The Gospel Message: From Jealousy to Joy in Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Salvation Is Through Jesus Alone

The message of salvation is clear: only through Jesus can we find forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. All the law, prophets, and psalms point to Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises, and His resurrection is the proof that He alone has conquered sin and death. No amount of religious effort, good works, or adherence to tradition can free us from what binds us—only faith in Christ can do that. The invitation is open to all, regardless of background or past, to turn from false hopes and trust in the One who was raised from the dead for our sake. [07:18]

Acts 13:38-39 (ESV)
Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still trying to earn God’s approval or forgiveness through your own efforts, rather than trusting fully in Jesus’ finished work?

Day 2: The Danger of Religious Jealousy

Religious jealousy can blind us to the work of God and harden our hearts against His grace. The Jewish leaders in Acts 13 were more concerned with their own status and recognition than with the truth of the gospel, leading them to reject the message out of envy rather than honest disagreement. This same temptation can creep into our own hearts when we crave affirmation, praise, or position above the joy of seeing God at work in others. True faith rejoices in God’s movement, even when it comes through unexpected people or means. [14:03]

Acts 13:45 (ESV)
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him.

Reflection: Can you recall a time when you felt threatened or overlooked as God worked through someone else? How might you choose to celebrate God’s work in others today instead of comparing or competing?

Day 3: Joyful Inclusion in God’s Family

The Gentile believers responded to the gospel with unrestrained joy, amazed that God would welcome them as His own. Where they once felt shut out and unworthy, they now found themselves adopted as sons and daughters, not as second-class citizens but as beloved members of God’s family. This joy is the natural response to grace—recognizing that what we could never earn has been freely given. Let this joy fill your heart, knowing that you are fully welcomed and embraced by God through Christ. [23:59]

Acts 13:48 (ESV)
And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

Reflection: In what ways do you struggle to believe that you are truly welcomed and loved by God? How can you let the joy of your inclusion in His family shape your attitude and actions today?

Day 4: The Call to Repentance and Faith

The gospel always comes with a call: to turn away from the false gods and empty pursuits that cannot save, and to turn toward Jesus in faith. Whether it’s the pursuit of approval, security, self-righteousness, or any other idol, these things promise much but deliver nothing lasting. Jesus invites you to lay them down and trust Him alone for life and hope. This turning is not forced; it is a willing response to the love and grace of God, who calls each of us by name. [25:07]

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 (ESV)
For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Reflection: What is one “idol” or false hope you are tempted to trust in today? What would it look like to turn from it and trust Jesus instead?

Day 5: The Choice to Receive or Reject God’s Grace

God’s love is never forced upon us; He invites us to receive it willingly, but also allows us the freedom to reject it. This sobering truth means that our hearts can become hardened if we continually refuse His invitation, yet God is always able to soften even the hardest heart. Today, you are called to respond—not with indifference or delay, but with openness and faith, trusting that Jesus alone will never leave you or forsake you, and that He is coming again to make all things new. [28:53]

Hebrews 3:15 (ESV)
As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Reflection: Is there an area where you sense God inviting you to trust Him more deeply, but you’ve been resisting? What step can you take today to respond with a willing and open heart?

Sermon Summary

Paul and Barnabas, on their first missionary journey, arrive in a synagogue filled with both Jews and Gentile God-fearers. Paul is invited to speak, and he begins by recounting the story of Israel—God’s faithfulness through the wilderness, the judges, the kings, and ultimately the promise of a Savior from David’s line. Paul then proclaims that this Savior is Jesus, who was crucified though innocent, but whom God raised from the dead. Through Jesus, forgiveness of sins and freedom from what the law could never accomplish is now offered to all who believe.

Paul’s message is both a fulfillment of ancient promises and a radical invitation. He warns his listeners not to scoff or reject this good news, referencing the prophet Habakkuk’s warning about missing God’s work through unbelief. The initial response is enthusiastic—many are eager to hear more, and the next Sabbath, nearly the whole city gathers. But this widespread interest provokes jealousy among the Jewish leaders. Their concern is not theological, but rooted in a desire for recognition and affirmation. Rather than rejoicing in God’s work, they are threatened by the attention Paul and Barnabas receive.

Paul and Barnabas respond by turning their focus to the Gentiles, fulfilling God’s promise to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. The Gentiles respond with joy, amazed that they are welcomed into God’s family. This joy stands in stark contrast to the jealousy of the religious leaders, who ultimately drive Paul and Barnabas out of the city. Yet, the disciples leave filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

This narrative exposes the difference between outward religiosity and genuine faith in Jesus. It challenges us to examine what we truly worship—whether it is God, or the approval and affirmation of others. The story also highlights the danger of a hardened heart, one that understands the gospel but refuses to embrace it. Yet, there is hope: God specializes in softening hard hearts and welcoming the unlikely into His family. The invitation remains open—to turn from false gods and receive the joy and freedom found only in Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Jealousy versus Joy in God’s Work The contrast between the Jewish leaders’ jealousy and the Gentile believers’ joy reveals the posture of our hearts toward God’s grace. Jealousy is rooted in entitlement and self-focus, blinding us to the wonder of God’s generosity. True joy arises when we recognize that what we receive from God is pure gift, not something we could ever earn or deserve. This joy is the mark of those who know they have been welcomed by grace. [23:59]
2. Outward Religion Cannot Replace Faith in Jesus Religious activity, even when impressive, can become a substitute for genuine trust in Christ. The desire for approval, affirmation, or status can masquerade as devotion, but it ultimately leaves us empty. Jesus calls us to lay aside every false god—including our own self-righteousness—and to find our identity and hope in Him alone. Only then can our hearts be truly transformed. [17:08]
3. God Honors Our Freedom to Choose or Reject Him God’s love is never forced; He invites, but does not coerce. The terrifying reality is that we can harden our hearts and refuse His invitation. Yet, this freedom is also the context for real love and relationship. The call is to respond willingly, to turn from all that cannot save, and to embrace the life that Jesus offers. [16:43]
4. The Gospel Welcomes the Outsider The Gentiles’ astonishment at being included in God’s family is a reminder that the gospel is for those who feel far off, unworthy, or excluded. Jesus does not merely tolerate the outsider—He welcomes, embraces, and adopts them as beloved children. Our response should be one of humble gratitude and contagious joy, inviting others to share in this grace. [24:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus
[01:22] - Jews and Gentiles Explained
[03:31] - God’s Faithfulness in Israel’s History
[04:26] - Paul Invited to Speak
[05:04] - Jesus: The Promised Savior
[06:15] - The Resurrection and Fulfillment
[07:18] - Forgiveness Through Jesus
[08:25] - John the Baptist’s Role
[08:55] - The Simple Gospel Message
[10:23] - Warning Against Unbelief
[10:57] - The City’s Response
[12:24] - Turning to the Gentiles
[13:33] - Jealousy of the Jewish Leaders
[16:10] - The Freedom to Choose or Reject
[17:08] - Religion Versus Trust in Jesus
[21:53] - Jealousy Versus Joy
[24:40] - The Gospel Welcomes Outsiders
[25:07] - Salvation Through Jesus Alone
[27:20] - The Danger of a Hardened Heart
[28:53] - Invitation to Respond
[29:29] - Prayer and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

When Paul is invited to speak in the synagogue, what story does he begin with, and why do you think he starts there? ([04:26])
According to Paul’s message, what is offered through Jesus that the law of Moses could never accomplish? ([07:18])
How do the Jewish leaders and the Gentiles each respond to Paul and Barnabas’ message? What emotions are described? ([13:33])
What Old Testament prophet does Paul quote as a warning, and what is the warning about? ([10:23])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s history before introducing Jesus as the Savior? How might this have impacted his listeners? ([04:26])
What does the contrast between the jealousy of the Jewish leaders and the joy of the Gentile believers reveal about their hearts and motivations? ([23:59])
The sermon mentions that outward religious activity can become a substitute for genuine faith. In what ways can this happen, and why is it dangerous? ([17:08])
Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles after being rejected by the Jewish leaders. What does this shift teach about God’s intentions for who is included in His family? ([12:24])

Application Questions

The Jewish leaders were more concerned with recognition and affirmation than with God’s work. Are there areas in your life where you crave approval or status more than God’s approval? How does this affect your relationship with God and others? ([20:12])
The Gentiles responded with joy at being welcomed into God’s family. When was the last time you felt genuine joy about your faith? What might help you recover or deepen that joy? ([24:40])
Paul warns against having a hardened heart that understands the gospel but refuses to embrace it. Are there parts of your heart that resist God’s invitation? What would it look like to bring those areas honestly before God? ([27:20])
The sermon challenges us to examine what we truly worship—whether it’s God or the approval of others, security, or something else. What “false gods” are you tempted to trust in, and what steps could you take this week to turn from them? ([17:38])
God honors our freedom to choose or reject Him. How does knowing that God will not force you to love Him change the way you approach your faith? Does it make you more willing to respond, or more hesitant? Why? ([16:43])
The gospel welcomes outsiders and those who feel unworthy. Is there someone in your life who feels far from God or excluded from faith? What is one practical way you could extend God’s welcome to them this week? ([24:40])
The disciples left the city “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” even after being rejected. How can you cultivate joy and dependence on the Holy Spirit in the face of disappointment or rejection? ([13:08])

Sermon Clips

All of the law, all of the prophets, all of your psalms, everything that John had to say, it was about Jesus. And so he gives this simple gospel message. Jesus, this Messiah you've been waiting for, this Messiah that you've been waiting for is Jesus. He is the Son of God who was innocent and righteous, but was killed by the Romans. And on the third day, he rose from the grave, victorious over sin and death. But through his death, we have forgiveness of sins. Through his resurrection life, we have the promise of eternal life with him. [00:09:14] (41 seconds) #JesusIsTheMessiah

The first is that being religious doesn't necessarily mean that you are trusting in Jesus. Every single one of us, regardless of whether we are willing to admit it or not, has a religion. We have things that we worship to get what it is that we want. We have things that we assign value and importance to because we think that they will give us what we want. We worship money. We worship power. We worship sex. We worship people's approval. We worship security. These are all things that we can worship and build our religion around. [00:17:08] (42 seconds) #SacrificeForFaith

But what's the response of these Gentile believers? It is unmitigated joy. I thought that I was shut out of knowing God. I thought that I was never going to be able to draw close to Him. And now you're telling me that I am welcome? That I am adopted into His family? Praise God! I never thought that they'd let somebody like me in. [00:22:38] (26 seconds) #GratefulNotEntitled

The jealousy of these Jewish leaders focused on what it is that I'm not getting that I should be getting. But the joy of these Gentile believers is focused on what it is that I'm getting that I shouldn't. See, the Jewish leader said, I should get this and I'm angry that I'm not getting it. The Gentile believers said, I never thought that I would get that but now I'm getting it? This is awesome. This is the best news ever. [00:24:17] (28 seconds) #FaithCannotBeForced

But we also see here that salvation is through Jesus and through Jesus alone. This gospel message is very simple. Jesus has come to save you. But implicit in that statement is a question. Will you turn away from all of the other false gods that you've been trusting, that you've been worshiping? Will you turn away from your false gods in repentance and turn towards him in faith? Because they cannot save you. They say they can. They make promises that they are unable to keep. They entice you. They call to you. But they cannot save. It is only Jesus who can save. [00:24:51] (53 seconds) #LeaveFalseGodsBehind

But Jesus is calling you to leave all of those things behind because they cannot save you. It is only He who can save you. And you must, we all must, place our faith, our trust, our hope in Him. [00:27:00] (18 seconds) #GodBreathesLife

But the good news is, we serve a God who specializes in breathing life into dry bones and taking hard hearts that are made of stone and turning them into flesh that beats, that lives. It's impossible with man. But the things that we look at and say, there is no way. God does that all the time. He does that all the time. [00:28:18] (32 seconds)

``So friends, do not harden your hearts this morning. but turn to Jesus, the author and the perfecter of our faith. Because he is the one alone who will never leave us or forsake us. He will never fail us. And all of the pain and all of the hurt that we carry through this world, he is coming again one day to set that right, to heal that, to make all things new. [00:28:50] (33 seconds)

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