How does Acts 14:15 encourage turning from "worthless things" to the living God? The scene in Lystra Acts 14:15: “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We are proclaiming the good news to you, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and everything in them.” Paul and Barnabas react to the crowd’s attempt to worship them as gods: • They tear their clothes—an ancient sign of horror at blasphemy. • They redirect attention from themselves to God. • They define idolatry as “worthless things,” literally “vain, empty, useless.” What makes idols “worthless”? • They are lifeless—“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands” (Psalm 115:4-8). • They cannot deliver—“Those who follow worthless idols forsake faithful love” (Jonah 2:8). • They consume but never satisfy—“They followed worthlessness and became worthless” (Jeremiah 2:5). Who is the “living God”? • Creator: “who made heaven and earth and the sea and everything in them” (Acts 14:15). • Sustainer: “He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (Acts 17:25). • Revealer: “Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons” (Acts 14:17). • Redeemer: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3). Why the call to turn is so urgent • Idolatry insults God’s exclusive right to worship (Exodus 20:2-3). • It destroys spiritual perception (Romans 1:21-23). • Judgment is certain: “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30-31). • The living God offers life: “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness” (John 10:10). Modern “worthless things” to watch for • Success or career exalted above obedience. • Pleasure or entertainment that dulls hunger for God. • Technology that replaces dependence on prayer. • Relationships elevated to ultimate significance. • Religious activity without heart devotion. Turning from worthless things—practical steps 1. Identify competing loyalties—ask what absorbs your time, thoughts, money. 2. Renounce them—“Flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14). 3. Replace them—fill the vacuum with worship, Scripture, service. 4. Rely on the Spirit—“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). 5. Persevere—“Keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). Supporting snapshots from Scripture • 1 Thessalonians 1:9—“You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” • Hebrews 9:14—Christ’s blood “cleanses our consciences from dead works to serve the living God.” • Revelation 9:20—those who refuse to repent “did not stop worshiping demons and idols… which can neither see nor hear nor walk.” Acts 14:15 invites every hearer—ancient Lystran or modern reader—to abandon empty substitutes and embrace the Creator who is alive, active, and eager to give eternal life. |
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