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Scripture: Acts 14:12-15

12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: 15 “Friends, why are you doing this? We too are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.

Observation:

The people of Iconium saw Paul do a miracle and wanted to worship him and Barnabas. Paul then stopped them and gave glory to God for all the great works they have done.

Application:

When God uses you to do something good, people’s reaction is usually to give you praise. It is probably not as dramatic as wanting to worship you and calling you Zeus. It is more likely that they say, “that was nice of you,” or “good job.” How often do we take that praise for ourselves and how often do we give it to God? These are opportunities for us to talk about how good God is, but we miss those opportunities if we are too busy patting ourselves on the back. God gives us the righteousness of Christ. Everything good that we do is Christ working in us and through us. His work of salvation is worthy of praise.

Prayer:

Lord God, thank You for giving us righteousness so that we can do good works in Your name. Help us always give You the glory for those works rather than take it for ourselves. In Jesus name, Amen.