Sunday, Feb 6
Forgiven and free
Scripture: Exodus 23-24, Psalm 16, Acts 13
Acts 13:38–39 Therefore, let it be known to you, brothers and sisters, that through this man forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you. 39 Everyone who believes is justified through him from everything that you could not be justified from through the law of Moses.
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Observation
This is Paul’s first recorded sermon, given at a Jewish synagogue in Psidian Antioch (modern Turkey). He sets the story of Jesus firmly in the Old Testament narrative. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Jewish nation. I thought it was cool that we read Psalm 16 today, and in this sermon, Paul cites Psalm 16 as evidence that Jesus’ resurrection was predicted long before.
In v. 38-39, Paul tells them that Jesus’ death and resurrection have secured for them forgiveness and freedom from their sins, justification before God. What the Law of Moses couldn’t do—make us right with God—Jesus has done. The word “justified” translates a Greek word that means, “to acquit, to set free.”
Forgiven and freed—that’s what Jesus does for us.
After Paul and Barnabas were driven from town, the new disciples carried on, “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.” That joy comes not only from the presence of the Spirit, but also from knowing that you are forgiven and freed!
Application
This is such good news! We are forgiven and freed, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live a new life with God—filled with joy! Like Paul and Barnabas, we’ve got to spread the news. Tell someone today that Jesus offers forgiveness and freedom, and a life filled with joy!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for what You have done for us. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and joy today, and help me to share the good news with others.