This post by christinecoltman was originally published at GRACE PLACE
PRAY: Lord, by your Holy Spirit, show me where I’m trusting in my own effort instead of your grace.
Speak to me personally and help me understand the freedom you have given, through Jesus.
Read Acts 15 – slowly – and as your read, ask:
- What surprises me and challenges my assumptions?
- What reveals God’s heart?
Acts 15.1-5: When we try to earn what’s already free
Some believers insisted Gentiles must be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses to be saved.
- How are we tempted to do the same today?
- Where do I subtly rely on performance instead of grace?
Acts 15.6-9: Hearts made clean, by faith
Peter declares that God made no distinction between Jews and Gentiles and that their hearts
were cleansed by faith. - What does this show about how salvation works?
- Read Romans 2:25-29 – Circumcision is not outward but of the heart, by the Spirit. What would it
look like to live from inner transformation rather than outward performance?
Acts 15.10-11: The burden of the law
Peter warns against putting a yoke on believers that even Israel could not carry. - Why is trying to earn salvation through law-keeping dangerous?
- Read Galatians 2:11-14 – Peter himself once acted hypocritically, withdrawing from Gentile
believers under pressure. Where does the fear of others’ opinions influence how you live out your
faith?
Acts 15.12-21, 27-31: Freedom that chooses love
The council asks Gentile believers to abstain from four practices. These weren’t requirements for salvation.
They were meant to preserve unity between the Jewish and Gentile believers. - Why might these four things have been especially difficult for Jewish believers?
- What does this teach us about using our freedom with love and sensitivity toward others?
Acts 16.1-5: Strengthened through unity
Paul shares the council’s decision to the churches.
The result: the churches were strengthened in faith and they grew in number daily. - How is the church strengthened by keeping the gospel clear?
- How does choosing love over personal freedom help communities flourish?
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
(John 17.3)
The Spirit’s role is not to burden us with rules. He point us to Jesus. He deepens our relationship with
Him. And he help us build one another up in love.
PRAY: Lord, reveal areas where I feel pressured to earn your love.
Help me, and all my CBC sisters, to live in the freedom of your grace and the love of your Spirit.