Called Out of Darkness

Called Out of Darkness

1 Peter 2: ⁹ But you are the chosen race, the King's priests, the holy nation, God's own people, chosen to proclaim the wonderful acts of God, who called you out of darkness into his own marvelous light. ¹⁰ At one time you were not God's people, but now you are his people; at one time you did not know God's mercy, but now you have received his mercy.

 

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Desiring to be “on my own”, I pursued “fun” the way others defined it. “Come on, it’s not so bad” was the statement before doing everything I tried. Soon I found myself in trouble because of the “fun” I was having. Everyone who was having “fun” did not provide any help.

 

• I did not know how I ended up where I was.
• I did not know that I was stepping into darkness a little step at a time.
• I did not know that when trouble hit, those who were in the dark would not help me.

 

Peter provides a pep talk to those chosen by GOD. HE stated that being called out of darkness is equivalent to being enlightened in the knowledge of JESUS and HIS wonderful acts. He also said the chosen were supposed to proclaim these wonderful acts.

 

My Observations:

• GOD chose us to come out of darkness so we can proclaim JESUS as the Savior.
• GOD chose us to have abundant life while we proclaim JESUS as LORD of the living.
• GOD chose us to follow HIS ways so others can be saved.

 

Darkness seems innocent. I mean, when I am asked why I did something people would consider “bad” or “wrong”. My childish response was usually “I don’t know.” This means I was doing things without knowing if there were any consequences to my actions. BUT GOD wanted me enlightened.

 

HE called me out of ways that seem innocent, yet carry consequences among humans and HIM. HE wanted me to see that I was on the wrong path and gently nudged me back to HIS path, namely following JESUS’s examples. I am glad JESUS called you and me out of darkness.

 

Challenge

• What darkness is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to do what “everyone else” is doing, yet felt there was something wrong with it?
• Have you lost your sense of consequence?
• Will you seek to follow GOD’s ways by learning what they are today?

Now We Know

 

Now We Know

Romans 3: ¹⁹ Now we know that everything in the Law applies to those who live under the Law, in order to stop all human excuses and bring the whole world under God's judgment. ²⁰ For no one is put right in God's sight by doing what the Law requires; what the Law does is to make us know that we have sinned.

 

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Sitting in court waiting to plea my case, I heard other traffic violator’s statements. “I did not know the speed limit because there were no signs” was the one that interested me. The judge said, “Ignorance of the law is no excuse. Pay the fine and court costs.” Wow! I was going to use that one. I stepped out of the courtroom and paid the normal fine.

 

• There were times when I knew I was wrong.
• There were times when I did what was wrong anyway.
• There were times when I felt something in my conscience that I was doing something wrong.

 

Paul summarizes the point about the Law of Moses. While it was given to the Jews, it applies to the whole world. The application is not to save the world, but point out that we are sinners.

 

• GOD wants me to know I need HIS salvation.
• GOD wants me to know I am a sinner and need HIS power every day.
• GOD wants me to admit I am wrong and need to be right, but cannot do it myself.

 

Ignorance of the Law is no excuse. All of us have sinned and we are not worthy to judge the one who fell, namely Satan. When he tried to be GOD, he was thrown from heaven. He tempted the first humans in an attempt to block any human from opening his sealed fate. BUT JESUS became that sinless human. I am glad JESUS did not sin and was raised from the dead, just for me.

 

• Are you tired of following so many rules?
• Do you get mad at GOD for pointing out sin?
• Will you change your thinking and be glad that JESUS overcame the Law in order to save you by just believing in HIS loving action for you?

 

 

I Don’t Know That But I Know This

I Don’t Know That But I Know This

Acts 18: ²⁴ Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶ He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

²⁷ When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. ²⁸ For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

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When a question was asked that I did not know, I got nervous and tried to think of an answer. I was presenting in front of a few hundred people and felt I needed to have all the answers. The audience quickly lost interest as I gave an opinion versus fact.

• There was a time when I thought I could have all the answers.
• There was a time when I thought I could handle any problem thrown at me.
• There was a time when I presented information that I was not fully aware of.

Apollos knew the Scriptures very well, but was only taught a little about JESUS. He spoke as accurately as he could about JESUS with “fervor.” Priscilla and Aquila heard him. They had spent a lot of time with Paul and learned a lot about JESUS. They volunteered to help Apollos learn more about the Messiah.

• GOD wants me to speak what I know about HIM with fervor.
• GOD wants me to be brave enough to say “I don’t know, but this is what I believe.”
• GOD wants me to say “I believe JESUS died for my sins and HE was raised from the dead, giving me eternal life.”

Some people are gifted at arguing about JESUS, others simply say “I just believe.” GOD wants me to open my mouth and tell people about my belief in HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT will give me the right words at the right time. I may not be able to answer questions thrown at me about life, but I know JESUS is the answer to everything.

• Are you trying to be the “answer person?”
• Do you judge people based on their knowledge?
• Will you open your mouth to your belief in JESUS, even though you may not know the Scriptures to support your belief?