call out to Jesus as Lord by faith. This is exactly what I attempt to do everyday. I make every effort to explain the Word of God in simple and understandable terms. While faith does not make sense, my presentation of the Word should make enough sense for you to be in a position to understand it, believe it and seek to walk it out by faith!
4. When we find Christ in the Word we find ourselves. Jesus is found in the Word of God. When you present the Word of God in a simple and understandable way, people will clearly see Jesus in the Word. When they find Jesus in the Word, they will find themselves and life will take on new meaning.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for taking the time to send people to me, to explain Your Word to me, in clear and understandable terms. I now believe You by faith, but I could never get to the point where I exercised faith in a God I cannot see, until You sent people to me to clearly explain the scriptures in a way I could see. I was able to hear, understand, accept and believe the Gospel. I then released my faith to accept a Jesus I could not see as the Lord of my life. Since then Father, You are still a God I cannot see, but You have manifested Yourself in my life in ways I can see. Thank You for taking the time to work with me until I was able to believe on Jesus and be saved. I now ask You Father to help me to share the Gospel with others in a way that is simple, clear and understandable. I want people to know Jesus like I know Jesus. When I found Jesus I found myself and I know others will find themselves as well when they find Jesus, Your Son. So Father, by faith I declare that I have the Grace to talk to people in simple terms, and to show them Your scriptures in an understandable way, so that they can in turn SEE YOU, call upon You, accept Your Son Jesus, and be Born-Again. I use logic, reason and common sense to present a Gospel that must be believed and lived out by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
