SEPTEMBER 12 - PAUL’S MESSAGE TO THE JEWS
READ Acts 22
Upon his arrest at the temple, Paul attempts in vain to justify his message to the Jews.
INSIGHT
Even though Paul lives in complete recognition of the will of the Lord and acceptance of the sovereignty of God, he is not passive regarding his personal welfare or the welfare of his mission. Paul knows it is illegal to punish a Roman citizen without his being tried and found guilty. When he is about to be beaten, Paul brings up this issue and is spared. Acceptance of the sovereignty of God does not mean passiveness in the things of this world. Paul does what he can within the legal system and then leaves the results to the Lord.
PRAYER
Because the Lord is sovereign, we praise Him and trust in His goodness on our behalf:
Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! (Romans 11:33).
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving, and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
I know, Lord,
That a person’s way of life is not his own;
No one who walks determines his own steps.
Discipline me, Lord, but with justice —
Not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing
(Jeremiah 10:23-24).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible
(Hebrews 11:1-3).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The Lord will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going
Both now and forever (Psalm 121:7-8).
Upon his arrest at the temple, Paul attempts in vain to justify his message to the Jews.
INSIGHT
Even though Paul lives in complete recognition of the will of the Lord and acceptance of the sovereignty of God, he is not passive regarding his personal welfare or the welfare of his mission. Paul knows it is illegal to punish a Roman citizen without his being tried and found guilty. When he is about to be beaten, Paul brings up this issue and is spared. Acceptance of the sovereignty of God does not mean passiveness in the things of this world. Paul does what he can within the legal system and then leaves the results to the Lord.
PRAYER
Because the Lord is sovereign, we praise Him and trust in His goodness on our behalf:
Oh, the depth of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and untraceable his ways! (Romans 11:33).
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving, and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
I know, Lord,
That a person’s way of life is not his own;
No one who walks determines his own steps.
Discipline me, Lord, but with justice —
Not in your anger, or you will reduce me to nothing
(Jeremiah 10:23-24).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. For by this our ancestors were approved. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible
(Hebrews 11:1-3).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
- Greater wisdom in decision making
- The needs of personal friends
- Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
The Lord will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.
The Lord will protect your coming and going
Both now and forever (Psalm 121:7-8).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2025.