December 4th~On Trial

Acts 24:1-26:31

Paul was still in jail in Caesarea, which was headquarters for the Roman governors. He had been transferred there after the leading Jews tried to kill him in Jerusalem. He had been in jail so long that he had been tried by two different governors — Felix and Festus. Neither of these men found Paul to be guilty of any crime; in fact, they would have released him had he not appealed to have his case tried before Caesar. Now, Paul would get an all-expenses-paid one- way ticket to the capital of the empire. Thus, Paul would get to see Rome after all (23:11).

As I read about the trials that Paul experienced, I was reminded of the importance of being able to make a defense for our faith. In this bitter and biased world, it seems that the followers of Christ are always on trial somewhere, giving reasons for the hope that they have in Him, just as Paul did (24:10; 26:1).

Did you notice that Paul’s accusers resorted to name-calling and scare tactics? They had already threatened to kill him a couple of times and, during a trial, they said, “We have found him to be a troublemaker” (24:5). After listening to Paul’s story, Festus even shouted, “Paul, you are insane!” (26:24). The world cannot effectively argue against what it does not understand. The facts do not support their claims. Therefore, they must resort to intimidation and name-calling. They must silence us with fear.

On the other hand, if we watch how Paul defended his faith, we will notice that he was a good ambassador for the Lord. He was diplomatic in his approach, he appealed to the facts, and he demonstrated good character. He said, “I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and everyone else” (24:16). Because of the way that he interacted with the nay-sayers, Paul earned an audience with those who would listen.

Daily Reflection

In one of his letters, Peter wrote, “If you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it; but, you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then, if people speak evil against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ” (1 Peter 3:15, 16).

You should always be ready to explain the hope that you have, your faith in Jesus Christ. Do you feel prepared to do that? Why or why not?

What do you think it means to explain your beliefs in a gentle and respectful way?

What do you think it means to keep a clear conscience before God and men?

Take courage. Truth is on your side. But, do not be boastful, condescending, or hateful. Be prepared to receive harsh treatment from the nay-sayers, but do not return their fire.

BiAY.org | Day 338 — 27 Days to Go

December 3rd~Targets for Trouble

Acts 21:37-23:35

We witnessed the hostile environment that Paul faced while in Jerusalem. He was warned several times by friends and prophets not to go there. Their concerns were justified and their predictions were true. The Temple crowd beat him and abused him, the Roman guards arrested him and nearly flogged him, the Sadducees and Pharisees argued over him and almost tore him limb from limb, and, finally, forty Jewish zealots vowed to kill him.

What was it about Jerusalem that it harbored such hatred for Christ, for His followers, for Paul, and for the Gospel? These were God’s chosen people who disdained His representatives and despised the only way of salvation. The answer could only be that the enemy, Satan himself, had managed to gain control of these people and, therefore, expel anything that was contrary to his goals.

Jerusalem is a microcosm of the world at large.

Satan, the “god of this world” has a great deal of influence on the views and ideals of the majority of people living here. The world system that he has developed represents his lies and goals. Anything, then, that does not align itself with his evil plans is utterly despised, discredited, and destroyed. Therefore, as God’s representatives on earth, Christians are a primary target for persecution. We should not be surprised by the anger, animosity, or abuse that we receive from the people of this world.

Persecution is not a sign that we are doing something wrong. It is a sign that we are doing something right. The enemy is trying to scare us and silence us. Paul wrote later to Timothy, “Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus told us to expect persecution. Since they hated Him, they will hate us; and, since they persecuted Him, they will persecute us (John 15:18, 19). If we condoned the views and ideals of the world, the people of this world would welcome us; but, since we are not of this world and do not embrace this world system, the world hates us.

Daily Reflection

Have you ever faced persecution for believing or speaking up for the Gospel of Christ? What have you learned from this experience?

Jesus said that those who are persecuted for His name sake will be blessed (Luke 6:22). As much as we dislike it and as strange as it sounds, we must recognize that there is value in persecution. How could we possibly benefit from being persecuted?

Paul rejoiced when he “shared in the suffering of Christ” (Philippians 1:7). Why?

BiAY.org | Day 337 — 28 Days to Go

December 2nd~On to Jeruselum

Acts 20:13-21:36

We witnessed the end of Paul’s third missionary journey and his return to Jerusalem. He had an overwhelming sense that he was supposed to go there. “I am going to Jerusalem,” he told the elders of Ephesus, “drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me... The Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead” (20:22, 23).

On his way back to Jerusalem, he was warned by friends several times that he was headed for trouble. The disciples in Tyre prophesied that Paul should not go to Jerusalem (21:4). The daughters of Philip the Evangelist had the gift of prophecy; no doubt they warned him as well (21:9). Finally, Agabus tied Paul’s hands and feet with a belt and told him, “The owner of this belt will be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Romans.” When his friends heard this, they begged Paul not to go (21:10-12).

However, Paul remained resolute in his decision. “You are breaking my heart,” he said. “For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus. My life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord, the work of telling others the Good News about God’s wonderful kindness and love” (20:24; 21:13).

Daily Reflection

I admire Paul for his steadfast courage in the face of difficulty and danger. He was compelled by his conscience to follow the Lord’s will, no matter what happened to him. Life and death seemed to matter little. What mattered most was that he was obedient to God and that he did right by Him. “Let me say plainly that I have been faithful... I did not shrink from declaring all that God wants... I never shrank from telling the truth...” (20:20, 26, 27).

Describe a time when you sensed that inner compulsion to do something that the Lord had given you to do, no matter how difficult.

We may call this inner strength that Paul demonstrated many things — guts, courage, bravery. Noah Webster called it fortitude. Here is his definition: “The strength or firmness of mind or soul which enables a person to encounter danger with coolness and courage, or to bear pain or adversity without murmuring, depression, or despondency. Fortitude is the basis or source of genuine courage in danger, of patience in suffering, or forbearance under injury, and of magnanimity in all conditions in life” (1828 Dictionary).

Is fortitude a natural or supernatural quality? Explain your answer.

What motivated Paul to go to Jerusalem was his view that his life was worth nothing unless he was using it for the Lord’s work. What does that “work” look like for you? Have you ever shrunk from doing what God has given you to do?

BiAY.org | Day 336 — 29 Days to Go

December 1st~Danger: A Bump-Free Road

2 Corinthians 11:1-13:13

Acts 20:7-12

We finished Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth. In his closing, he defended his ministry against the false apostles who had descended upon their congregation after Paul’s departure. “I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent. You seem to believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach a different Jesus than the one we preach... I don’t think I am inferior to these ‘super apostles’” (11:3-5).

Paul went on to boast about all that he had experienced and endured, something that he hated doing. “Such bragging is not something the Lord wants,” he wrote (v.17). “If I must boast, I would rather boast about the things that show how weak I am” (v.30). He explained that boasting causes people, including himself, to get “puffed up” or prideful, and that pride leads to self-reliance and neglect of God. However, he noticed that “to keep me from getting puffed up, I was given a thorn in the flesh... to keep me from getting proud” (12:7).

While Paul did not like his “thorn,” whatever it was, he did notice that it caused him to “beg the Lord to take it away” (v.8). In other words, his trial caused him to turn his attention to the Lord and away from himself. Whatever the difficult circumstance was, it moved him to rely upon God instead of his own abilities. Therefore, Paul wrote, “Now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know that it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities, for when I am weak, then I am strong” (v.9, 10).

Daily Reflection

Webster defined boasting as “to brag, to exalt or magnify one’s self, to make a display of one’s worth, property, or actions” (1828 Dictionary). Why is boasting a waste of time? How does boasting appear in the eyes of others? What about in the eyes of God?

What exactly does it look like to boast in your weaknesses?

We like it so much better when life goes smoothly, when everything happens the way it’s supposed to happen, when things are good. However, what does a bump-free life develop in you? Why is it better to rejoice in the bumps?

Are you praising God for your smooth road or for all of the twists, turns, and bumps?

BiAY.org | Day 335 — 30 Days to Go

November 30th~A Harvest of Generosity

2 Corinthians 6:14-10:18

It was evident today that Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians was an effort to mend his relationship with church members after an earlier, more pointed letter (which may be 1 Corinthians). “I am no longer sorry that I sent that letter to you,” he wrote, “though I was sorry for a time, for I know that it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to have remorse and change your ways” (7:8, 9).

Another purpose of Paul’s second letter became apparent today as well, that of completing a collection to help the suffering members in the church of Jerusalem (8:1-6). A year earlier, the Lord had put it on their hearts to assist them in their financial troubles (v.10, 11). Thus, Paul wrote to encourage the Corinthians “to excel in the gracious ministry of giving” (v.7).

Paul continued to give some principles in regards to giving, principles that still inform our giving today. “Give whatever you can according to what you have. If you are eager to give, it isn’t important how much you are able to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you don’t have. Of course, I don’t mean you should give so much that you suffer from having too little... Right now you have plenty and can help them. At some other time, they can share with you when you need it. In this way, everyone’s needs will be met” (v.11-14).

A little later, Paul wrote, “A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop; but the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure, for God loves the person who gives cheerfully; and God will generously provide all you need... and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, ’Godly people give generously to the poor’ (Psalm 112:9). For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and bread to eat. In the same way, He will give you many opportunities to do good, and He will produce a great harvest of generosity in you” (9:6-10).

Daily Reflection

Giving is an important aspect of a Christian’s ministry to others, but it also produces many positive effects in your own life. Name a few.

Giving is also a test of faith in the life of a believer. How so?

How does the principle of “you reap what you sow” relate to giving?

Have you been faithful to give to the Lord’s ministries and to those people in need?

BiAY.org | Day 334 — 31 Days to Go

November 29th~Unveiled

2 Corinthians 2:5-6:13

We covered several chapters of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. In them he explained the superiority of the New Covenant in Christ over the Old Covenant and the law of Moses. “This is a covenant, not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life” (3:6). Because of this new life, this new hope in Christ, Paul explained that he found motivation to carry on, despite his many hardships. He viewed himself as Christ’s ambassador, reconciling others to God (5:20). In many ways, we too are His ambassadors, charged with the very same mission.

Numerous times, while describing the advantage of the New Covenant over the Old, Paul referred to the veil of Moses. “The old system,” he wrote, “began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face... He put a veil over his face so the people of Israel would not see the glory fading away...” (3:7, 13). Paul used that veil as a symbol of the hardness of the people’s hearts and the darkness of their minds. “Even today... their hearts are covered with that veil, and they do not understand” (3:15).

Next, Paul contrasts what happens at the point of salvation. “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, then the veil is taken away” (3:16). The Spirit of the Lord releases us from the curse of the law, the penalty of the Old Covenant, and opens our eyes to its fulfillment in Christ. Now, “where the Spirit of the Lord is, He gives freedom” (3:17). The veil is gone!

Paul continued, “All of us (Christians) have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more” (3:18). The New American Standard translation casts this verse in a better light. “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”

Simply put, because the Spirit of God has “lifted the veil” from our faces and opened our eyes to see that all of Scripture points to Christ, we can behold His glory; and, as we behold His glory or preoccupy ourselves with Him, His teaching, His work, His ministry, His nature, then we are transformed, with the help of the Spirit, into His image, a little more each day.

Daily Reflection

Describe what it looks like to preoccupy yourself with Christ. What would that require of you?

As Moses spent time in the presence of God, his face reflected God’s glory. In a way, you do the same today. You are a mirror that reflects the glory of God to others? Explain how.

Can you see the progressive work of God in changing you into the image of Christ? How so?

BiAY.org | Day 333 — 32 Days to Go

November 28th~Tough Love

Romans 15:1-16:27 

2 Corinthians 1:1-2:4

We closed Paul’s letter to the Romans and opened his second letter to the Corinthians. Although both the closing and the opening are mostly formalities, a common thread became evident to me, that of tough love. When we think of love, we usually conjure up images of romance, family, friendships, and other human delights; but, genuine love is not always an expression of benevolence or affection. These things are relatively easy for most of us. Sometimes love requires us to do hard things.

Our passage today began with Paul’s last words on a lengthy subject, that of “loving our neighbor as ourselves” (13:9). “Love does no wrong to anyone,” Paul wrote (13:10). Therefore, we must be careful when criticizing or condemning other believers for their convictions, words, or actions. Likewise, we must be careful not to offend others by our words and actions, being mindful to their sensitivities. “We may know that these things make no difference,” Paul said, “but we cannot just go ahead and do them to please ourselves. We must be considerate of the doubts and fears of those who think [certain] things are wrong. We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord” (15:1, 2). If we genuinely love and care for others, we will practice self-control and curb our words and actions so as not to offend them unintentionally. That is tough.

Next, at the opening of his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul shared a little of the trouble he endured in Asia. “We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it... But, as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God” (1:8, 9). However, Paul did not share these things to illicit pity from his readers; rather he explained to them that “God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. So then, when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit...” (1:4-6). In other words, God loves us so much that He allows us to go through difficult times so that we can help others through difficult times. That is certainly tough love.

Finally, Paul expressed how stressful it was for him to write his first letter to the church at Corinth, which was a scathing rebuke of their disharmony and worldliness. “How painful it was to write that letter,” he said. “Heartbroken, I cried over it. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I wanted you to know how very much I love you” (2:4). Sometimes love requires us to confront sin in the lives of others and that is tough.

Daily Reflection

Is there a mixed message here? You are sup- posed to curb your words and actions so as not to offend others, yet there are times when you must confront their sins. Yes. Both of these are demonstrations of love. Where is the line? How do you know when to cross the line and speak to someone about their sinful words or deeds?

Parents love their children, but should they confront, correct, or discipline their children when they are in error? Of course. That is also love, tough love. So then, should you remain silent when other believers are living in sin? Not if you love them. Confronting and correcting them is also love, tough love. More damage will be done if you say or do nothing.

BiAY.org | Day 332 — 33 Days to Go