Ruler of All

Verse: Acts 17:22-34

Paul starts his popular discourse about the obscure God by broadcasting that God made the world and consequently is the Lord of his creation. Recognizing that God is the originator of all things is the start of way of life stewardship, proclaims minister and creator Ray Stedman (1917–1992).

What is [Paul] saying here? To start with, that God is the Maker and not the person who was made. God was not made by man; he is the One who makes man and everything else that exists in all the universe. He is the originator, everything being equal.

We have not moved a long way from old worshipful admiration. In the antiquated world, they took a bit of gold or silver or wood and cut or framed a symbol, subsequently revering crafted by men's hands. Today we don't utilize pictures, yet we actually observe men revering themselves, extended to endless extents. Man essentially considers himself, extends this into boundlessness, and venerates that. That is his god. That is exactly what excessive admiration [is]. Paul brings up that this isn't in accordance with the real world. God isn't the projection of man; God is more prominent than man. God started man. All that exists originated from his hands. He is the Maker, and not the made.

Second, God is the provider, and doesn't have any requirements himself. "The God who made the world and everything in it [is the Lord of paradise and earth … He isn't served by human hands, as though he required anything. Or maybe, he himself gives everybody life and breath and everything else (Ac 17:24–25)]." God isn't searching for a single thing from man, as excessive admiration and agnosticism educated. Men needed to carry blessings to the gods, they needed to get things done for their gods, to appease them and penance to them, and present to them a wide range of things.

Despite the fact that the symbols of today may look somewhat changed, individuals today definitely still have them. Stedman proceeds:

Try not to believe that we are liberated from worshipful admiration, for if a god is what is the most significant thing in your life, that to which you give your time and exertion and energy, that which involves the essential spot of significance to you, the thing you live for, at that point men have numerous gods even today. Cash is a god for a few. Distinction is a god to other people. Your kids can be your gods. You yourself can be your own god; you can venerate yourself … These are the bogus gods that individuals wherever love. They set ceaseless expectations upon us. They don't do anything for us, yet we should work for them.

Paul offsets this. He says the genuine God is one who gives, who spills out. He needn't bother with a single thing from you.

Consider It

• If you don't have an appropriate comprehension of what god's identity is, would you be able to be a viable steward? Why or why not?

• In what ways is God fundamentally more prominent than any icon?

• What is the most significant thing in your life?

Supplicate About It

LORD, only you are extraordinary and deserving of my love. At the point when I am enticed to go to a person or thing to fill my heart and address my issues, I supplicate that you will step my eyes back to your incredible Father-heart of affection. I acclaim you for being the One who spills out all I require and want.