Bought with Blood, Guarded by Truth
Bought with Blood, Guarded by Truth
Thursday
"for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears."
— Acts 20:27-31 (ESV)
"knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
— 1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)
"shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."
— 1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV)
— Acts 20:27-31 (ESV)
"knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
— 1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV)
"shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."
— 1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV)
Reflect:
The church is not a club or a business. It is a flock purchased with the precious blood of Christ. Because the price was so high, the church must be guarded with great care. That is why the whole counsel of God matters. Wolves will come, and twisted teaching can even rise from within. The best protection is not suspicion of everything, but familiarity with the truth, so that error feels foreign the moment we hear it. This calls for shepherds who lead willingly and humbly, and for members who love God's Word and one another. Every person sitting beside you on Sunday was bought with the same blood that bought you.
The church is not a club or a business. It is a flock purchased with the precious blood of Christ. Because the price was so high, the church must be guarded with great care. That is why the whole counsel of God matters. Wolves will come, and twisted teaching can even rise from within. The best protection is not suspicion of everything, but familiarity with the truth, so that error feels foreign the moment we hear it. This calls for shepherds who lead willingly and humbly, and for members who love God's Word and one another. Every person sitting beside you on Sunday was bought with the same blood that bought you.
Consider:
- How does remembering the price Jesus paid for His church change the way you think about your fellow church members?
- How familiar are you with the "real thing" of God's Word? What could you do to grow in it?
Pray:
Chief Shepherd, thank You for buying me with Your blood. Keep me close to Your truth, and help me love Your flock as You do. Amen.
Chief Shepherd, thank You for buying me with Your blood. Keep me close to Your truth, and help me love Your flock as You do. Amen.
Posted in Don\\\'t Shrink Back - Acts 20:17-38
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