How can we emulate Paul and Barnabas in pointing others to the true God? Setting the Scene: Acts 14:14 in Context “But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, shouting” (Acts 14:14). The people of Lystra were about to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas, mistaking them for gods. The apostles’ response shows us how to redirect misplaced devotion toward the only true God. What Paul and Barnabas Modeled • Holy grief over idolatry — they “tore their clothes,” a sign of deep distress when God’s glory was at stake (cf. Isaiah 42:8). • Urgent action — they “rushed into the crowd,” refusing passive acceptance of praise. • Clear humility — “We too are only men, human like you” (Acts 14:15). • Redirected focus — they proclaimed “the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them” (14:15). • Gospel invitation — “turn from these worthless things” (14:15). • Use of common grace — pointing to rain, crops, and glad hearts as evidence of God’s kindness (14:16-17). Timeless Principles to Embrace • Guard God’s glory. Praise that belongs to Him must never settle on us (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Respond quickly when glory drifts away from God. Delay allows idolatry to harden. • Stay grounded in humble realism: we are “only men.” Any gifting is “by the grace of God” (1 Corinthians 15:10). • Begin where people are. Paul used creation and daily blessings as bridges (Romans 1:20). • Call for repentance. Loving clarity means urging a turn from “worthless things” to the living Lord. • Present the good news, not merely corrections. Redirect to Jesus, not to morality or philosophy alone. Practical Ways to Live This Out Today • When complimented, thank the person, then give specific credit to God’s enabling. • If someone idolizes success, talent, or science, acknowledge the value they see, but transition to the Creator behind every gift. • Cultivate sensitivity: does entertainment, sports, or technology receive worship in your circle? Lovingly speak up when God’s glory is eclipsed. • Keep ready “pocket testimonies” of everyday providence—answers to prayer, timely provision, beauty in nature—to illustrate God’s kindness. • Practice urgency. Don’t postpone hard conversations when God’s honor is being traded for lesser things. • Anchor every discussion in Scripture. God’s Word carries the authority our words lack (1 Peter 3:15). Supporting Scriptures • Isaiah 42:8 — “I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another.” • Matthew 5:16 — “…that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” • 1 Corinthians 10:31 — “…whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • Romans 1:20 — “God’s invisible qualities… have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship.” • 1 Peter 3:15 — “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you…” A Closing Challenge Like Paul and Barnabas, refuse the spotlight, rush toward any crowd that misplaces worship, and lovingly point every heart—starting with your own—to “the living God.” |
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