TEXT : π Acts 22:22-end
TEXT FOCUS : π "And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned? (Verse 25)
πβ Just like Apostle Paul was punished for no guilt as we read from our passage today, a lot of people in the world both Christians and non Christians are also suffering under severe punishment for one reason or the order. While it is possible to suffer without guilt, we must understand that you cannot suffer without reason. There will always be reason for the suffering of man. There are one thousand and one reasons why people suffer on earth which ranges from ignorance, to personal errors, spiritual wickedness and household enemies. etc.
πβ Apostle Paul was bound with thongs for the gospel of Christ. Likewise every true disciple of Christ must prepare like Paul to suffer for Christ for no guilt. May I say that the popular orientation of painless cross and persecution free Christianity is neither biblical nor Christian. Our Lord Jesus said in John 15:20.... "if they persecute me; they will also persecute you. "He said further in Matthew 10:23 that if they persecute you in one city, you should flee to another city and continue with the work, blessing those that are persecuting you.
πβ The question for today is why are you suffering? Are you suffering because of the gospel of Christ or because of your personal error? Are you suffering because of your ignorance or because of household enemies? The good news is that Christ can see you through and He will see you through if you call on Him for assistance (Matthew 11: 28).
FURTHER READING : π Acts 20:24; James 1:2
PRAYER POINT : π₯π₯π₯Oh LORD, let every affliction of my life initiated by the devil come to an end today in the name of Jesus Christ.π₯π₯π₯πππ