27th Mar 26 | 16:08
Studies by Book
02 Acts 14 08-20 THE MINISTRY AT LYSTRA 41 Acts 14 15-17 A change in perspective on life
📖 Acts 14:08-20
41 – Mon, 01 Dec 2025 – *A change in perspective on life*- _Acts 14:08-20_ – THE MINISTRY AT LYSTRA – _Psalm 16:11_
_Acts 14:15-17 and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, *and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them*, (16) who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. (17) Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."_
Turning to the living God who made the heaven, the earth, the sea and all things that are in them, changes our perspective on life. This was the message that Barnabas and Paul were conveying to the people of Lystra.
_Acts 17:24-25 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. (25) Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things._
When we see the living God who made the world and everything in it, it causes us to fall before Him in worship. This is where life begins. Whom do we worship? Worship is the centre for man. If we have placed our worship on something of man’s devising, then the end is chaos.
_Romans 1:25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen._ / _Romans 1:28-32 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; (29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, (30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; (32) who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
What happens to the one who has placed his hope and his worship in the true and living God? _Psalms 146:5-6 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God, (6) Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever,_ / _Psalm 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore._
When we see God who made the heavens and the earth, we rest in the fact that He is our provider. _Psalms 104:24-25 O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions— (25) This great and wide sea, In which are innumerable teeming things, Living things both small and great._ / _Psalms 104:27-28 These all wait for You, That You may give them their food in due season. (28) What You give them they gather in; *You open Your hand, they are filled with good.*_
This change of perspective that God is our provider makes a huge difference in the way we conduct our lives. We will live in contentment. _I Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain._ Those who are not rested in God and lack contentment will cause serious harm to themselves. _I Timothy 6:9-10 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. (10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows._
When we know the Maker of heaven and earth, we will know that He is the ruler of all things. _Jeremiah 32:17 'Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You._
This makes a big difference in our perspective on life, for we will not be anxious. We, too, will seek first to be in His kingdom, for He is the one who has authority over all things. _Matthew 6:31-33 "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' (32) For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. (33) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you._
When we know God, the Maker of heaven and earth, we will know our life purpose. _Psalms 8:3-6 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, (4) What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? (5) For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor. (6) *You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,*_
```Barnabas and Paul were inviting the people of Lystra to know God and have a change in perspective on life.```