Friday Devo
Scripture:
Hebrews 12
17 The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. 18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. 20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
17 The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Greeks alike. A solemn fear descended on the city, and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored. 18 Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices. 19 A number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars. 20 So the message about the Lord spread widely and had a powerful effect.
Commentary:
19:19 The Greco-Roman world put great stock in magical incantations and spells, often collecting them into books that sold for large sums (see note on 13:6). Converts in Ephesus brought these relics of their pagan past and held a massive book burning. Pieces of silver probably refers to the Greek drachma, which represented a laborer’s average daily wage. At $15 (U.S.) per hour, or $120 per day, 50,000 drachmas would equal approximately $6 million in today’s currency.
19:20 Luke again emphasizes the inherent power of the word of the Lord, showing that the gospel triumphs over all demonic powers. In these summary statements, Luke continues to give glory to God and his word rather than to any human skill, knowledge, or effort.
19:20 Luke again emphasizes the inherent power of the word of the Lord, showing that the gospel triumphs over all demonic powers. In these summary statements, Luke continues to give glory to God and his word rather than to any human skill, knowledge, or effort.
Questions:
- The last challenge was to "Burn the books!" The Christians in Ephesus, once they were made aware of their errors, took a DRASTIC step of repentance and obedience. They brought out all their books of spells and sorcery and made one of the most expensive bonfires in history. This COST them something (several million dollars to be exact). What makes secret sin powerful is the fact that it's secret. It's time to drag it out into the light! Repent! Confess! Tell someone! Is there something you need to drag out into the light? Do you have someone you can trust with that? Ask God to give you courage and guidance.
- To end the week, reflect on this quote from Charles Spurgeon: “Is there any habit, any practice, that you have got that defiles your soul? If Christ loves you, and you come and trust in him, you will make short work of it. Have done with it, and have done with it forever.” What drastic step of repentance and obedience is God asking of you?
Prayer Topics:
- That you wouldn't tolerate any sin.
- That you would run from anything that isn't in line with God's Word.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
4. Can a person be good enough to go to heaven? No. Because Jesus rose from the dead, proving He is God, I believe a person is saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
(John 1:12, 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 4:1-25, 5:1-2, 6-11, 6:23, 10:1-4, 10:9; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Titus 3:4-7)
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