What steps can we take to ensure we are among those who "believed"? Setting the Scene in Acts 28 “Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe.” (Acts 28:24) Paul spent an entire day opening the Scriptures to the Jewish leaders in Rome. The same message produced two opposite responses: belief and unbelief. Scripture records the moment so we can examine our own hearts and make sure we stand with those who believed. Why Some Believed and Some Didn’t • The issue was never lack of evidence—Paul “expounded to them, testifying about the kingdom of God” (v. 23). • The dividing line ran through the heart: openness vs. hardness, humility vs. pride, yieldedness vs. resistance. Step 1: Receive God’s Word with Openness • Romans 10:17 — “So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” • James 1:21 — “Humbly receive the word planted in you, which can save your souls.” • Acts 17:11 — The Bereans “received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day.” Practical helps: – Read the Bible daily, expecting God to speak. – Set aside preconceived ideas; let Scripture set the agenda. – Compare what you hear or read with the written Word. Step 2: Ask the Spirit to Illuminate the Truth • John 16:8-9 — “He will convict the world in regard to sin… because they do not believe in Me.” • John 16:13 — “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” • 1 Corinthians 2:14 — “The natural man does not accept the things… because they are spiritually discerned.” Practical helps: – Begin Bible time by consciously inviting the Spirit’s help. – Stay sensitive to conviction; conviction is evidence He is working. – Yield to what He shows, even when uncomfortable. Step 3: Respond in Repentance and Personal Faith • Mark 1:15 — “Repent and believe in the gospel!” • Acts 2:38 — “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” • John 1:12 — “To all who did receive Him… He gave the right to become children of God.” • Ephesians 2:8-9 — “By grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God.” Practical helps: – Acknowledge specific sins rather than generalities. – Trust Christ’s finished work; do not lean on good works. – Publicly identify with Jesus (baptism, testimony, lifestyle). Step 4: Continue in Obedience and Discipleship • Colossians 2:6-7 — “Just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him.” • Hebrews 12:1-2 — “Run with endurance… fixing our eyes on Jesus.” • James 2:17 — “Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” Practical helps: – Develop habits: regular worship, fellowship, service. – Let Scripture shape choices about work, relationships, money. – Keep short accounts with God—quick confession, quick obedience. Step 5: Guard Your Heart Against Unbelief • Hebrews 3:12-13 — “See to it… that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief… Exhort one another daily.” • 2 Corinthians 13:5 — “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” Practical helps: – Stay connected to believers who will speak truth in love. – Watch for subtle drift: cynicism, habitual sin, neglect of Scripture. – Regularly rehearse God’s past faithfulness; gratitude strengthens faith. Putting It All Together Belief is not a one-time nod but a life of continuing trust. We listen to God’s Word, rely on the Spirit, repent and believe, walk in obedience, and vigilantly guard our hearts. Follow these steps, and you’ll stand with those in Acts 28 who were “convinced by what he said,” living proof that God still grants faith to all who truly seek Him. |
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