Keeping God First - Four Laws Over Spilt Milk Acts 15:22-35
Sermon Resources
Sermon Summary
Title: Keeping God First - Four Laws Over Spilt Milk
Pastor's sermon explored the concept of "Four Laws Over Spilt Milk," focusing on the first two laws from Acts 15:22-35. Pastor Greg delved into the importance of keeping God as our primary focus and recognizing the unique significance of Christ's blood. The sermon emphasized how Jesus fulfilled and replaced many Old Testament laws, particularly ritual and sacrificial ones, becoming both our High Priest and the Lamb of God. This has profound implications for our spiritual lives, reminding us of the need to continually place God first and rely on Christ's work rather than our own efforts.
Key Points:
The Jerusalem Council reduced 613 Mosaic laws to four essential requirements for Gentile believers
Jesus fulfilled the law and circumcises hearts spiritually, replacing physical circumcision
Worship of the one true God and recognition of Christ's blood as uniquely salvific are paramount
Christ serves as both High Priest and sacrificial Lamb, eliminating the need for ongoing sacrifices
Salvation comes by grace through faith, not by works, and this faith itself is a gift from God
Believers should strive to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength
5-Day Personal Devotional
Day 1: The One True God Reading: Exodus 20:1-6, John 14:6-14
Devotional: In a world full of distractions and competing priorities, it's easy to let other things take God's place in our hearts. Today's reading reminds us of God's commandment to have no other gods before Him. Jesus further emphasizes this by declaring Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life." Reflect on areas in your life where you might be placing other things above God. Are there "idols" - visible or invisible - that are competing for your devotion? Ask God to help you recognize these and to give you the strength to put Him first in all aspects of your life. Remember, when we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else falls into its proper place.
Day 2: The Blood of Christ Reading: Hebrews 9:11-14, 1 John 1:7-9
Devotional: The power of Christ's blood is a central theme in our salvation. Unlike the repetitive animal sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all. His blood cleanses us from sin and gives us access to God's presence. As you meditate on these verses, consider the depth of God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. How does the knowledge that you've been cleansed by His blood impact your daily life? Take time to thank God for this incredible gift and ask Him to help you live in a way that honors this sacrifice. Remember, no matter what you've done, Christ's blood is sufficient to cleanse and restore you.
Day 3: Born Again by the Spirit Reading: John 3:1-8, Ezekiel 36:26-27
Devotional: Jesus speaks of being "born again" or "born of the Spirit" as essential for entering God's kingdom. This spiritual rebirth is not something we can accomplish on our own - it's a work of God's Spirit in our hearts. The prophet Ezekiel foresaw this, speaking of God giving us a new heart and putting His Spirit within us. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced this new birth? If so, how has it changed you? If not, are you open to God's transforming work in your life? Pray for God to continually renew your heart and fill you with His Spirit, enabling you to live out His will in your daily life.
Day 4: Faith as a Gift from God Reading: Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 12:3
Devotional: Today's reading challenges our human tendency to rely on our own efforts for salvation and spiritual growth. Paul clearly states that our salvation is by grace through faith, and even this faith is a gift from God. This truth should humble us and fill us with gratitude. It's not about our ability to believe, but about God's gracious gift to us. Reflect on times when you've struggled with faith. How does knowing that faith itself is a gift from God change your perspective? Ask God to increase your faith and help you trust Him more fully, recognizing that even this desire comes from Him.
Day 5: Loving God with All Your Heart Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Matthew 22:36-40
Devotional: The greatest commandment, as Jesus affirms, is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. This all-encompassing love for God should be the foundation of our lives. Yet, as the sermon mentioned, even pastors sometimes struggle to sincerely pray this prayer. Reflect on your own life - are you able to honestly pray for God to help you love Him with your whole being? If not, can you at least pray for the desire to do so? Remember, God knows our hearts and meets us where we are. Whether you're fully committed or just beginning to explore a relationship with God, He welcomes your honest prayers. Ask God to kindle a deeper love for Him in your heart and to align your will with His.
Small Group Guide
Key Takeaways:
God wants to be first in our lives, with no close second.
Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament laws and became both the High Priest and the Lamb of God.
Our salvation and growth in Christ come through faith in His work, not our own efforts.
We often "spill milk" (make mistakes) unintentionally in our spiritual lives.
God, like a patient mother, cleans up our messes and helps us grow.
Small Group Questions:
The sermon mentions "spilling milk" as a metaphor for our mistakes. Can you share a time when you unintentionally hurt someone or made a spiritual misstep?
How do you understand the concept of God being "jealous" for our worship? How is this different from human jealousy?
The pastor shared about times when he couldn't pray to love God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. Have you ever experienced a similar struggle in your faith journey?
How does understanding Jesus as both High Priest and Lamb of God impact your view of salvation and your relationship with God?
The sermon emphasizes that our faith is a gift from God, not something we achieve on our own. How does this truth challenge or encourage you?
What are some "idols" or competing priorities that sometimes take God's place in your life?
Practical Applications:
This week, try praying daily: "God, I want to love you with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. Enable me to do that." If you're not ready, pray: "God, make me want to want to."
Identify one area of your life where you tend to rely on your own strength rather than God's grace. Make a conscious effort to surrender that area to God each day.
Reflect on the "idol factories" in your heart. What things do you tend to prioritize over God? Make a list and pray over each item, asking God to help you put Him first.
Practice being more aware of your "spilled milk" moments. When you make a mistake or hurt someone unintentionally, immediately ask for God's forgiveness and help in making it right.
Spend time meditating on Jesus as both High Priest and Lamb of God. How might this deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice and your access to God?
Closing Prayer:
Encourage group members to share prayer requests and pray for one another, focusing on areas where they need God's help to put Him first in their lives.
