Points of Meditation & Reflection

Sermon Title & Text “Devoted: A Christ Centered Caption” Acts 28:28-31 ESV
Devoted: Key to Personal and Church Growth
Message in a Sentence: As Christ is the devoted purpose of our life, our life is captioned in the Way of Christ.
• Report Cards of Spiritual Growth: (1) Acts 2:47 (2) Acts 6:7 (3) Acts 9:31 (4) Acts 12:24 (5) Acts 16:5 (6) Acts 19:20 (7) Acts 28:28-31
• Colossians 3:1-3 you’ve died & your life is hidden with Christ in God.
• Acts ends ambiguously, was Paul convicted, freed, moved, or executed? Probably executed but not recorded. Whatever the outcome of Paul, or any person, the fate of the gospel continues.
• God’s plan & legacy takes Paul from place to place before he ultimately arrives in Rome, where he shares the gospel in peace.
• The last chapters of Acts are like Paul’s “Farewell Address”. Yet, the ministry is bigger than the person! Testimony of Paul’s life, is that God’s word went forward. What would be the caption of your life [28:30-31]?
With Boldness and Without Hindrance: Spiritual and Physical attacks but Paul remains devoted to the purpose of Christ.
Living Devoted to Christ:
1. Count your life as precious to God. 20:24
2. Know your Salvation Story 22:1-21, 26:12-18
3. Know your unique gifts from God 22:3, 22:27-29
4. Seek[Learn] the Voice of God 23:11
5. Let God Teach You 27:23-26
6. God has a place for you 28:21-22
Ministry Report: The caption of Paul’s life & the church: 2 years, welcomed all, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

To continue to develop your relationship with Christ, spend time every day this week praying and meditating on this passage and it’s truths [EveryDay Jesus - below].

Edward

Everyday Jesus: Lord, let the caption of our life reflect You [Christ]!

· Monday: Read of Paul’s message to the Ephesian Elders in Acts 19:20-20:38. After reading the entire section, read v 24 several times. In prayer ask God to reveal how you value your life, what is your course & ministry from Christ and how will your life testify to God’s grace. Enjoy!
· Tuesday: Read Acts 19:20-20:38. Verse 35 is often used to prompt to give $$$. In context, Paul’s “more blessed to give than to receive” is in serving people. Today, ask the Lord to deepen your commitment to serving Him.
· Wednesday: {Day of Fasting} Read Acts 22:1-21; 26:12-18. Whether to a crowd or a king, Paul shared his personal conversion account. As we determine to never let it grow old, take time to remember and celebrate God for your own salvation story. How did you come to know Him? Praise the Lord.
· Thursday: Read Acts 23:1-11 & 27:13-26. Paul received encouragement & direction from the Lord. In opposition & in shipwreck, our God speaks to us. Today, ask God to give you direction, encouragement and to feed your soul with His wisdom in every aspect of your life.
· Friday: Read Acts 27:13-26. What an amazing passage! God’s insight can instruct us in areas we have never been trained in. In prayer, focus on v23 “…the God to whom I belong & whom I worship”, then in v24 God’s plan for his servant is unfazed by an circumstance & ill-advised decision, “…you must stand before Caesar”. Pray using these amazing passages.
· Saturday: Read Acts 28:21-22 The caption of Paul’s life and the Lord’s church is that through devotion, the word goes forward. Like, Paul, God has a plan and great work for your life. Devote your life to living for Christ in a way that sees His word move forward “with boldness and without hindrance”. As you pray, let the words “with boldness and without hindrance”, encourage your relationship with the Lord.