SEEING DEEP
with Denise Pass
BIBLE READING PLAN
Finding Favor with God
Saul/Paul’s calling or conversion story was pretty miraculous. In a moment he went from persecutor of Jesus and all Jesus followers to a radical believer who was chosen by God as a representative for the very Savior he persecuted. Finding favor with God was not dependent upon Saul’s goodness or performance. It was just dependent upon God’s grace. So how do we find favor with God who shows no favoritism? We have favor with God just because of his incredible kindness. But there is an expectation for this gift from God. Accepting His free gift of salvation, then living out the gift we have been given. Fearing God and doing what is right.
Finding Favor with God—Salvation
What is your salvation story? Whatever your background before Christ, on the other side of salvation our lives should look radically different. And this salvation is underserved. Unmerited. Given for free.
Bible Reading of the Day: Acts 9-10
What were our expectations of what salvation would look like? Sometimes we expect ease and comfort, right?
Acts 9:15-16
“15 But the Lord said, ‘Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.’”
Suffering is a part of life. And representing Jesus means we will be hated by the world. Do we still choose the favor and salvation that Jesus so freely gives, that cost Him His life, knowing that we will suffer for it?
Here’s the thing. We will suffer in this life, regardless. Far better to have a Savior Who is with us through and in all of our suffering.
And when we are saved, it should show.
Finding Favor with God—Bearing Fruit
There is fruit evident in our lives and peace that only God gives.
Acts 9:31
“31 The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.”
- The church is strengthened when we live in the fear of the LORD and are encouraged by the Spirit and walking in the Spirit.
Finding Favor with God—Not Taking His Grace For Granted
And may we not take for granted God’s kindness and favor.
- God’s favor is not cheap.
- God’s favor cannot be earned.
- And God’s favor does not play favorites.
Scripture of the Day: Acts 10:34-35
“34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. 35 In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. 36 This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching his message of baptism. 38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”
Finding Favor with God—Acceptance on God’s Merit
This reminds me of the verse in Genesis 4:7
“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”
I have shared this verse from Genesis many times with my children. No one likes to be corrected right? But when we do what is wrong, the freight train is coming, y’all. And that is love that does not let people continue in sin. Sin is deceptive. Crouching at the door. Seeking to subjugate and master us.
Acts 10:34 says that those who have receive salvation will fear God and do what is right. If we don’t live the message we say we believe, it is hard for people to be saved because of our hypocrisy.
Application
- Let’s examine ourselves, friends. Are we walking in the light or the dark? Walking in the flesh or the Spirit?
𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘁 12 𝗽𝗺 𝗘𝗧.
Day #300: Acts 9-10—Finding Favor with God
𝒱𝑒𝓇𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝒶𝓎: Acts 10:34-35
Audio: https://classic.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/esv/Acts.9
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