The Ways of God (Acts 13:10)

Introduction: (Acts 13:10)

I. As a child when I would act up in public my parents would tell me that my behavior was a representation of them.

II. As Christians we represent God in the way that we act.

III. To follow the right ways of the Lord we have to know what they are them.

Body:

I. What are not God’s ways?

A. God’s ways are not confusing. (1 Cor. 14:33)

1. If God was confusing, we would not be able to understand him and there would be no point in studying his word.

2. Nor would we be able to understand his plan for our salvation. (1 Jn. 5:20)

B. God cannot be pleased without faith. (Heb. 11:1-6)

1. Only those who believe will not be condemned. (Jn. 3:16-18)

2. We see this throughout history that those who have faith in God are rewarded. (Heb. 11:17-22)

3. Those that don’t have faith in him are punished. (Numbers 14:22-23)

C. God does not fall short on his promises. (2 Pet. 3:9)

1. God has always kept his word.

2. From the fulfillment of his promises to Abraham. (Rom. 4:20-21)

3. To today where we have the promise of eternal life in Christ. (Tt. 1:2-3)

II. What are God’s ways?

A. God’s ways are righteous. (Rom. 1:16-17)

1. God’s righteousness is revealed in Jesus.

2. Because God is righteous, he cannot stand unrighteousness. (Rom. 1:18-19)

B. God’s ways are just. (Rom. 3:23-26)

1. We say justice is blind and that is true even of God. (Rom. 2:9-11)

2. It doesn’t matter who we are or where we come from God wants all to be saved. (2 Pet. 3:9)

3. Because we are sinners and God is perfect and just, he made this plan that we could be justified and have the hope of a home with him. (Jn. 3:16)

C. God’s ways are perfect. (Mt. 5:48)

1. It is impossible for us to be perfect.

2. Only through Christ can we be made perfect. (1 Jn. 1:7)

III. What to do with God’s ways.

A. We need to know them.

1. God has revealed himself through his inspired word. (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

2. We have a responsibility to study his word. (2 Tim. 2:15)

3. As a result, we will grow in our faith. (Rom. 10:17)

B. We need to walk in them. (1 Jn. 1:7)

1. The true challenge of being a Christian is not believing or being baptized but it is continuing to walk in the light for the rest of our life.

2. Changing our lives to follow Christ is not easy. (Lk. 9:23)

3. But we have a crown of life waiting for us at the end of that journey. (2 Tim. 4:6-8)

C. We need to teach them. (Rom. 10:13-14)

1. Jesus Christ gave his life for all, and he commanded us to go and teach it. (Mt. 28:19-20)

2. How selfish would it be to keep the amazing gift that was given to us from the rest of the world?

3. I am not ashamed of the gospel. (Rom. 1:16)

Conclusion:

I. As we go out and preach it’s my prayer that we can take these attributes of God with us.

II. If we apply these to our lives, we will exhibit Godly lives.

III. Then we can rest assured that we have fought that good fight, finished the race and that we can receive that victors crown at the end of our lives. (2 Tim. 4:7-8)