Scripture:
I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do.”
— Acts of the Apostles 26:20 NLT
Observation:
Paul points out the steps of spiritual life. 1) Repentance 2) Faith in God-justification 3) Doing works in accordance to repentance. Paul is not saying that we need to do works to be saved but out of our faith in God in accordance with the grace we have received through Christ.
True repentance is a heart turned from sin toward God while growing to be more like Christ (sanctification). Coming to Christ means becoming more like him and, in the process, becoming better as a person. It isn’t self-improvement but self-sacrifice, giving up oneself to allow Christ to work through and in us.
Application
Paul preached these steps to encourage others to become Christians. He wasn’t promoting a self-improvement course; he was preaching a renewed life in Jesus. I also need to watch what I promote. Is it just to be forgiven? No. Is it just to go to heaven? No. The message is Jesus and to become more like Him. We will be better the more we become like Jesus.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for offering us to be renewed in You through Sanctification. Allow us to become more like you daily. Thank you for your grace that allows us to have a renewed relationship with you. Help us to share this wonderful Good News with all. I love you and thank you in your name, Jesus. Amen!
