TUESDAY, MAY 24
/Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Challenging the Lordship of Caesar
Ephesians 6: 19 & 20 (NLT)
…pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.
When Paul ministered in Antioch Pisidia, he was probably within sight of Caesar’s temple. Yet he did not sugarcoat his message to placate the Romans. READ Acts 13: 23, 27, 30 – 34, 46 & 47. What portions of Paul’s message might the Romans considered to be treasonous?
Paul never compromised the gospel wherever he ministered in the Roman Empire. Read each passage below and note how Paul denied the emperor’s deity and lordship:
a. Romans 1: 1 – 4 Who did Paul say Jesus was?
Who is Jesus to Paul?
b. Romans 15: 7 – 13 Who would glorify God and why?
Who would they praise as ruler over the nations and why?
c. Philippians 3: 20 & 21 To whose kingdom do believers belong?
Who is the Savior and what will he do for His people?
d. 1 Corinthians 8: 4 – 6 How many gods are there?
READ Acts 13: 16 – 31 What kind of passion and conviction compelled Paul to share the gospel that deeply offended Nero?
a. How willing are you to share the gospel with people who may be offended by it?