27th Mar 26 | 16:08
Studies by Book
03 Acts 09 32-43 THE MINISTRY OF PETER 02 Acts 09 32 The saints of God are precious to Him
📖 Acts 09:32-43
02 – Thu30May2024 – *The saints of God are precious to Him* - _Acts 09:32-43_ – THE MINISTRY OF PETER – _Psalms 60:12_
_Acts 9:32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda._
Let us take time to savour that we as the church are the saints of God.
The Bible is written for the saints of God. _II Peter 1:19-21 And so *we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed* as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; (20) knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, (21) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit._
Holy men of God spoke as the Holy Spirit moved them. The Holy Spirit directed the holy men of God to write to us. The Bible is God’s letter to us. Even if the Old Testament, the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles are narratives of what took place, they are written for our admonition. Subsequently, the books of the New Testament are directly addressed to the saints. As we read the word of God, we must approach His word with this understanding and anticipation.
How would we read a letter addressed to us? That is how we must read the Scriptures. The Lord is dealing with our issues individually and in the church. We must determine to take heed to His word. We do not approach the Bible as an intellectual or theological learning. *We come to the Bible to obey* for this is God’s message for us.
Is this how you are reading the Bible? If not, would you repent, ask the Lord’s forgiveness and from now on decide to come to the word of God to obey?
_II Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work._
Yes, it is possible to live without seeking the message of God from the Scriptures but this is like roaming the streets of a city with a roadmap of another city. Yet, this is how many of us are living. We are confused, worried and uncertain. We are not seeking the Bible for God’s directions to all that we face in life instead we depend on our own experience, intelligence, contacts, influence and smartness.
This is why we must be diligent students of the word of God as His saints for God is speaking to us from His word. *_II Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth._*
As we follow His directions from His word, the Lord preserves our ways. _Proverbs 2:8 He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints._
As saints of God, we must live in the canopy of God. God’s word reveals to us the shelter of God and how we can live, move and have our being in God.
As we live in the covering of God, we will know the precise steps we must take as we face issues and challenges. We will not be confused or afraid. This is because we are living in the protection of God. At the precise time, the way will open before us and we will know that this is the path we must tread. _Isaiah 30:21 Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left._
The Lord teaches us and guides us with His eye. We must keep our eyes on Him to be led by His eyes. Being in His hiding place is mandatory. God is not the hiding place for many of us in the church.
_Psalms 32:7-9 *You are my hiding place*; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah (8) *I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.* (9) Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding, Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you._
Let us not be like the horse or mule, controlled by bit and bridle. Let us willingly yield to God to have full control over us. This is what it is to be His saints. *Our will must be willingly surrendered and submitted to His will.* As saints, we are the Doulos of God. He has full authority over us.
We have tasted and seen the love and goodness of the Lord. Our surrender to Him is out of joy for we know that our God is faithful.
As His saints, we are on the battlefield against our enemy the devil. *Our objective is to chase out the enemy and, in His place, bring in the kingdom rule of Jesus in the land.* We must know that our enemy is defeated and with the Lord we are victorious. _Psalms 60:12 Through God we will do valiantly, For it is He who shall tread down our enemies._
```The saints of God are precious to the Lord and He delights in us.```