How does Acts 4:11 challenge you to prioritize Christ in your decisions? Setting the Scene Acts 4 finds Peter and John standing before the Sanhedrin. Under the Spirit’s power, Peter quotes Psalm 118:22 and applies it directly to Jesus. Key Verse “ ‘This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ ” (Acts 4:11) The Stone and the Builders • “This Jesus” – a real, historical Person whom Scripture presents as Lord of all. • “You builders” – the religious leaders who were supposed to recognize God’s work but chose their own agenda. • “Rejected” – a deliberate verdict; they examined the Stone and decided He didn’t fit their plans. • “Cornerstone” – the first, fixed stone that sets every other stone’s position. Christ is not optional trim; He determines the entire structure. What This Means for Daily Choices 1. Christ is the reference point • Just as every wall of a building lines up with the cornerstone, every decision must align with Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 7:24-25). 2. Neutrality is impossible • The leaders either accepted or rejected the Stone; so must we (John 3:36). 3. Rejection has consequences • Those who set Christ aside end up with a collapsing structure (Matthew 21:44). 4. Acceptance brings coherence • When Christ is first, life’s pieces fit together—work, family, finances, goals (Colossians 1:17-18). Practical Steps to Prioritize Christ • Begin each planning session—weekly calendar, budget, long-term goals—by asking, “How will this honor Jesus?” • Filter motives through His words: “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself…” (Luke 9:23). • Consult Scripture before consulting opinions; treat the Bible as final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Invite godly counsel that echoes biblical truth (Proverbs 11:14). • When a choice contradicts Christ’s commands, reject the choice, not the Cornerstone. Supporting Scriptures • Psalm 118:22 – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” • 1 Peter 2:4-6 – believers come “to Him, a living stone… chosen and precious.” • Colossians 1:15-18 – Christ is preeminent “so that in all things He may have the supremacy.” • Proverbs 3:5-6 – trust the Lord “in all your ways” and He will make your paths straight. Takeaway Thought Because Jesus is the God-appointed Cornerstone, every decision today either lines up with Him or opposes Him. Align with the Stone, and your life stands secure; sidestep Him, and everything tilts. Choose alignment. |
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