Bible Study & Devotional Day 177
Written by: Torrie Slaughter
Guiding Scripture: Act 17:23, ”For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.”
🔴Epicurious?
It is natural to ‘chase rabbits’ when one is searching for more answers. Curiosity is as old as the Garden of Eden. In contrast, there isn’t anything inherently wrong with searching and asking God for answers. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 did just that. They had a hunger and thirst for righteousness so rooted in faith that it became an inspiration.
When God provides us with an eagerness to learn His Word, our hearts align with His. God’s people are not seeking luxury, indulging in sensual pleasures, or believing that He is not keenly aware of our plights. But these things can get muddled because of our sinful nature. God wants us to be wealthy in spirit and not worship at the altar of money. (Hebrews 13:5)
True joy is appreciating what God provides and trusting Him not to leave us.
In Paul’s address to the Greek philosophers, he boldly stated that they were ignorant of the ‘god’ they worship. It’s as though they wanted to make sure they didn’t leave any diety out. The worship of everything will leave one frustrated, confused, and mentally drained. Juggling various ethical standards wanting a reward or something for nothing perverts the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
As you read today, think about the various standards and biases you’ve placed on yourself and others. Are your habits aligned with God’s purpose? Do you eagerly search the scriptures when conflicting ideologies arise? Most importantly, to what ‘gods’ are you ignorantly giving credence?
{Epicurus believed that death was the end of both the body and the soul. He taught that amoral behavior created guilt which prohibited people from attaining tranquil happiness. Source}
Prayer: Abba Father, in our desire to be more like you, live life unashamed, and boldly proclaim your Word, please help us. Increase our faith and wisdom to discern your Voice over the world. Help us to abide in Your ways and acknowledge You as our Most High God. Amen
This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
2 Kings 9:14-10:31, Acts 17:1-34, Psalm 144:1-15, Proverbs 17:27-28
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