Judged Unworthy of Eternal Life Acts 13:46

The Message of Paul The sermon (Acts:13:16-41) – Israel was God’s chosen people (16-17) They were given Canaan (17-19) After judges and King Saul, they were given David (20-22) From David came Jesus, their Savior (23-26) But Jerusalem rejected Jesus and had Him put to death (27-29)

The Message of Paul The sermon (Acts:13:16-41) But God raised Him from the dead (30) and He was seen (witnesses) This was spoken of in the Old Testament (Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 55:3, Psalm 16:10) – Jesus was raised Through Him forgiveness of sins is preached (38-39) Beware, lest you reject this (40-41)

The Message of Paul The privilege of the Jews They were first to hear of God’s plan (cf. Acts 1:8, etc.) Not until Cornelius, were they sent to Gentiles (rest of the world) (Acts 10) The Jews had advantage (Romans 9:4-5, 3:1-2) Many did receive Him. Virtually everywhere Paul went SOME accepted Jesus.

The Message of Paul The privilege of the Jews But others rejected Jesus and Paul’s message – especially its inclusiveness Such is the case in our context (Acts 13:42-45) Their rejection caused them to judge themselves unworthy of eternal life

Can we judge ourselves unworthy of eternal life? Acts 13:45-48

We judge ourselves unworthy: Through prejudice A serious flaw of the Jews (and Gentiles). Often a two way street Prejudice is sin! God is not prejudice Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11, etc. The gospel is for all Romans 1:16, 10:12-13, Galatians 3:27-28 We must not show partiality – James 2:1-4, 8-9; cf. Matthew 7:1-5 Are we guilty of this?

We judge ourselves unworthy: Through Envy (& ungodly attitudes) A downfall of Jewish leaders. Led to rejection of Jesus Cf. Matthew 27:18 In our text, envy caused them to reject the message Envy is sin – Galatians 5:21, James 3:14-16 As brethren we must not be envious – Galatians 5:26, Romans 12:15. Such attitudes can rob us of eternal life

We judge ourselves unworthy: By opposing truth Including blasphemy and contradicting We find this often in scripture – Acts 19:9, Luke 11:15, Matthew 10:25 Jesus warned His disciples it would happen – John 15:19-20 Today, God’s word is often maligned by skeptics and professed believers alike To twist scriptures can lead to your destruction

We judge ourselves unworthy: By simply rejecting the truth You don’t have to blaspheme or contradict to be condemned Just simply refuse to obey! Matthew 19:22 – the rich, young ruler Acts 24:25 – Felix trembled John 12:42 - even among the rulers How many today are not hostile to Christians, but they will not obey, OR as Christians they refuse to repent?

Final thoughts None of us are really worthy! We have no real standing before God on our own, Romans 3:9-10, cf. 1 Timothy 1:15 BUT, God made it possible for us to be forgiven anyways, John 3:16, Romans 5:8-9. Acts 22:16, 2:38 - through Jesus Christ our sins are washed away As Christians, we can repent and confess our sins to Him – 1 John 1:7-9

Final thoughts Even though we are not worthy, when we obey and are faithful, we are counted as worthy – Revelation 3:4, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, 11 Mathew 25:21 well done, good and faithful servant We must walk worthy of our calling – Philippians 1:27, Ephesians 4:1

Final thoughts YOU judge yourselves unworthy Judge means to evaluate. We determine for ourselves where we stand. It is by our own actions that we will be unworthy. When we reject God, justice and righteousness demands He declare us unfaithful – Romans 11:22 NO one will stand condemned before God on judgment day without his own fault – 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-15

When you stand before God, will you judged unworthy?