Today’s Reading | Acts 15
Our Final Authority
If you had been sitting in the meeting in which Paul described what was happening in his ministry, how would you have reacted. In the response of one of the men, James, we see a principle that must be carefully followed when evaluating what direction to take or decision to make. That principle is found in what James’ said beginning in verse thirteen. Paul and Barnabas reported what God had been doing in their ministry among the Gentiles. These men however needed confirmation that what they were doing was God’s plan, not their own. It was critical to the ministry to be able to back up what they were doing with the Word of God. James referred them to Amos 9:11-12 to give Scriptural support for what they saw taking place among the Gentiles. He knew that everything believers do must be in agreement with God’s Word. In the same way, we must never allow our experiences to determine what we believe. They can never be the final authority for what we do or what we believe. Scripture is our standard, not someone’s opinion, circumstances, and not even his experiences. We must find our support in the Word.
Today’s Questions
Say What?
Observation: What do I see?
So What?
Interpretation: What does it mean?
Now What?
Application: How does it apply to me?
Then What?
Implementation: What do I do?