Scripture Union Daily Guide 4 July 2025 (Friday) Devotional Message
Today’s Daily Guide 4 July 2025 Reading By Scripture Union
TOPIC: Never Share in God’s Glory!
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OPENING PRAYER: Make my life oh Lord a reflection of you as I study your word.
SCRIPTURE READING – Acts 14:1-18
4 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.[a] 3 So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. 5 When an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat them and to stone them, 6 they learned of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding country, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.
8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well,[b] 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 1
2 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,
15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.
QUESTIONS FOR MEDITATION:
► Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
► Q2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
This passage is a summary of how God worked among the churches in the region of Galatia. Paul and Barnabas were consumed with taking the Gospel to the Gentiles. God was so faithful; He made the people to respond massively (Acts 14:1) and validated their messages with signs and wonders (Acts 14:3,8-10). In spite of these, what do you see in Acts 14:2? There are lots of high points and exciting moments in the work of missions as God manifests His power among the people, but we must also be prepared for oppositions (1 Corinthians 16:9).
Our dying, warring world needs Jesus, the Prince of peace. He alone can heal our world. But we are His witnesses, called to send the gospel message to the world (Acts 1:8). Are you a witness or an onlooker?
What can we learn from Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14:11-18? How does this compare with the attitudes of “Men of God” in our generation, to honour and fame? When God manifests His power through us and uses us to bring transformation in people’s lives, we must never share in His glory and never allow the people to idolize us.
And So:
No matter how powerful you are, remember, you are only an instrument in God’s hand (Isaiah 10:15).
Closing Prayer:
Lord, make me an effective witness of your salvation plan for my generation.
One Year Bible Reading Guide:
2 Kings 5-6; Revelation 3.
One Year Bible Reading Guide, Hard Copy Version:
2 Kings 9-11
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 4 July 2025)
