Encourage Fellow Believers
BRD REFLECTIONS
Acts 15:1-35 and Psalm 104:1-23 (NIV)
(Foo Yu Da, Chairperson, Witness & Evangelism)
READ:
Acts 15:1-35 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Believers imposing Christian standards on fellow believers is a recurring theme that stood out. Particularly, between Jewish and Gentile believers. For example, the custom of circumcision was claimed to be a requirement for salvation (v1b, 5b). At the same time, there were also believers, which in this case were the apostles, who helped to clarify and encourage the Gentile believers by appealing to the true revelation of God.
Paul and Barnabas stood up to dispute and debate the erroneous requirements (v2). Peter reiterated God’s revealed desires and plan for the Gentiles by giving the Holy Spirit, purifying their hearts by faith (v8-9), and being saved through the Grace of Jesus (v11). James quoted the Old Testament (Amos 9:11-12) in appealing to God’s true salvation plan (v16-17).
Lastly, the apostles and elders, together with the whole church, wrote a letter of encouragement and followed up with a visit by Paul, Barnabas, Judas and Silas to deliver the letter. Also, they affirmed the message of the sufficiency of salvation by grace through faith (v22-30). As a result, the Gentile believers remained glad and encouraged (v3, v31, v32).
APPLY:
As believers, we cannot become complacent. We need to continue growing in our relationship and knowledge of God, so we do not repeat the mistakes of the Jewish believers in advocating erroneous truths of God and His salvation. At the same time, this will help us to encourage other believers who may be struggling with their faith. Lastly, for those of us who have been discouraged or are discouraged, we are to bring this up to trusted believers to seek wise counsel as Paul and Barnabas did (v2).
DO:
A reminder to remain sensitive to the needs of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and not limit my witness and discipleship to just non-believers. I commit to keeping a lookout for fellow believers who may be feeling discouraged, whether it is in church, or in our small groups etc. I will also continue to build relationships and be intentional and willing to reach out. Lastly, I will ensure that I continue to stay plugged in to a community of believers.
PRAY:
Dear Father in heaven, thank You for the reminder of Your grace and for giving us Your Holy Spirit that purifies our hearts by faith. We know that by our own strength, faith is impossible. But with You, everything is possible. And so, give us the strength and desire to be an encouraging community of believers and to bless fellow believers because we have been so blessed by You. Amen.
