The Christian Family: Children, Fatherhood, and Generational Faithfulness: The World And Times Of Jesse James

Family Devotions In the Context of Lifestyle Discipling

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Family Government

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2025-08-08

Synopsis: John Weaver examines the biblical concept of devotions, using Acts 17:22-23 as a starting point to contrast pagan devotions with true Christian devotion. He argues that the aim and end of all devotions—personal, family, or ecclesiastical—is to become a devout worshiper of God through a personal, intimate, and accurate knowledge of Him as revealed in Scripture and in Jesus Christ. Doctrine determines duty, and true knowledge leads to obedience, submission, and godliness. He warns that head knowledge alone is insufficient and that believers must rely on the Holy Spirit's illumination. Applications include the insufficiency of education alone, the inconsistency of claiming to love God while being too busy for Him, and the necessity of growing in grace through growing in knowledge.

[John Weaver] Thank you, Brother Mooney. I tell you what, he's got a better memory, I do, as far as dates is concerned. I tell you, I tell my wife, I say, sweetheart, you remember all the birthdays. That's fine. You remember all the dates. I'll remember everything else. So I'm not one of those that remembers dates all that time. But I just know it's been a long time, a long time. So, wow. Well, it's good to see each one of you here tonight. And certainly it's good to be here. I want you to open your Bibles, if you will, please, tonight to the book of Acts, chapter 17. And I want us to read verses 22 and 23. Because I'm supposed to be dealing with devotions tonight, and I'm going to deal with it with their aim and their end. And I hope it'll be enlightening for you as well. So if you look in Acts chapter 17 and let's read verse 22.

[John Weaver] Verse 22 and verse 23, then Paul stood in the midst of Mars Hill and said, you men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you're too superstitious or too religious. For as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription to the unknown God, whom therefore you ignorantly worship. Him declare I unto you. I suppose that each one of us have what we call devotions.

[John Weaver] We read our Bible, we pray. Many times we have what are known as family devotions and we'll read our Bible and pray. Sometimes there will be a short time of instruction, but not usually very long. But I suppose that as I read this text tonight, you might call it exceedingly strange that I want to begin a message on Christian life and Christian sanctification using a verse that is actually talking about pagans. In fact, it's a negative verse in one sense of the word, for he said in verse 23, For as I passed by, beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To the unknown God, whom therefore you ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you.

[John Weaver] Let me just simply point something out. Negatives are just as important as positives. And anytime you see a negative, you should always ask, what is the positive? Anytime you see a positive, you should also ask, what is the negative? And when God is telling us what is not something, we need to mark that down in our minds just as easily and truthfully as he tells us what something really and truly is. So a negative is absolutely just as important as a positive.

[John Weaver] So if you look at verse 23 again, he says, for as I passed by, beheld your devotions. Wow. I asked Brother Nelson before service tonight, I said, can you tell me how many times the word devotions occurs in our Bibles? He said. No. I said one time. And this is the only time the word occurs in the Bible.

[John Weaver] Now, it does occur another time in the Greek, but in that instance it's translated as worship. But it's the only time that we have the word devotions in our English Bible. Secondly, if you will note, this word devotions now is said in the context of paganism. Because these Athenians did not know the One True and the Living God, and they had altars dedicated to all the gods, and it's one that they were totally ignorant of.

[John Weaver] They had an altar to Him as well. And you would ask this question, who would be so insane as to have an altar to an unknown God? But the truth of the matter is, there are many professing Christians who worship an unknown God. because they worship a God who is the figment of their imagination. They do not know the God that has revealed Himself in the Word of God. They do not know the God that has revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ. They have a God that is in their mind of what God is like, and sometimes they even imagine in their mind what God is like, and even picturing Him in their mind, which is idolatry in and of itself. But most people are just content with the figment of their imagination.

[John Weaver] Years ago, I was in a pastor's office and we were discussing the biblical doctrine of election. And of course, I was quoting scripture and he was quoting scripture. And the door was open and his secretary and her desk was right outside that open door. And so we had been discussing the election, I don't know, 15, 20, 30 minutes, something like that. And all of a sudden, his secretary burst into his office without announcement, without knocking. Of course, the door was open. She burst in the office.

[John Weaver] And here's what she said. I don't care what the Bible says. I know God is not like that. And her pastor, First of all, rebuked her. And then he said, did you hear what you just said? She had a God of her own imagination, not the God of the Bible. The only God that exists is the God of the Bible. So many people think that these Athenians were just polytheists, that is, they had served many gods, believed in many gods. And therefore, just in case they may have left one out, they had this altar then to the unknown God. Or some have suggested that maybe a plague had hit the Athenians and they did not know which God to try to appease. And so they had an altar then to this God that they did not even know whether or not He existed. So to the unknown God.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to look, if you would, please, in verse 23 again. He says, For as I passed by, beheld your devotions.

[John Weaver] Now, the word devotions in the Greek is the word sabosma, and it refers to whatever is religiously honored, whatever is an object of worship, and it's used oftentimes in reference to temples or altars, statutes, even idolatrous images. Now, let me ask you why this is important. I want you to think about biblical doctrine. I want you to think about the right doctrine of God. I told you the only God that exists is the God that has revealed himself in the Bible and through the Lord Jesus Christ. And the reason this is important is because our duty is always based upon our doctrine. So if your doctrine is incorrect, you have no idea what your duty really is. You have no idea what your obligations really and truly are. So it's impossible, then, to know your duty apart from doctrine.

[John Weaver] So let me give you a good, clear illustration of this. You remember that passage, most of you can quote it, in 1 Corinthians 15, verse 58? The Apostle Paul says, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Why? He said, because or for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

[John Weaver] Now, listen to what he said. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding. And then he said, for as much as you know, your labor is not in vain in the Lord. How do we know that? How do we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord? And let me ask you another question. What in the world? Would it be like for you and I to remain steadfast, unmovable, unshakable in a world that hates us, that slanders us, that ridicules us, and that thinks we're absolute lunatics? What keeps us going? What keeps us ticking?

[John Weaver] And the answer is, it's doctrine. And we understand that our duty is based upon our doctrine. Because you have to understand that in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, the Apostle Paul has just fleshed out the doctrine of the bodily resurrection from the dead. And he also pointed out how that Jesus Christ was bodily raised from the dead. And therefore, since he is our head, and we are his body, just as the head was bodily raised from the dead, we shall also be bodily raised from the dead. In other words, we understand that this life is not just all there is. We understand that this world is not just all there is. We understand that. And so it is the doctrine of the resurrection and the doctrine of the faithfulness of God that keeps us steadfast, unmovable, unshakable. Therefore, that is based upon what I just taught you. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be you steadfast, unmovable. Well, it doesn't matter whether the world recognizes us or not. It doesn't matter if this church is ever written up in the paper as the church of the month.

[John Weaver] It doesn't matter if you're ever recognized by the president or no, no, no, no, no. We understand our duty is based upon our doctrine.

[John Weaver] Now, we're talking about devotions. What in the world does doctrine have to do with devotions? When you think of the word devotions, you also should think of the words devoted or devout. They are intimately connected with the word devotions. So if devotions happens to be the act of honoring and worshiping the one true, the living God who's revealed himself in the Lord Jesus Christ, then our aim and the end of our devotions is to be that we are to become devout worshipers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, I want you to go with me in some scriptures because There are three different Greek words that are translated as devout in the Bible. And interestingly, these words occur in nine verses, and it just so happens God has ordained it. There is one word in three verses in each instance. So if you would turn in your Bibles very quickly to the book of Luke, chapter two, and I want you to understand The word devout. So if you look in Luke chapter 2 and let's read verse 25, Luke chapter 22 and verse 25 or Luke, I'm sorry, it's Luke 2 and verse 25, Luke 2, look in verse 25.

[John Weaver] Here's what the word of God says. Luke 2, verse 25. Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days," that's Luke 1, I need to get Luke 2, Luke 2 verse 25, and he said this,"'And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and the same was a just and devout waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was upon him. So, now, Simeon is called just and devout. If you would turn over in your Bibles to the book of Acts, chapter 2, and look, if you would please, at verse 5. Acts, chapter 2, and verse 5. And the Word of God says this, And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men out of every nation under heaven. Then in Acts chapter 8 and verse 2, here's the last of these three, the last one of the first of these three, look in Acts chapter 8, notice if you would, verse 2. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentations over him. Now, each of these three Greek words Each of these words, devout, is the same Greek word, and it happens to be eulabes.

[John Weaver] What it literally means is to take hold upon, to carefully, securely, surely, and cautiously reverence God. Now, stop and think about this. Each of these men cautiously, seriously, deliberately, Reverence God, they were serious men, they were determined men, they were knowledgeable men, and thus they are called devout.

[John Weaver] Now, the second Greek word that is used, and I'm going to show it to you, it happens to be the word Eusebius. Now, you probably say, you know, that word sounds familiar to me. It sounds like I've heard it before, and probably you have, because there was an early church historian by the name of Eusebius, who happened to have lived in the second and third century. And this word, Eusebius, literally means godly, pious and dutiful.

[John Weaver] Since you're in the book of Acts, if you look in Acts chapter 10, look at verse 2. Here's the word Eusebius, a devout man, talking about Cornelius, and one that feared God with all of his house, which gave much alms to the people and prayed to God always. Now look, if you would, in Acts chapter 10 and verse 7. And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them, that waited on him continually. And then if you look at Acts chapter 22 and verse 12. Acts 22 and verse 12. And now you have the third time this word occurs. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there. Remember now, this word means godly. It means pious. It means dutiful. Now, there's a third Greek word, and it is the word sabomai. It is related to the word that is in our text in Acts chapter 17 and verse 23.

[John Weaver] So, if you look back in your Bibles now to Acts chapter 13, I want to put these together for you. If you look in Acts chapter 13, beginning there with verse 50. Acts 13, verse 50. Watch what is said. Acts 13, verse 50. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women and the chief men of the city and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them out of their coast. Now, if you look in Acts chapter 17 and verse four, Acts 17 and verse four, hear the word of God says. And some of them believed in consortium with Paul and Silas and of the devout Greek A great multitude unto the chief women, not a few." And then in Acts 17 and verse 17, you'll see it again. Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with those that met with him. Now, notice if you would, if you put all of these three things together, you can come up with a good definition of what it means to be devout.

[John Weaver] or to be devoted. You have someone then who is very serious, who is very dutiful, who is very cautiously and yet very reverentially laying hold upon God and worshipping Him, who is doing so out of a godly and pious and dutiful attitude, and one then, of course, who obviously is worshipping Him. And this word, tsebogai, means to revere and to worship. So the actual end of all devotions, whether you're talking about personal devotions or family devotions, is to turn yourself and your family into what you and I would call devoted or devout individuals. So a devout individual was just explained with these three particular words. So, listen carefully. The point of real, genuine devotions is not to fill someone's head with just simple head knowledge or intellectual knowledge.

[John Weaver] It's not just to say, well, my kid can quote all of First Corinthians chapter 13. Believe it or not, I've seen some who could quote all of Psalm 119. And it's wonderful to quote scripture. You should be able to memorize scripture. But you're not just trying to fill someone's head or even your head with head knowledge and intellectual knowledge. You say, I want to discuss dichotomy and trichotomy. Well, help yourself.

[John Weaver] And I hope you know the difference. Maybe you can talk about all types of eschatology. That's wonderful if you know all of that. But my question would be this. If you have all of the head knowledge and if you have all the intellectual knowledge, how does it affect your life? Has it made you more pious? Has it made you more dutiful? Has it made you more obedient? Has it made you more submissive? Do you understand how to apply the knowledge that you have? In other words, if you turn into a devoted person or a devout person, you are someone who understands The reality of the truth, you know how to apply the truth and it will always make you more obedient, more submissive, more godly.

[John Weaver] I will even say more humble and enable you to worship God. As easily. As anything else, because you have it now, let me ask you a question. Do you understand eternal life?

[John Weaver] Now, what I want you to do right now, if you don't mind, is just turn in your Bibles to Acts chapter, not Acts, but John chapter 17. And as you turn to John 17, I just want to mention a couple of things that most people consider what eternal life really is. And they're myths in one sense of the word, they're not really what eternal life is. I've had a lot of people say, well, eternal life is just living forever. If you define eternal life as living forever, then I would say those who are lost and die and are tormented forever, they're living forever. They would have eternal life, too, if you define it like that. Someone says, well, I don't have to worry about eternal life because, you know, you get that when you die.

[John Weaver] I got news for you. If you do not possess eternal life before you die, you will never have it after you die. It's amazing to me, it's absolutely strange, how most people wish to live an unholy, ungodly life. They want to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and live in the pride of life. And when they die, presto, automatically, they turn into holy, righteous beings.

[John Weaver] No, it doesn't work like that. You know, it was Balaam, the false prophet, who said, let me die the death of the righteous. But he didn't want to live the life of the righteous. You cannot die the death of the righteous unless you live the life of the righteous. So here's a good question. What is eternal life? Look in your Bibles, John 17 and verse 3, at what our Lord said.

[John Weaver] Now, take it right from Him. He said, and this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Look at that. This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. So, there are two very important truths conveyed to us in this test. First of all, the Greek word know is the word gnosko. And it means to learn to know. It means to come to know. It means to get a knowledge of. It means to perceive. It means to understand and to become acquainted with. So let me put it to you very plainly. Eternal life, according to our Lord Jesus Christ, is a personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ. It's not just facts about God, it is knowing God. It's not just facts about Jesus Christ, it is knowing Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] That is why in Philippians chapter 3 and verse 10, the Apostle Paul said that I might know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings being made conformable unto His death, that I might know Him." Now look, if you would, back in John 17 in verse 3. He said,"...and this is life eternal, that they might know Thee." The only true God in Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.

[John Weaver] The second truth is the word no is a present active subjunctive in the text. The very present tense means that it is actually happening now in time and in history. The active tense means that you are involved in it. The subjunctive mood is the mood of potentiality. Wow, possibility and potentiality. So here's what he's saying. This is life eternal right now, that we would have a personal, intimate relationship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Let this sink into your hearts. Let it sink into your mind. Lay hold of this and think about this, that we as God's children have the absolute privilege and the absolute blessing of having an intimate personal knowledge of our Heavenly Father now, in time and in history. Wow! What about eternity? If I were to stand here tonight and try to teach you on the doctrine of God, It would be almost impossible. I could talk about the omniscience of God, the omnipotence of God, the omnipresence of God, the eternality of God, the infinity of God. We could discuss all of the attributes of God as he's revealed himself in the Bible. But have you ever stopped to think about this? In eternity, we will have perfect understandings.

[John Weaver] We will never forget anything. Our minds will be fixed. And in eternity and throughout eternity, we will be forever learning things about our great and gracious and majestic Heavenly Father, never forgetting them, fully understanding them, but never, ever totally comprehending Him. Wow. I've got news for you, folks. The truth is that to a degree now, in time and in history, in this life, you, through your personal devotions and family devotions, should become more devout, more devoted, and have a more personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, I want to show you something. I'm going to show you the aim and the end of all devotions. I don't care if it's personal. I don't care if it's familial. I don't care if it's ecclesiastical. I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of 2 Peter, chapter 1. 2 Peter, chapter 1. And look, if you would, please, beginning there with verse 2. 2 Peter, chapter 1 and verse 2. Look at this very carefully.

[John Weaver] Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. Now, wait a minute. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you. Do you want more grace? Do you want more peace? How are grace and peace multiplied? Through the knowledge of God. Hmm. Now, hang on. Look in verse three. according as His divine power hath given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who hath called us to glory and virtue." Isn't that astounding? He said in verse 2, grace and peace is multiplied to us through the knowledge of God. Now He says that God has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Him And the word knowledge, in both instances, is the Greek word epignosko, or epignosis, which does not just simply mean knowledge.

[John Weaver] It means rather a fuller or a precise or an accurate knowledge, epi, the preposition upon, knowledge upon knowledge. which is more accurate and more precise. Where in the world do we get this precise and accurate knowledge of our one true and living God who's revealed himself in the Lord Jesus Christ? And the answer is the revelation that is made of himself in the word of God. Now, I want you to see from the Bible how often this precise An accurate and correct knowledge of God is commanded. So I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Ephesians chapter one. We'll start there. Ephesians chapter one.

[John Weaver] And if you look in verse 17. Look what he says, Ephesians one in verse 17, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. Oh, boy. Hmm. He goes on in verse 18, that the eyes of your understanding be enlightened and the only way they can be enlightened is through the knowledge of him that you may know. The only way you can know is through the knowledge of him, the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints is. All of this is through knowledge. A personal, intimate knowledge, a precise, accurate knowledge, as God has revealed Himself. Look in verse 13 of chapter 4 of Ephesians. Ephesians 4, verse 13.

[John Weaver] Here we have this statement. Verse 13, Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect or mature man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro. What stops us from being tossed to and fro? Knowledge. A precise, accurate knowledge. And notice, if you would, till we all come into the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect, mature man, unto the measure, the stature, the fullness of Christ. Then if you turn right over to the book of Philippians, chapter one, and look, if you would please, at verse nine, Philippians one in verse nine.

[John Weaver] Again, he says it like this and this, I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. Now, wait a minute. Someone says, well, we're to love everybody. No, we're not to love everybody. What does the scripture say? Shouldest thou love them whom God hatest? Isn't that what was asked? Yeah. What did David say? Do not I hate them that hate thee, O God, I hate them with perfect hatred.

[John Weaver] I count them mine enemies. Did he not say that? What is he talking about? Look at it again in verse nine. Look what he said. And this, I pray that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. You have to know who to love, you have to know when to love, you have to know how to love, and you have to use judgment. But how are we going to do that with knowledge?

[John Weaver] Now, if you look in your Bibles to the book of Colossians, chapter one and verse ten, Colossians one, verse ten, look what he says, just showing you where this is actually commanded. Colossians one, look in verse ten. He said this, that you might walk worthy of the Lord and all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Now, if you want to be fruitful in every good work and if you want to walk pleasing unto him, you have to be increasing in the knowledge of God. Now, look in Colossians 3 and verse 10, Colossians 3 and verse 10, he says it again. And if put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. So the only God that exists is the God of the Bible. The only God that has revealed himself is the one that has revealed himself fully and freely in the Lord Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] We must know him and we cannot be content with just simply knowing facts about him. There are many people that can tell you facts about Jesus Christ that are lost as they can be. There are many people who can tell you facts about the Bible that have no idea about eternity or spiritual life. They have more of a head knowledge. They have more of an intellectual knowledge.

[John Weaver] But here's what God is saying. God is saying this knowledge, this truth must be perceived in a way that you and I can comprehend it, we understand it, and we understand it so that we can apply it. And in applying it, we end up honoring him, walking, pleasing unto him and worshiping him and becoming more and more devout and more and more devoted to him. So let me give you a little principle from gun training.

[John Weaver] Here it is, remember this. If you aim at nothing. You will hit nothing. That's very, very deep for the average individual. But it is so true. And may I point this out? If you aim at nothing in acquiring a personal, intimate, precise and accurate knowledge of God so that you may become more devoted to Him, you will miss out. If you don't aim at that, you will miss out.

[John Weaver] It's not, I read my Bible today. Listen, I was raised in a little Southern Baptist church, a little country church. Every week we would go and fill out this little form. I read my Bible, I prayed, I did this, I did that. And people would do it just so they could make the checks and show your department. No, no, no. You don't do these things just to make appoint to a school teacher or Sunday school teacher or whoever. No, no, no. You do these things out of worship in honor of God to become more and more devoted to him.

[John Weaver] I'm going to tell you. Some of the worst kids I've ever seen in my life. Some. Were raised in church. In a Christian school, in a professing Christian home. Did they teach them? Yes, but it was a head knowledge. I have one friend who's a pastor. His parents were divorced at an early age. He was 34 years old. His mother, Well, it turned out to be a honky-tonk woman.

[John Weaver] And she drug this little boy to every bar in town. With all the men she was running around with, he went through it. God saved him. Called him to preach. He's now pastoring in Tennessee. I'm just simply pointing out, a head knowledge is not going to make anyone a devoted worshipper and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, if you're not acquiring and pressing toward a personal intimate relationship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ, you're missing the mark.

[John Weaver] I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, please, to the book of Jude. The book of Jude, right before the book of Revelation. And I want you to see again, this is the end and the aim of personal and family devotions. It is that you are to build yourself up and you're to build your family up. So here's what he said in Jude, verse 20 and 21.

[John Weaver] He said, But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith. Wow. Praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking unto for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

[John Weaver] Now, let me give you a couple of things. First of all, he said, But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith. Have you ever asked yourself this question, how do I build myself up on my most holy faith? Wow. Interestingly, the Greek word means literally to build upon or to build up or to finish the structure from which the foundation has already been laid. You know what the Apostle Paul said in First Corinthians, chapter three, verse 10, I've laid the foundation. The foundation is in Jesus Christ. No other man needs to lay that foundation. That foundation is laid. So what he's saying in the book of Jude is we're to build ourselves up on this foundation, the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Well, how do we do it? Well, one way, of course, is by praying in the Holy Ghost, which is a different sermon in itself. But the second way is keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. So let me ask you this question, how do you keep yourself in the love of God? See, most people think the love of God is emotions or the love of God is feelings or the love of God happens to be some little ethereal thing floating around somewhere in the universe. How in the world would you keep yourself in the love of God like that? Hmm. You need to know what the love of God is.

[John Weaver] And I can give it to you directly from the Scripture. 1 John 5, and verse 3, for the Bible says this, for this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments, and His commandments are not grievous. What is the love of God? Keeping His commandments. Obedience. Submission. Yes. If you'll look in your Bibles, if you'll turn to the book of Romans, chapter 13, you'll see this again very plainly stated. Look at Romans, chapter 13, and let's begin reading there with verse 8. Romans 13, verse 8. And here's what the Word of God says. Watch this carefully. Romans 13 and verse 8. Oh, no man anything but to love one another, for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

[John Weaver] For this, thou shalt not commit adultery, thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness, thou shalt not covet, if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying namely, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, love worketh no ill to his neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Love is obedience. I used to tell my girls, I had four daughters, I jokingly always say all my boys were girls. But, you know, I love girls. I love little girls, that's for sure.

[John Weaver] I mean, we have identical twins. And so holding one in each arm, you know, was quite a blessing and sometimes strange. But my wife looked out one day at our house, and I had a hammock out there. And I was in the hammock and one of my twins was pushing me this way. The other twin was pushing me that way. My baby girl had a fan and she was fanning me.

[John Weaver] And my oldest daughter was dropping grapes in my mouth. Did I like it? Oh, yeah. I can assure you. But the point I'm trying to make is this. Love, you know, I told my girls this. I love that. I appreciate that. And you can tell me all day long that you love me and you can kiss on my cheeks all day long. But what I really want as proof of love is obedience and submission. So I don't care how many times my girls told me they love me if they disobeyed me. The obvious is they do not love me. So you can tell God all day long that you love him. But if you're violating his law, if you're violating his word, you do not love him. I don't care what you say. Now.

[John Weaver] In your personal devotions, in your family devotions, Your teaching and training yourself and your family. Not just simply to know the scriptures. They must know them, that is for sure, but they must know the principles. They must know how to apply them. They must know how to flesh those things out in practical everyday situations. You have to have precise knowledge, accurate knowledge in order to do that.

[John Weaver] Have you ever thought about this? A problem is not a problem if you know what to do. You only have problems when you don't know what to do. But when you have the answer from Scripture, you know what to do, and therefore you can work right through the problem. It turns out not to be a problem.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, first of all, to the book of Deuteronomy, chapter six. Watch this. Deuteronomy, chapter six. And let's begin reading there with verse four, Deuteronomy six, verse four. Look what the word of God says. He's talking about statutes and judgments in verse five, in fact, I will read verse five. He says, behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me that you should do so in the land, whether you go to possess it. Now, look what he says concerning these laws.

[John Weaver] Keep, therefore, and do them. For this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law which I set before you this day? Now look at this. Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of the life, but teach them thy sons and sons' sons." He said,"...all these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt diligently teach them unto thy children, when thou sittest in thine house, when thou walkest by the way, thou shalt talk of them when thou liest down, when thou risest up, and thou shalt bind them

[John Weaver] for a sign upon thine hand, and a frontlist before thine eyes, and thou shalt write them upon the post of thy door." What is he saying? He's saying we have to know the Word of God. We have to know what He teaches us. We have to know how to obey what He teaches us. There are a lot of people who can quote the hidden commandments. And they break them all the time. No. How do we know whether or not this knowledge is in our hearts? He said this knowledge shall be in your heart. How do we know that it's in our hearts?

[John Weaver] Because we talk about it when we sit down. We talk about it when we walk by the wayside. We talk about it and we get up. In other words, what he's saying is it becomes our life. It becomes everything to us. It becomes our food, our drink, our sleep, our work, our hobby. It becomes everything to us. If you'll turn in your Bibles to the book of John, Chapter six, I will show you the New Testament. version of what I just read and quoted from the Old Testament. John, chapter six.

[John Weaver] And let's begin reading there, verse 48. John six, verse 48. Look at this. John six, verse 48. Jesus Christ said, I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever. And the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." The Jews, therefore, strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us flesh to eat? Then Jesus said to them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.

[John Weaver] And I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and as I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven, not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead. He that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."

[John Weaver] I do not believe that this passage teaches the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. Neither do I believe it teaches the Lutheran doctrine of consubstantiation. But I think what it is teaching is very plain and very clear. That Jesus Christ is our life. He is our food. He is our drink. He is our everything. And the scripture says He is our all in all. It means He said, if you if you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you abide in me and I abide in you. What is he saying? He is saying simply, if we're devoted to him, he is our life. He is everything about us.

[John Weaver] You can't help but talk of him. You can't help but pray to him. You can't help but worship him. You can't help but think to him and think of him. He is our everything. Our devotions are to be full of life because He is life. And if you come up with deadness and dullness, it's not life. He said,"...and this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, one true and living God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." The goal, the end and the aim of all devotions. Is to become a more devout and devoted worshiper of God, the father through Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, let me give you some applications, here's the first one. This is a warning, Mama and Daddy. Education. Alone is insufficient. I'm not telling you do not educate your children. I'm not saying do not teach your children Bible verses. You must. But don't rely upon that alone. Education in and of itself is insufficient. We must have the illumination and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit of God. We must ask that our eyes will be opened We must ask that our understanding will be open.

[John Weaver] What does Proverbs 2, verse 6 say? Understanding cometh from God. What did the Apostle Paul tell Timothy in 2 Timothy 2, verse 7? He said, Consider what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. Note, if you would, Timothy had to consider, he had to think, he had to meditate, but he also had to seek God for understanding. You do not go to bed stupid and wake up smart. You don't go to bed ignorant and wake up brilliant. You must study, you must consider, you must meditate, but at the same time, you have to recognize that you need the Holy Spirit to open your understanding. You know what the Bible says in Luke chapter 24 and verse 45 concerning Jesus Christ and His disciples?

[John Weaver] Remember, they walked with Him for three years. The Bible says in Luke 24 and verse 45, Then opened He their understandings, that they might understand the Scripture. There can be no understanding of the Scripture apart from divine illumination. He must open our eyes. Education alone is insufficient. You better cry out to God to make it effective. I can give you a good, clear illustration. You know, the Bible says in Proverbs 23, For if thou beatest him with a rod, He shall not die, but thou shalt deliver his soul from hell. Now, if you take that verse. And say, hmm, I know what that means. Then you take a rod, the best case scenario for evangelism would be go around beating everybody that you could find. No, that's not what that verse means. That verse means if you discipline that child with God's blessing upon that discipline, he's not going to die. He'll be saved. That's what it means. And so it means this, that we must teach our children, but we must not rely upon our instruction and our education.

[John Weaver] We must cry out to God for this. We must. We must. Here's the second application. You ask so many people sometimes why they do not pray or why they do not study. The simple answer is this. I'm just too busy. Wow. It is inconsistent. Not to have time for God and wish to spend eternity with God. How can you say I have no time for God? He's the one that gives you time. Now is the time to know Him. Now is the time to learn of Him. Now is the time to obey Him. Now is the time to follow Him. Now is the time to emulate Him. Now is the time to worship Him. And it's inconsistent for you to say that you love God, and yet you want to spend eternity with Him. But you're too busy now to pray and study and worship Him.

[John Weaver] I tell you what, you try this with your spouse. You tell your spouse, you know, I love you, but I really don't have time for you right now. And I probably won't be able to have time for you for the next week or two. See how that works out for you. Yeah, but you know, we do. I love that passage as Jeremiah, too, I think it is. What did God say?

[John Weaver] My people have forgotten me days without number. How can you forget God? You better wake up every morning. And you better be quoting Lamentations 3, 22 and 23. It is the Lord's mercies that we're not consumed because His compassions they failed on. They're new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. If it wasn't for God's greatness and faithfulness and mercies and compassions, you would have made it through the night. No.

[John Weaver] It's inconsistent for you to say that you love the Lord. And you want to spend eternity with Him, but you're too busy now to commune with Him and to worship Him. Here's the third application. The best way to prepare for eternity is to love the Lord now and to worship Him now in time and in history. And if you are not becoming more and more devoted to God, And to the Lord Jesus Christ, if you're not becoming more and more devout. If you're not coming, becoming more and more knowledgeable and growing in grace. You're not using devotions for their proper end. I want to close with one last verse. I want you to please turn to second Peter three in verse 18. I can quote this verse, but I want you to see it.

[John Weaver] I'm going to explain one little tiny word. In 2 Peter 3, look, if you would please, at verse 18. Look at this. 2 Peter 3, verse 18. The Bible says, But grow in grace.

[John Weaver] and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To Him be glory, both now and forever and ever. Amen. You see that little word, but grow in grace and, that little word and is the Greek word chi, we'd spell it K-A-I. That little word Chi is translated not only and in our Bibles many times, but it is also translated many times in our Bibles as even. So you could read this, but grow in grace even in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So if you're not growing in knowledge, you're not growing in grace. Grace and peace are multiplied to us through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] The aim and end and object of all devotions, personal, family, ecclesiastical, is for you to become more devout, more devoted, more godly, more obedient, more submissive, more loving, more kind, more like your Heavenly Father. Why? Because you're communing with Him. And it's the Holy Spirit of God who transforms us into that image, into all the moral excellencies that are revealed of Him in the Scripture. Without the knowledge, You're not going to live a sanctified, holy life.

[John Weaver] You need to pray when you pray. And when you study and when you read, Lord, open my eyes, make me more godly, make me more devoted, more devout. May I worship you the way you have commanded. May I love you the way you demand and the way you deserve to be loved with all my heart, mind, soul, spirit and being. May God Make you holy, for He said, Be ye holy, for I am holy, saith the Lord. Father, bless us, we pray. Speak to our hearts.

[John Weaver] Grant us Your mercy and grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray. Amen.

Family Devotions In the Context of Lifestyle Discipling

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	8142525415115
Subject	Family Government
Course	The Christian Family: Children, Fatherhood, and Generational Faithfulness: The World And Times Of Jesse James
Genre	Sermon
Date	2025-08-08
Dictation Name
Book	Book 028: The Christian Family: Children, Fatherhood, and Generational Faithfulness — Chapter 16
Source Timed Segments	77

Formatted Transcript

Introduction: The Only Biblical Occurrence of 'Devotions'

Weaver introduces Acts 17:22-23, noting that the word 'devotions' appears only once in the English Bible, in the context of pagan Athenian worship. He emphasizes that negatives in Scripture are as important as positives.

Thank you, Brother Mooney. I tell you what, he's got a better memory than I do, as far as dates are concerned. I tell my wife, I say, "Sweetheart, you remember all the birthdays. That's fine. You remember all the dates. I'll remember everything else." So I'm not one of those that remembers dates all that time. But I just know it's been a long time, a long time. So, wow. Well, it's good to see each one of you here tonight. And certainly it's good to be here. I want you to open your Bibles, if you will, please, tonight to the book of Acts, chapter 17. And I want us to read verses 22 and 23. Because I'm supposed to be dealing with devotions tonight, and I'm going to deal with it with their aim and their end. And I hope it'll be enlightening for you as well. So if you look in Acts chapter 17 and let's read verse 22.

Verse 22 and verse 23, "Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars Hill and said, 'You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you're too superstitious'"—or too religious—"'For as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you.'" I suppose that each one of us have what we call devotions. We read our Bible, we pray. Many times we have what are known as family devotions and we'll read our Bible and pray. Sometimes there will be a short time of instruction, but not usually very long. But I suppose that as I read this text tonight, you might call it exceedingly strange that I want to begin a message on Christian life and Christian sanctification using a verse that is actually talking about pagans. In fact, it's a negative verse in one sense of the word, for he said in verse 23, "For as I passed by, beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you."

Let me just simply point something out. Negatives are just as important as positives. And anytime you see a negative, you should always ask, "What is the positive?" Anytime you see a positive, you should also ask, "What is the negative?" And when God is telling us what is not something, we need to mark that down in our minds just as easily and truthfully as He tells us what something really and truly is. So a negative is absolutely just as important as a positive.

So if you look at verse 23 again, he says, "For as I passed by, beheld your devotions." Wow. I asked Brother Nelson before service tonight, I said, "Can you tell me how many times the word 'devotions' occurs in our Bibles?" He said, "No." I said, "One time." And this is the only time the word occurs in the Bible.

The Danger of Worshiping an Unknown God

Many professing Christians worship a God of their imagination rather than the God revealed in the Bible. Doctrine determines duty, so incorrect doctrine leads to misunderstanding one's obligations.

Now, it does occur another time in the Greek, but in that instance it's translated as "worship." But it's the only time that we have the word "devotions" in our English Bible. Secondly, if you will note, this word "devotions" now is said in the context of paganism. Because these Athenians did not know the One True and the Living God, and they had altars dedicated to all the gods, and it's one that they were totally ignorant of. They had an altar to Him as well. And you would ask this question, "Who would be so insane as to have an altar to an unknown God?" But the truth of the matter is, there are many professing Christians who worship an unknown God. Because they worship a God who is the figment of their imagination. They do not know the God that has revealed Himself in the Word of God. They do not know the God that has revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ. They have a God that is in their mind of what God is like, and sometimes they even imagine in their mind what God is like, and even picturing Him in their mind, which is idolatry in and of itself. But most people are just content with the figment of their imagination.

Years ago, I was in a pastor's office and we were discussing the biblical doctrine of election. And of course, I was quoting Scripture and he was quoting Scripture. And the door was open and his secretary and her desk was right outside that open door. And so we had been discussing the election, I don't know, 15, 20, 30 minutes, something like that. And all of a sudden, his secretary burst into his office without announcement, without knocking. Of course, the door was open. She burst in the office.

And here's what she said: "I don't care what the Bible says. I know God is not like that." And her pastor, first of all, rebuked her. And then he said, "Did you hear what you just said?" She had a God of her own imagination, not the God of the Bible. The only God that exists is the God of the Bible. So many people think that these Athenians were just polytheists, that is, they had served many gods, believed in many gods. And therefore, just in case they may have left one out, they had this altar then to the unknown God. Or some have suggested that maybe a plague had hit the Athenians and they did not know which God to try to appease. And so they had an altar then to this God that they did not even know whether or not He existed. So to the unknown God.

Now, I want you to look, if you would, please, in verse 23 again. He says, "For as I passed by, beheld your devotions." Now, the word "devotions" in the Greek is the word sebasma, and it refers to whatever is religiously honored, whatever is an object of worship, and it's used oftentimes in reference to temples or altars, statues, even idolatrous images. Now, let me ask you why this is important. I want you to think about biblical doctrine. I want you to think about the right doctrine of God. I told you the only God that exists is the God that has revealed Himself in the Bible and through the Lord Jesus Christ. And the reason this is important is because our duty is always based upon our doctrine. So if your doctrine is incorrect, you have no idea what your duty really is. You have no idea what your obligations really and truly are. So it's impossible, then, to know your duty apart from doctrine.

Doctrine as the Foundation for Steadfastness

Using 1 Corinthians 15:58, Weaver shows that the doctrine of the resurrection motivates believers to remain steadfast and abounding in the Lord's work, because they know their labor is not in vain.

So let me give you a good, clear illustration of this. You remember that passage, most of you can quote it, in 1 Corinthians 15, verse 58? The Apostle Paul says,

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:58

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."

Why? He said, "because"—or

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:58

"forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

Now, listen to what he said. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding." And then he said, "forasmuch as ye know your labour is not in vain in the Lord." How do we know that? How do we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord? And let me ask you another question. What in the world would it be like for you and I to remain steadfast, unmovable, unshakable in a world that hates us, that slanders us, that ridicules us, and that thinks we're absolute lunatics? What keeps us going? What keeps us ticking?

And the answer is, it's doctrine. And we understand that our duty is based upon our doctrine. Because you have to understand that in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, the Apostle Paul has just fleshed out the doctrine of the bodily resurrection from the dead. And he also pointed out how that Jesus Christ was bodily raised from the dead. And therefore, since He is our head, and we are His body, just as the head was bodily raised from the dead, we shall also be bodily raised from the dead. In other words, we understand that this life is not just all there is. We understand that this world is not just all there is. We understand that. And so it is the doctrine of the resurrection and the doctrine of the faithfulness of God that keeps us steadfast, unmovable, unshakable. Therefore, that is based upon what I just taught you. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable." Well, it doesn't matter whether the world recognizes us or not. It doesn't matter if this church is ever written up in the paper as the church of the month.

It doesn't matter if you're ever recognized by the president or not. No, no, no, no, no. We understand our duty is based upon our doctrine.

The Meaning of 'Devout' in Scripture

Weaver examines three Greek words translated 'devout' (eulabēs, eusebēs, sebomai) to define a devout person as one who seriously, dutifully, and reverently worships God, becoming more godly and obedient.

Now, we're talking about devotions. What in the world does doctrine have to do with devotions? When you think of the word "devotions," you also should think of the words "devoted" or "devout." They are intimately connected with the word "devotions." So if devotions happens to be the act of honoring and worshiping the one true, the living God who's revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ, then our aim and the end of our devotions is to be that we are to become devout worshipers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, I want you to go with me in some Scriptures because there are three different Greek words that are translated as "devout" in the Bible. And interestingly, these words occur in nine verses, and it just so happens God has ordained it. There is one word in three verses in each instance. So if you would turn in your Bibles very quickly to the book of Luke, chapter 2, and I want you to understand the word "devout." So if you look in Luke chapter 2 and let's read verse 25. Luke chapter 2 and verse 25. Luke 2, look in verse 25.

Here's what the Word of God says. Luke 2, verse 25. "Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days"—that's Luke 1, I need to get Luke 2. Luke 2 verse 25, and he said this,

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:25

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same was a just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him."

So, now, Simeon is called just and devout. If you would turn over in your Bibles to the book of Acts, chapter 2, and look, if you would please, at verse 5. Acts, chapter 2, and verse 5. And the Word of God says this, "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." Then in Acts chapter 8 and verse 2, here's the last of these three, the last one of the first of these three, look in Acts chapter 8, notice if you would, verse 2. "And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him." Now, each of these three Greek words—each of these words, "devout"—is the same Greek word, and it happens to be eulabēs.

What it literally means is to take hold upon, to carefully, securely, surely, and cautiously reverence God. Now, stop and think about this. Each of these men cautiously, seriously, deliberately, reverenced God. They were serious men, they were determined men, they were knowledgeable men, and thus they are called devout.

Now, the second Greek word that is used, and I'm going to show it to you, it happens to be the word eusebēs. Now, you probably say, "You know, that word sounds familiar to me. It sounds like I've heard it before," and probably you have, because there was an early church historian by the name of Eusebius, who happened to have lived in the second and third century. And this word, eusebēs, literally means godly, pious, and dutiful. Since you're in the book of Acts, if you look in Acts chapter 10, look at verse 2. Here's the word eusebēs, "a devout man," talking about Cornelius,

Scripture Reading — Acts 10:2

"and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."

Now look, if you would, in Acts chapter 10 and verse 7. "And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually." And then if you look at Acts chapter 22 and verse 12. Acts 22 and verse 12. And now you have the third time this word occurs. "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there." Remember now, this word means godly. It means pious. It means dutiful. Now, there's a third Greek word, and it is the word sebomai. It is related to the word that is in our text in Acts chapter 17 and verse 23.

So, if you look back in your Bibles now to Acts chapter 13, I want to put these together for you. If you look in Acts chapter 13, beginning there with verse 50. Acts 13, verse 50. Watch what is said. Acts 13, verse 50.

Scripture Reading — Acts 13:50

"But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts."

Now, if you look in Acts chapter 17 and verse 4, Acts 17 and verse 4, hear the Word of God says. "And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few." And then in Acts 17 and verse 17, you'll see it again. "Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him." Now, notice if you would, if you put all of these three things together, you can come up with a good definition of what it means to be devout.

or to be devoted. You have someone then who is very serious, who is very dutiful, who is very cautiously and yet very reverentially laying hold upon God and worshipping Him, who is doing so out of a godly and pious and dutiful attitude, and one then, of course, who obviously is worshipping Him. And this word, sebomai, means to revere and to worship. So the actual end of all devotions, whether you're talking about personal devotions or family devotions, is to turn yourself and your family into what you and I would call devoted or devout individuals. So a devout individual was just explained with these three particular words. So, listen carefully. The point of real, genuine devotions is not to fill someone's head with just simple head knowledge or intellectual knowledge.

Eternal Life as Personal Knowledge of God

From John 17:3, Weaver explains that eternal life is a present, personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Jesus Christ, not mere facts or a future state.

Now, what I want you to do right now, if you don't mind, is just turn in your Bibles to Acts chapter—not Acts, but John chapter 17. And as you turn to John 17, I just want to mention a couple of things that most people consider what eternal life really is. And they're myths in one sense of the word, they're not really what eternal life is. I've had a lot of people say, "Well, eternal life is just living forever." If you define eternal life as living forever, then I would say those who are lost and die and are tormented forever, they're living forever. They would have eternal life, too, if you define it like that. Someone says, "Well, I don't have to worry about eternal life because, you know, you get that when you die."

I got news for you. If you do not possess eternal life before you die, you will never have it after you die. It's amazing to me, it's absolutely strange, how most people wish to live an unholy, ungodly life. They want to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and live in the pride of life. And when they die, presto, automatically, they turn into holy, righteous beings. No, it doesn't work like that. You know, it was Balaam, the false prophet, who said, "Let me die the death of the righteous." But he didn't want to live the life of the righteous. You cannot die the death of the righteous unless you live the life of the righteous. So here's a good question. What is eternal life? Look in your Bibles, John 17 and verse 3, at what our Lord said.

Now, take it right from Him. He said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." Look at that. "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." So, there are two very important truths conveyed to us in this text. First of all, the Greek word "know" is the word ginōskō. And it means to learn to know. It means to come to know. It means to get a knowledge of. It means to perceive. It means to understand and to become acquainted with. So let me put it to you very plainly. Eternal life, according to our Lord Jesus Christ, is a personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ. It's not just facts about God, it is knowing God. It's not just facts about Jesus Christ, it is knowing Jesus Christ.

That is why in Philippians chapter 3 and verse 10, the Apostle Paul said,

Scripture Reading — Philippians 3:10

"That I might know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; that I might know Him."

Now look, if you would, back in John 17 in verse 3. He said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." The second truth is the word "know" is a present active subjunctive in the text. The very present tense means that it is actually happening now in time and in history. The active tense means that you are involved in it. The subjunctive mood is the mood of potentiality. Wow, possibility and potentiality. So here's what He's saying. This is life eternal right now, that we would have a personal, intimate relationship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let this sink into your hearts. Let it sink into your mind. Lay hold of this and think about this, that we as God's children have the absolute privilege and the absolute blessing of having an intimate personal knowledge of our Heavenly Father now, in time and in history. Wow! What about eternity? If I were to stand here tonight and try to teach you on the doctrine of God, it would be almost impossible. I could talk about the omniscience of God, the omnipotence of God, the omnipresence of God, the eternality of God, the infinity of God. We could discuss all of the attributes of God as He's revealed Himself in the Bible. But have you ever stopped to think about this? In eternity, we will have perfect understandings.

The Necessity of Precise Knowledge for Godliness

Citing 2 Peter 1:2-3 and other passages, Weaver argues that grace, peace, and all things pertaining to life and godliness come through the precise, accurate knowledge (epignōsis) of God.

Now, I want to show you something. I'm going to show you the aim and the end of all devotions. I don't care if it's personal. I don't care if it's familial. I don't care if it's ecclesiastical. I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of 2 Peter, chapter 1. 2 Peter, chapter 1. And look, if you would, please, beginning there with verse 2. 2 Peter, chapter 1 and verse 2. Look at this very carefully.

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord." Now, wait a minute. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you." Do you want more grace? Do you want more peace? How are grace and peace multiplied? Through the knowledge of God. Hmm. Now, hang on. Look in verse 3. "According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue." Isn't that astounding? He said in verse 2, grace and peace is multiplied to us through the knowledge of God. Now He says that God has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. And the word "knowledge," in both instances, is the Greek word epignōsis, which does not just simply mean knowledge.

It means rather a fuller or a precise or an accurate knowledge, epi, the preposition upon, knowledge upon knowledge, which is more accurate and more precise. Where in the world do we get this precise and accurate knowledge of our one true and living God who's revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ? And the answer is the revelation that is made of Himself in the Word of God. Now, I want you to see from the Bible how often this precise and accurate and correct knowledge of God is commanded. So I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Ephesians chapter 1. We'll start there. Ephesians chapter 1.

And if you look in verse 17. Look what he says, Ephesians 1 in verse 17,

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 1:17

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him."

Oh, boy. Hmm. He goes on in verse 18, "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened"—and the only way they can be enlightened is through the knowledge of Him—"that ye may know

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 1:17

"—the only way you can know is through the knowledge of Him—"

what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." All of this is through knowledge. A personal, intimate knowledge, a precise, accurate knowledge, as God has revealed Himself. Look in verse 13 of chapter 4 of Ephesians. Ephesians 4, verse 13.

Here we have this statement. Verse 13, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect"—or mature—"man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro." What stops us from being tossed to and fro? Knowledge. A precise, accurate knowledge. And notice, if you would, "till we all come into the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect, mature man, unto the measure, the stature, the fulness of Christ." Then if you turn right over to the book of Philippians, chapter 1, and look, if you would please, at verse 9, Philippians 1 in verse 9. Again, he says it like this: "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment." Now, wait a minute. Someone says, "Well, we're to love everybody." No, we're not to love everybody. What does the Scripture say? "Shouldest thou love them whom God hatest?" Isn't that what was asked? Yeah. What did David say? "Do not I hate them that hate Thee, O God? I hate them with perfect hatred."

"I count them mine enemies." Did he not say that? What is he talking about? Look at it again in verse 9. Look what he said. "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment." You have to know who to love, you have to know when to love, you have to know how to love, and you have to use judgment. But how are we going to do that? With knowledge.

Now, if you look in your Bibles to the book of Colossians, chapter 1 and verse 10, Colossians 1, verse 10, look what he says, just showing you where this is actually commanded. Colossians 1, look in verse 10. He said this,

Scripture Reading — Colossians 1:10

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Now, if you want to be fruitful in every good work and if you want to walk pleasing unto Him, you have to be increasing in the knowledge of God. Now, look in Colossians 3 and verse 10, Colossians 3 and verse 10, he says it again. "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." So the only God that exists is the God of the Bible. The only God that has revealed Himself is the one that has revealed Himself fully and freely in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Building Up Through Devotions

Using Jude 20-21 and Deuteronomy 6, Weaver teaches that devotions are meant to build up believers and their families on the foundation of Christ, keeping themselves in the love of God through obedience.

I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, please, to the book of Jude. The book of Jude, right before the book of Revelation. And I want you to see again, this is the end and the aim of personal and family devotions. It is that you are to build yourself up and you're to build your family up. So here's what he said in Jude, verse 20 and 21. He said, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith." Wow. "Praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."

Now, let me give you a couple of things. First of all, he said, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith." Have you ever asked yourself this question, "How do I build myself up on my most holy faith?" Wow. Interestingly, the Greek word means literally to build upon or to build up or to finish the structure from which the foundation has already been laid. You know what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians, chapter 3, verse 10, "I have laid the foundation." The foundation is in Jesus Christ. No other man needs to lay that foundation. That foundation is laid. So what he's saying in the book of Jude is we're to build ourselves up on this foundation, the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Well, how do we do it? Well, one way, of course, is by praying in the Holy Ghost, which is a different sermon in itself. But the second way is "keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." So let me ask you this question, how do you keep yourself in the love of God? See, most people think the love of God is emotions or the love of God is feelings or the love of God happens to be some little ethereal thing floating around somewhere in the universe. How in the world would you keep yourself in the love of God like that? Hmm. You need to know what the love of God is.

And I can give it to you directly from the Scripture. 1 John 5, and verse 3, for the Bible says this, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous." What is the love of God? Keeping His commandments. Obedience. Submission. Yes. If you'll look in your Bibles, if you'll turn to the book of Romans, chapter 13, you'll see this again very plainly stated. Look at Romans, chapter 13, and let's begin reading there with verse 8. Romans 13, verse 8. And here's what the Word of God says. Watch this carefully. Romans 13 and verse 8. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."

"For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Love is obedience. I used to tell my girls, I had four daughters, I jokingly always say all my boys were girls. But, you know, I love girls. I love little girls, that's for sure. I mean, we have identical twins. And so holding one in each arm, you know, was quite a blessing and sometimes strange. But my wife looked out one day at our house, and I had a hammock out there. And I was in the hammock and one of my twins was pushing me this way. The other twin was pushing me that way. My baby girl had a fan and she was fanning me.

And my oldest daughter was dropping grapes in my mouth. Did I like it? Oh, yeah. I can assure you. But the point I'm trying to make is this. Love—you know, I told my girls this. I love that. I appreciate that. And you can tell me all day long that you love me and you can kiss on my cheeks all day long. But what I really want as proof of love is obedience and submission. So I don't care how many times my girls told me they love me if they disobeyed me. The obvious is they do not love me. So you can tell God all day long that you love Him. But if you're violating His law, if you're violating His Word, you do not love Him. I don't care what you say. Now.

In your personal devotions, in your family devotions, your teaching and training yourself and your family. Not just simply to know the Scriptures. They must know them, that is for sure, but they must know the principles. They must know how to apply them. They must know how to flesh those things out in practical everyday situations. You have to have precise knowledge, accurate knowledge in order to do that. Have you ever thought about this? A problem is not a problem if you know what to do. You only have problems when you don't know what to do. But when you have the answer from Scripture, you know what to do, and therefore you can work right through the problem. It turns out not to be a problem.

Now, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, first of all, to the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 6. Watch this. Deuteronomy, chapter 6. And let's begin reading there with verse 4, Deuteronomy 6, verse 4. Look what the Word of God says. He's talking about statutes and judgments in verse 5, in fact, I will read verse 5. He says, "Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it." Now, look what he says concerning these laws.

"Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?" Now look at this. "Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons." He said, "All these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt diligently teach them unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them

for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." What is he saying? He's saying we have to know the Word of God. We have to know what He teaches us. We have to know how to obey what He teaches us. There are a lot of people who can quote the Ten Commandments. And they break them all the time. No. How do we know whether or not this knowledge is in our hearts? He said this knowledge shall be in your heart. How do we know that it's in our hearts?

Because we talk about it when we sit down. We talk about it when we walk by the wayside. We talk about it when we lie down and we get up. In other words, what he's saying is it becomes our life. It becomes everything to us. It becomes our food, our drink, our sleep, our work, our hobby. It becomes everything to us. If you'll turn in your Bibles to the book of John, chapter 6, I will show you the New Testament version of what I just read and quoted from the Old Testament. John, chapter 6.

Christ as Our Life and Sustenance

From John 6, Weaver illustrates that Jesus is the bread of life; true devotion means He becomes our everything—our food, drink, and constant meditation.

And let's begin reading there, verse 48. John 6, verse 48. Look at this. John 6, verse 48. Jesus Christ said, "I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Then Jesus said to them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.

And I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever." I do not believe that this passage teaches the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. Neither do I believe it teaches the Lutheran doctrine of consubstantiation. But I think what it is teaching is very plain and very clear. That Jesus Christ is our life. He is our food. He is our drink. He is our everything. And the Scripture says He is our all in all. It means He said, "If you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you abide in me and I abide in you." What is He saying? He is saying simply, if we're devoted to Him, He is our life. He is everything about us.

You can't help but talk of Him. You can't help but pray to Him. You can't help but worship Him. You can't help but think to Him and think of Him. He is our everything. Our devotions are to be full of life because He is life. And if you come up with deadness and dullness, it's not life. He said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the one true and living God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." The goal, the end and the aim of all devotions is to become a more devout and devoted worshiper of God, the Father through Jesus Christ.

Applications and Warnings

Weaver gives three applications: education alone is insufficient without the Spirit's illumination; it is inconsistent to claim love for God while being too busy for Him; and the best preparation for eternity is to grow in grace and knowledge now.

Now, let me give you some applications. Here's the first one. This is a warning, Mama and Daddy. Education alone is insufficient. I'm not telling you do not educate your children. I'm not saying do not teach your children Bible verses. You must. But don't rely upon that alone. Education in and of itself is insufficient. We must have the illumination and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit of God. We must ask that our eyes will be opened. We must ask that our understanding will be open.

What does Proverbs 2, verse 6 say? "Understanding cometh from God." What did the Apostle Paul tell Timothy in 2 Timothy 2, verse 7? He said, "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." Note, if you would, Timothy had to consider, he had to think, he had to meditate, but he also had to seek God for understanding. You do not go to bed stupid and wake up smart. You don't go to bed ignorant and wake up brilliant. You must study, you must consider, you must meditate, but at the same time, you have to recognize that you need the Holy Spirit to open your understanding. You know what the Bible says in Luke chapter 24 and verse 45 concerning Jesus Christ and His disciples?

Remember, they walked with Him for three years. The Bible says in Luke 24 and verse 45, "Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures." There can be no understanding of the Scripture apart from divine illumination. He must open our eyes. Education alone is insufficient. You better cry out to God to make it effective. I can give you a good, clear illustration. You know, the Bible says in Proverbs 23, "For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell." Now, if you take that verse and say, "Hmm, I know what that means." Then you take a rod, the best case scenario for evangelism would be go around beating everybody that you could find. No, that's not what that verse means. That verse means if you discipline that child with God's blessing upon that discipline, he's not going to die. He'll be saved. That's what it means. And so it means this, that we must teach our children, but we must not rely upon our instruction and our education.

We must cry out to God for this. We must. We must. Here's the second application. You ask so many people sometimes why they do not pray or why they do not study. The simple answer is this: "I'm just too busy." Wow. It is inconsistent not to have time for God and wish to spend eternity with God. How can you say, "I have no time for God"? He's the one that gives you time. Now is the time to know Him. Now is the time to learn of Him. Now is the time to obey Him. Now is the time to follow Him. Now is the time to emulate Him. Now is the time to worship Him. And it's inconsistent for you to say that you love God, and yet you want to spend eternity with Him, but you're too busy now to pray and study and worship Him.

I tell you what, you try this with your spouse. You tell your spouse, "You know, I love you, but I really don't have time for you right now. And I probably won't be able to have time for you for the next week or two." See how that works out for you. Yeah, but you know, we do. I love that passage in Jeremiah 2, I think it is. What did God say? "My people have forgotten me days without number." How can you forget God? You better wake up every morning. And you better be quoting Lamentations 3, 22 and 23. "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." If it wasn't for God's greatness and faithfulness and mercies and compassions, you would not have made it through the night. No.

It's inconsistent for you to say that you love the Lord and you want to spend eternity with Him, but you're too busy now to commune with Him and to worship Him. Here's the third application. The best way to prepare for eternity is to love the Lord now and to worship Him now in time and in history. And if you are not becoming more and more devoted to God and to the Lord Jesus Christ, if you're not becoming more and more devout, if you're not becoming more and more knowledgeable and growing in grace, you're not using devotions for their proper end. I want to close with one last verse. I want you to please turn to 2 Peter 3 in verse 18. I can quote this verse, but I want you to see it.

I'm going to explain one little tiny word. In 2 Peter 3, look, if you would please, at verse 18. Look at this. 2 Peter 3, verse 18. The Bible says, "But grow in grace."

"and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." You see that little word, "but grow in grace and"—that little word "and" is the Greek word kai, we'd spell it K-A-I. That little word kai is translated not only "and" in our Bibles many times, but it is also translated many times in our Bibles as "even." So you could read this, "but grow in grace even in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." So if you're not growing in knowledge, you're not growing in grace. Grace and peace are multiplied to us through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The aim and end and object of all devotions, personal, family, ecclesiastical, is for you to become more devout, more devoted, more godly, more obedient, more submissive, more loving, more kind, more like your Heavenly Father. Why? Because you're communing with Him. And it's the Holy Spirit of God who transforms us into that image, into all the moral excellencies that are revealed of Him in the Scripture. Without the knowledge, you're not going to live a sanctified, holy life.

Conclusion: Grow in Grace and Knowledge

Weaver closes with 2 Peter 3:18, emphasizing that growing in grace is synonymous with growing in the knowledge of Christ, and prays for God to make the hearers holy.

I'm going to explain one little tiny word. In 2 Peter 3, look, if you would please, at verse 18. Look at this. 2 Peter 3, verse 18. The Bible says, "But grow in grace."

You need to pray when you pray. And when you study and when you read, "Lord, open my eyes, make me more godly, make me more devoted, more devout. May I worship You the way You have commanded. May I love You the way You demand and the way You deserve to be loved with all my heart, mind, soul, spirit and being." May God make you holy, for He said, "Be ye holy; for I am holy, saith the Lord." Father, bless us, we pray. Speak to our hearts. Grant us Your mercy and grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray. Amen.

Study Guide

Major Themes

The Aim of Devotions is Devout Worship

Summary: The ultimate purpose of personal and family devotions is to become a devout, devoted worshiper of God, not merely to acquire head knowledge.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'the actual end of all devotions... is to turn yourself and your family into what you and I would call devoted or devout individuals.'

Doctrine Determines Duty

Summary: Correct doctrine is essential for understanding one's obligations; duty is always based on doctrine.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'our duty is always based upon our doctrine. So if your doctrine is incorrect, you have no idea what your duty really is.'

Eternal Life is Present Knowledge of God

Summary: Eternal life is defined as a present, personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Jesus Christ, not just living forever or a future state.

Evidence: Weaver explains John 17:3: 'Eternal life, according to our Lord Jesus Christ, is a personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Himself.'

Knowledge Must Lead to Obedience

Summary: True knowledge of God results in obedience, submission, and godliness; love for God is demonstrated by keeping His commandments.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'What is the love of God? Keeping His commandments. Obedience. Submission.'

Insufficiency of Education Alone

Summary: Head knowledge and education are insufficient for true devotion; divine illumination by the Holy Spirit is necessary.

Evidence: Weaver warns, 'Education alone is insufficient. We must have the illumination and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit of God.'

Inconsistency of Neglecting God

Summary: It is inconsistent to claim love for God and desire for eternity with Him while being too busy to commune with Him now.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'It is inconsistent not to have time for God and wish to spend eternity with God.'

Key Arguments

Negatives in Scripture are as important as positives

Summary: Weaver argues that when Scripture presents a negative example (like pagan devotions), it implies a positive truth that must be sought.

Evidence: He says, 'Negatives are just as important as positives. And anytime you see a negative, you should always ask, "What is the positive?"'

Many Christians worship an unknown God

Summary: Like the Athenians, many professing Christians worship a God of their imagination rather than the God revealed in Scripture.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'there are many professing Christians who worship an unknown God. Because they worship a God who is the figment of their imagination.'

The resurrection doctrine fuels steadfastness

Summary: The doctrine of the bodily resurrection assures believers that their labor is not in vain, enabling them to remain steadfast.

Evidence: Weaver explains, 'it is the doctrine of the resurrection and the doctrine of the faithfulness of God that keeps us steadfast, unmovable, unshakable.'

Devoutness defined by three Greek words

Summary: The biblical concept of devout combines serious reverence (eulabēs), godly piety (eusebēs), and worship (sebomai).

Evidence: Weaver synthesizes: 'You have someone then who is very serious, who is very dutiful, who is very cautiously and yet very reverentially laying hold upon God and worshipping Him.'

Eternal life is a present reality

Summary: John 17:3 uses a present active subjunctive verb, indicating that eternal life is a present, ongoing, potential relationship with God.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'This is life eternal right now, that we would have a personal, intimate relationship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.'

Grace and peace multiply through knowledge

Summary: 2 Peter 1:2-3 teaches that grace, peace, and all things for life and godliness come through the precise knowledge of God.

Evidence: Weaver asks, 'Do you want more grace? Do you want more peace? How are grace and peace multiplied? Through the knowledge of God.'

Love is obedience to God's commandments

Summary: The love of God is defined biblically as keeping His commandments, not mere emotion or words.

Evidence: Weaver quotes 1 John 5:3 and Romans 13:8-10, concluding, 'Love is obedience.'

Growing in grace equals growing in knowledge

Summary: 2 Peter 3:18 can be read as 'grow in grace even in the knowledge of our Lord,' indicating that growth in grace is inseparable from growth in knowledge.

Evidence: Weaver explains the Greek word kai: 'So you could read this, "but grow in grace even in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."'

Scripture References

Acts 17:22-23

Context: Paul's address on Mars Hill, noting the Athenians' altar to an unknown God; the only occurrence of 'devotions' in the English Bible.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Context: Paul's exhortation to be steadfast and abounding in the Lord's work, based on the knowledge that labor is not in vain because of the resurrection.

Luke 2:25

Context: Simeon described as just and devout (eulabēs), waiting for the consolation of Israel.

Acts 2:5

Context: Devout Jews from every nation dwelling in Jerusalem at Pentecost.

Acts 8:2

Context: Devout men carried Stephen to his burial.

Acts 10:2

Context: Cornelius described as a devout man (eusebēs) who feared God.

Acts 10:7

Context: A devout soldier under Cornelius.

Acts 22:12

Context: Ananias, a devout man according to the law.

Acts 13:50

Context: Devout and honorable women stirred up against Paul and Barnabas.

Acts 17:4

Context: A great multitude of devout Greeks believed and consorted with Paul and Silas.

Acts 17:17

Context: Paul disputed with devout persons in the synagogue and marketplace.

John 17:3

Context: Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:10

Context: Paul's desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.

2 Peter 1:2-3

Context: Grace and peace multiplied through the knowledge of God; all things for life and godliness given through knowledge.

Ephesians 1:17

Context: Paul prays for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God.

Ephesians 4:13

Context: Unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God leads to maturity.

Philippians 1:9

Context: Paul prays that love may abound in knowledge and judgment.

Colossians 1:10

Context: Walking worthy of the Lord and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Colossians 3:10

Context: The new man is renewed in knowledge after the image of God.

Jude 20-21

Context: Building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keeping yourselves in the love of God.

Historical References

Athenian polytheism and the altar to the unknown god

Context: Weaver describes the historical context of Acts 17, where Athenians had many altars to various gods and one to an unknown god, possibly to cover any missed deity or to appease a god during a plague.

Eusebius, early church historian

Context: Weaver mentions Eusebius as an example of the Greek word eusebēs, meaning godly or pious, noting he lived in the second and third centuries.

Important Quotes

Negatives are just as important as positives. And anytime you see a negative, you should always ask, "What is the positive?"

Significance: Establishes a hermeneutical principle that negative examples in Scripture imply positive truths, framing the use of Acts 17 as a lesson on true devotion.

our duty is always based upon our doctrine. So if your doctrine is incorrect, you have no idea what your duty really is.

Significance: Core argument that correct knowledge of God is essential for right living; doctrine determines practice.

the actual end of all devotions, whether you're talking about personal devotions or family devotions, is to turn yourself and your family into what you and I would call devoted or devout individuals.

Significance: Defines the purpose of devotions as transformation into devout worshipers, not mere intellectual exercise.

Eternal life, according to our Lord Jesus Christ, is a personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Significance: Clarifies the biblical definition of eternal life as a present relationship, not just future existence.

If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing.

Significance: Practical principle that without a clear goal for devotions, believers will miss the intended outcome of becoming more devoted.

What is the love of God? Keeping His commandments. Obedience. Submission.

Significance: Defines love for God in concrete, biblical terms, countering emotional or abstract notions.

It is inconsistent not to have time for God and wish to spend eternity with God.

Significance: Challenges the common excuse of busyness, highlighting the contradiction of claiming love for God while neglecting communion with Him.

Discussion Questions

How does the negative example of the Athenians' devotions in Acts 17 help us understand what true Christian devotion should look like?

Context: Weaver begins by noting that negatives in Scripture are as important as positives, using the pagan devotions as a contrast.

In what ways might professing Christians today be worshiping an 'unknown God' of their imagination rather than the God of the Bible?

Context: Weaver warns that many have a God of their own making, not the God revealed in Scripture.

How does the doctrine of the resurrection practically enable you to remain steadfast and abounding in the Lord's work?

Context: Weaver uses 1 Corinthians 15:58 to show that doctrine fuels perseverance.

Based on the three Greek words for 'devout,' what characteristics should be evident in a person who is truly devoted to God?

Context: Weaver defines devout using eulabēs, eusebēs, and sebomai.

If eternal life is knowing God personally now, how should that reality shape your daily devotions and priorities?

Context: Weaver explains John 17:3 as a present, active relationship with God.

Why is head knowledge alone insufficient for producing a devout life, and what role does the Holy Spirit play?

Context: Weaver emphasizes the need for divine illumination alongside study.

How can you practically 'keep yourself in the love of God' as described in Jude 21 and 1 John 5:3?

Context: Weaver connects keeping in God's love with obedience to His commandments.

What are some signs that a person's devotions are achieving their proper end of making them more devout and Christ-like?

Context: Weaver concludes that the aim is to become more godly, obedient, and worshipful.

Applications

Rely on the Holy Spirit, not just education

Summary: Parents and individuals must not rely solely on teaching Bible facts; they must cry out to God for the Holy Spirit to open understanding and make the Word effective.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'Education alone is insufficient. We must have the illumination and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit of God.'

Make time for God now

Summary: It is inconsistent to claim love for God and desire for eternity with Him while being too busy to pray, study, and worship Him now.

Evidence: Weaver states, 'It is inconsistent not to have time for God and wish to spend eternity with God.'

Prepare for eternity by growing in knowledge and grace now

Summary: The best way to prepare for eternity is to love and worship the Lord now, becoming more devoted and knowledgeable through proper use of devotions.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'if you are not becoming more and more devoted to God... you're not using devotions for their proper end.'

Aim for transformation, not just information

Summary: In personal and family devotions, the goal should be to become more devout, obedient, and Christ-like, not merely to accumulate head knowledge.

Evidence: Weaver warns, 'If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing' and 'The point of real, genuine devotions is not to fill someone's head with just simple head knowledge.'

Demonstrate love through obedience

Summary: Love for God is proven by keeping His commandments; verbal professions of love are empty without submission to His Word.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'you can tell God all day long that you love Him. But if you're violating His law... you do not love Him.'

Integrate Scripture into all of life

Summary: Following Deuteronomy 6, believers should talk of God's Word throughout daily activities, making it central to life.

Evidence: Weaver explains, 'it becomes our life. It becomes everything to us.'

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T19:44:12Z

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T12:33:17Z

Clean Transcript

Family Devotions In the Context of Lifestyle Discipling

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

Thank you, Brother Mooney. I tell you what, he's got a better memory than I do, as far as dates are concerned. I tell my wife, I say, "Sweetheart, you remember all the birthdays. That's fine. You remember all the dates. I'll remember everything else." So I'm not one of those that remembers dates all that time. But I just know it's been a long time, a long time. So, wow. Well, it's good to see each one of you here tonight. And certainly it's good to be here. I want you to open your Bibles, if you will, please, tonight to the book of Acts, chapter 17. And I want us to read verses 22 and 23. Because I'm supposed to be dealing with devotions tonight, and I'm going to deal with it with their aim and their end. And I hope it'll be enlightening for you as well. So if you look in Acts chapter 17 and let's read verse 22.
#1 | 0:01 to 1:00 | cleaned
Verse 22 and verse 23, "Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars Hill and said, 'You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you're too superstitious'"—or too religious—"'For as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you.'" I suppose that each one of us have what we call devotions.
#2 | 1:00 to 1:31 | cleaned
We read our Bible, we pray. Many times we have what are known as family devotions and we'll read our Bible and pray. Sometimes there will be a short time of instruction, but not usually very long. But I suppose that as I read this text tonight, you might call it exceedingly strange that I want to begin a message on Christian life and Christian sanctification using a verse that is actually talking about pagans. In fact, it's a negative verse in one sense of the word, for he said in verse 23, "For as I passed by, beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, Him declare I unto you."
#3 | 1:31 to 2:19 | cleaned
Let me just simply point something out. Negatives are just as important as positives. And anytime you see a negative, you should always ask, "What is the positive?" Anytime you see a positive, you should also ask, "What is the negative?" And when God is telling us what is not something, we need to mark that down in our minds just as easily and truthfully as He tells us what something really and truly is. So a negative is absolutely just as important as a positive.
#4 | 2:19 to 2:48 | cleaned
So if you look at verse 23 again, he says, "For as I passed by, beheld your devotions." Wow. I asked Brother Nelson before service tonight, I said, "Can you tell me how many times the word 'devotions' occurs in our Bibles?" He said, "No." I said, "One time." And this is the only time the word occurs in the Bible.
#5 | 2:49 to 3:21 | cleaned
Now, it does occur another time in the Greek, but in that instance it's translated as "worship." But it's the only time that we have the word "devotions" in our English Bible. Secondly, if you will note, this word "devotions" now is said in the context of paganism. Because these Athenians did not know the One True and the Living God, and they had altars dedicated to all the gods, and it's one that they were totally ignorant of.
#6 | 3:21 to 3:50 | cleaned
They had an altar to Him as well. And you would ask this question, "Who would be so insane as to have an altar to an unknown God?" But the truth of the matter is, there are many professing Christians who worship an unknown God. Because they worship a God who is the figment of their imagination. They do not know the God that has revealed Himself in the Word of God. They do not know the God that has revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ. They have a God that is in their mind of what God is like, and sometimes they even imagine in their mind what God is like, and even picturing Him in their mind, which is idolatry in and of itself. But most people are just content with the figment of their imagination.
#7 | 3:50 to 4:43 | cleaned
Years ago, I was in a pastor's office and we were discussing the biblical doctrine of election. And of course, I was quoting Scripture and he was quoting Scripture. And the door was open and his secretary and her desk was right outside that open door. And so we had been discussing the election, I don't know, 15, 20, 30 minutes, something like that. And all of a sudden, his secretary burst into his office without announcement, without knocking. Of course, the door was open. She burst in the office.
#8 | 4:44 to 5:21 | cleaned
And here's what she said: "I don't care what the Bible says. I know God is not like that." And her pastor, first of all, rebuked her. And then he said, "Did you hear what you just said?" She had a God of her own imagination, not the God of the Bible. The only God that exists is the God of the Bible. So many people think that these Athenians were just polytheists, that is, they had served many gods, believed in many gods. And therefore, just in case they may have left one out, they had this altar then to the unknown God. Or some have suggested that maybe a plague had hit the Athenians and they did not know which God to try to appease. And so they had an altar then to this God that they did not even know whether or not He existed. So to the unknown God.
#9 | 5:21 to 6:26 | cleaned
Now, I want you to look, if you would, please, in verse 23 again. He says, "For as I passed by, beheld your devotions."
#10 | 6:26 to 6:33 | cleaned
Now, the word "devotions" in the Greek is the word sebasma, and it refers to whatever is religiously honored, whatever is an object of worship, and it's used oftentimes in reference to temples or altars, statues, even idolatrous images. Now, let me ask you why this is important. I want you to think about biblical doctrine. I want you to think about the right doctrine of God. I told you the only God that exists is the God that has revealed Himself in the Bible and through the Lord Jesus Christ. And the reason this is important is because our duty is always based upon our doctrine. So if your doctrine is incorrect, you have no idea what your duty really is. You have no idea what your obligations really and truly are. So it's impossible, then, to know your duty apart from doctrine.
#11 | 6:33 to 7:28 | cleaned
So let me give you a good, clear illustration of this. You remember that passage, most of you can quote it, in 1 Corinthians 15, verse 58? The Apostle Paul says, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Why? He said, "because"—or "forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
#12 | 7:28 to 7:52 | cleaned
Now, listen to what he said. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding." And then he said, "forasmuch as ye know your labour is not in vain in the Lord." How do we know that? How do we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord? And let me ask you another question. What in the world would it be like for you and I to remain steadfast, unmovable, unshakable in a world that hates us, that slanders us, that ridicules us, and that thinks we're absolute lunatics? What keeps us going? What keeps us ticking?
#13 | 7:52 to 8:34 | cleaned
And the answer is, it's doctrine. And we understand that our duty is based upon our doctrine. Because you have to understand that in 1 Corinthians chapter 15, the Apostle Paul has just fleshed out the doctrine of the bodily resurrection from the dead. And he also pointed out how that Jesus Christ was bodily raised from the dead. And therefore, since He is our head, and we are His body, just as the head was bodily raised from the dead, we shall also be bodily raised from the dead. In other words, we understand that this life is not just all there is. We understand that this world is not just all there is. We understand that. And so it is the doctrine of the resurrection and the doctrine of the faithfulness of God that keeps us steadfast, unmovable, unshakable. Therefore, that is based upon what I just taught you. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable." Well, it doesn't matter whether the world recognizes us or not. It doesn't matter if this church is ever written up in the paper as the church of the month.
#14 | 8:34 to 9:44 | cleaned
It doesn't matter if you're ever recognized by the president or not. No, no, no, no, no. We understand our duty is based upon our doctrine.
#15 | 9:45 to 9:53 | cleaned
Now, we're talking about devotions. What in the world does doctrine have to do with devotions? When you think of the word "devotions," you also should think of the words "devoted" or "devout." They are intimately connected with the word "devotions." So if devotions happens to be the act of honoring and worshiping the one true, the living God who's revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ, then our aim and the end of our devotions is to be that we are to become devout worshipers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, I want you to go with me in some Scriptures because there are three different Greek words that are translated as "devout" in the Bible. And interestingly, these words occur in nine verses, and it just so happens God has ordained it. There is one word in three verses in each instance. So if you would turn in your Bibles very quickly to the book of Luke, chapter 2, and I want you to understand the word "devout." So if you look in Luke chapter 2 and let's read verse 25. Luke chapter 2 and verse 25. Luke 2, look in verse 25.
#16 | 9:53 to 11:21 | cleaned
Here's what the Word of God says. Luke 2, verse 25. "Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days"—that's Luke 1, I need to get Luke 2. Luke 2 verse 25, and he said this, "And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same was a just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him." So, now, Simeon is called just and devout. If you would turn over in your Bibles to the book of Acts, chapter 2, and look, if you would please, at verse 5. Acts, chapter 2, and verse 5. And the Word of God says this, "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven." Then in Acts chapter 8 and verse 2, here's the last of these three, the last one of the first of these three, look in Acts chapter 8, notice if you would, verse 2. "And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him." Now, each of these three Greek words—each of these words, "devout"—is the same Greek word, and it happens to be eulabēs.
#17 | 11:21 to 12:44 | cleaned
What it literally means is to take hold upon, to carefully, securely, surely, and cautiously reverence God. Now, stop and think about this. Each of these men cautiously, seriously, deliberately, reverenced God. They were serious men, they were determined men, they were knowledgeable men, and thus they are called devout.
#18 | 12:44 to 13:13 | cleaned
Now, the second Greek word that is used, and I'm going to show it to you, it happens to be the word eusebēs. Now, you probably say, "You know, that word sounds familiar to me. It sounds like I've heard it before," and probably you have, because there was an early church historian by the name of Eusebius, who happened to have lived in the second and third century. And this word, eusebēs, literally means godly, pious, and dutiful.
#19 | 13:13 to 13:44 | cleaned
Since you're in the book of Acts, if you look in Acts chapter 10, look at verse 2. Here's the word eusebēs, "a devout man," talking about Cornelius, "and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway." Now look, if you would, in Acts chapter 10 and verse 7. "And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually." And then if you look at Acts chapter 22 and verse 12. Acts 22 and verse 12. And now you have the third time this word occurs. "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there." Remember now, this word means godly. It means pious. It means dutiful. Now, there's a third Greek word, and it is the word sebomai. It is related to the word that is in our text in Acts chapter 17 and verse 23.
#20 | 13:45 to 14:57 | cleaned
So, if you look back in your Bibles now to Acts chapter 13, I want to put these together for you. If you look in Acts chapter 13, beginning there with verse 50. Acts 13, verse 50. Watch what is said. Acts 13, verse 50. "But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts." Now, if you look in Acts chapter 17 and verse 4, Acts 17 and verse 4, hear the Word of God says. "And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few." And then in Acts 17 and verse 17, you'll see it again. "Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him." Now, notice if you would, if you put all of these three things together, you can come up with a good definition of what it means to be devout.
#21 | 14:57 to 16:13 | cleaned
or to be devoted. You have someone then who is very serious, who is very dutiful, who is very cautiously and yet very reverentially laying hold upon God and worshipping Him, who is doing so out of a godly and pious and dutiful attitude, and one then, of course, who obviously is worshipping Him. And this word, sebomai, means to revere and to worship. So the actual end of all devotions, whether you're talking about personal devotions or family devotions, is to turn yourself and your family into what you and I would call devoted or devout individuals. So a devout individual was just explained with these three particular words. So, listen carefully. The point of real, genuine devotions is not to fill someone's head with just simple head knowledge or intellectual knowledge.
#22 | 16:13 to 17:19 | cleaned
It's not just to say, "Well, my kid can quote all of 1 Corinthians chapter 13." Believe it or not, I've seen some who could quote all of Psalm 119. And it's wonderful to quote Scripture. You should be able to memorize Scripture. But you're not just trying to fill someone's head or even your head with head knowledge and intellectual knowledge. You say, "I want to discuss dichotomy and trichotomy." Well, help yourself.
#23 | 17:20 to 17:55 | cleaned
And I hope you know the difference. Maybe you can talk about all types of eschatology. That's wonderful if you know all of that. But my question would be this. If you have all of the head knowledge and if you have all the intellectual knowledge, how does it affect your life? Has it made you more pious? Has it made you more dutiful? Has it made you more obedient? Has it made you more submissive? Do you understand how to apply the knowledge that you have? In other words, if you turn into a devoted person or a devout person, you are someone who understands the reality of the truth, you know how to apply the truth, and it will always make you more obedient, more submissive, more godly.
#24 | 17:56 to 18:44 | cleaned
I will even say more humble and enable you to worship God as easily as anything else, because you have it now. Let me ask you a question. Do you understand eternal life?
#25 | 18:45 to 19:02 | cleaned
Now, what I want you to do right now, if you don't mind, is just turn in your Bibles to Acts chapter—not Acts, but John chapter 17. And as you turn to John 17, I just want to mention a couple of things that most people consider what eternal life really is. And they're myths in one sense of the word, they're not really what eternal life is. I've had a lot of people say, "Well, eternal life is just living forever." If you define eternal life as living forever, then I would say those who are lost and die and are tormented forever, they're living forever. They would have eternal life, too, if you define it like that. Someone says, "Well, I don't have to worry about eternal life because, you know, you get that when you die."
#26 | 19:03 to 19:51 | cleaned
I got news for you. If you do not possess eternal life before you die, you will never have it after you die. It's amazing to me, it's absolutely strange, how most people wish to live an unholy, ungodly life. They want to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and live in the pride of life. And when they die, presto, automatically, they turn into holy, righteous beings.
#27 | 19:51 to 20:17 | cleaned
No, it doesn't work like that. You know, it was Balaam, the false prophet, who said, "Let me die the death of the righteous." But he didn't want to live the life of the righteous. You cannot die the death of the righteous unless you live the life of the righteous. So here's a good question. What is eternal life? Look in your Bibles, John 17 and verse 3, at what our Lord said.
#28 | 20:18 to 20:40 | cleaned
Now, take it right from Him. He said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." Look at that. "This is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent." So, there are two very important truths conveyed to us in this text. First of all, the Greek word "know" is the word ginōskō. And it means to learn to know. It means to come to know. It means to get a knowledge of. It means to perceive. It means to understand and to become acquainted with. So let me put it to you very plainly. Eternal life, according to our Lord Jesus Christ, is a personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ. It's not just facts about God, it is knowing God. It's not just facts about Jesus Christ, it is knowing Jesus Christ.
#29 | 20:40 to 21:39 | cleaned
That is why in Philippians chapter 3 and verse 10, the Apostle Paul said, "That I might know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; that I might know Him." Now look, if you would, back in John 17 in verse 3. He said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent."
#30 | 21:39 to 22:05 | cleaned
The second truth is the word "know" is a present active subjunctive in the text. The very present tense means that it is actually happening now in time and in history. The active tense means that you are involved in it. The subjunctive mood is the mood of potentiality. Wow, possibility and potentiality. So here's what He's saying. This is life eternal right now, that we would have a personal, intimate relationship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.
#31 | 22:06 to 22:40 | cleaned
Let this sink into your hearts. Let it sink into your mind. Lay hold of this and think about this, that we as God's children have the absolute privilege and the absolute blessing of having an intimate personal knowledge of our Heavenly Father now, in time and in history. Wow! What about eternity? If I were to stand here tonight and try to teach you on the doctrine of God, it would be almost impossible. I could talk about the omniscience of God, the omnipotence of God, the omnipresence of God, the eternality of God, the infinity of God. We could discuss all of the attributes of God as He's revealed Himself in the Bible. But have you ever stopped to think about this? In eternity, we will have perfect understandings.
#32 | 22:41 to 23:32 | cleaned
We will never forget anything. Our minds will be fixed. And in eternity and throughout eternity, we will be forever learning things about our great and gracious and majestic Heavenly Father, never forgetting them, fully understanding them, but never, ever totally comprehending Him. Wow. I've got news for you, folks. The truth is that to a degree now, in time and in history, in this life, you, through your personal devotions and family devotions, should become more devout, more devoted, and have a more personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.
#33 | 23:32 to 24:29 | cleaned
Now, I want to show you something. I'm going to show you the aim and the end of all devotions. I don't care if it's personal. I don't care if it's familial. I don't care if it's ecclesiastical. I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of 2 Peter, chapter 1. 2 Peter, chapter 1. And look, if you would, please, beginning there with verse 2. 2 Peter, chapter 1 and verse 2. Look at this very carefully.
#34 | 24:30 to 25:02 | cleaned
"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord." Now, wait a minute. "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you." Do you want more grace? Do you want more peace? How are grace and peace multiplied? Through the knowledge of God. Hmm. Now, hang on. Look in verse 3. "According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue." Isn't that astounding? He said in verse 2, grace and peace is multiplied to us through the knowledge of God. Now He says that God has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. And the word "knowledge," in both instances, is the Greek word epignōsis, which does not just simply mean knowledge.
#35 | 25:04 to 26:15 | cleaned
It means rather a fuller or a precise or an accurate knowledge, epi, the preposition upon, knowledge upon knowledge, which is more accurate and more precise. Where in the world do we get this precise and accurate knowledge of our one true and living God who's revealed Himself in the Lord Jesus Christ? And the answer is the revelation that is made of Himself in the Word of God. Now, I want you to see from the Bible how often this precise and accurate and correct knowledge of God is commanded. So I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, to the book of Ephesians chapter 1. We'll start there. Ephesians chapter 1.
#36 | 26:16 to 27:06 | cleaned
And if you look in verse 17. Look what he says, Ephesians 1 in verse 17, "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him." Oh, boy. Hmm. He goes on in verse 18, "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened"—and the only way they can be enlightened is through the knowledge of Him—"that ye may know"—the only way you can know is through the knowledge of Him—"what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." All of this is through knowledge. A personal, intimate knowledge, a precise, accurate knowledge, as God has revealed Himself. Look in verse 13 of chapter 4 of Ephesians. Ephesians 4, verse 13.
#37 | 27:06 to 27:59 | cleaned
Here we have this statement. Verse 13, "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect"—or mature—"man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro." What stops us from being tossed to and fro? Knowledge. A precise, accurate knowledge. And notice, if you would, "till we all come into the unity of faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect, mature man, unto the measure, the stature, the fulness of Christ." Then if you turn right over to the book of Philippians, chapter 1, and look, if you would please, at verse 9, Philippians 1 in verse 9.
#38 | 27:59 to 28:45 | cleaned
Again, he says it like this: "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment." Now, wait a minute. Someone says, "Well, we're to love everybody." No, we're not to love everybody. What does the Scripture say? "Shouldest thou love them whom God hatest?" Isn't that what was asked? Yeah. What did David say? "Do not I hate them that hate Thee, O God? I hate them with perfect hatred."
#39 | 28:46 to 29:13 | cleaned
"I count them mine enemies." Did he not say that? What is he talking about? Look at it again in verse 9. Look what he said. "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment." You have to know who to love, you have to know when to love, you have to know how to love, and you have to use judgment. But how are we going to do that? With knowledge.
#40 | 29:13 to 29:38 | cleaned
Now, if you look in your Bibles to the book of Colossians, chapter 1 and verse 10, Colossians 1, verse 10, look what he says, just showing you where this is actually commanded. Colossians 1, look in verse 10. He said this, "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." Now, if you want to be fruitful in every good work and if you want to walk pleasing unto Him, you have to be increasing in the knowledge of God. Now, look in Colossians 3 and verse 10, Colossians 3 and verse 10, he says it again. "And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." So the only God that exists is the God of the Bible. The only God that has revealed Himself is the one that has revealed Himself fully and freely in the Lord Jesus Christ.
#41 | 29:39 to 30:35 | cleaned
We must know Him and we cannot be content with just simply knowing facts about Him. There are many people that can tell you facts about Jesus Christ that are lost as they can be. There are many people who can tell you facts about the Bible that have no idea about eternity or spiritual life. They have more of a head knowledge. They have more of an intellectual knowledge.
#42 | 30:36 to 31:01 | cleaned
But here's what God is saying. God is saying this knowledge, this truth must be perceived in a way that you and I can comprehend it, we understand it, and we understand it so that we can apply it. And in applying it, we end up honoring Him, walking pleasing unto Him and worshiping Him and becoming more and more devout and more and more devoted to Him. So let me give you a little principle from gun training.
#43 | 31:02 to 31:33 | cleaned
Here it is, remember this. If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing. That's very, very deep for the average individual. But it is so true. And may I point this out? If you aim at nothing in acquiring a personal, intimate, precise and accurate knowledge of God so that you may become more devoted to Him, you will miss out. If you don't aim at that, you will miss out.
#44 | 31:35 to 32:09 | cleaned
It's not, "I read my Bible today." Listen, I was raised in a little Southern Baptist church, a little country church. Every week we would go and fill out this little form. "I read my Bible, I prayed, I did this, I did that." And people would do it just so they could make the checks and show your department. No, no, no. You don't do these things just to make a point to a school teacher or Sunday school teacher or whoever. No, no, no. You do these things out of worship in honor of God to become more and more devoted to Him.
#45 | 32:11 to 32:43 | cleaned
I'm going to tell you. Some of the worst kids I've ever seen in my life—some—were raised in church, in a Christian school, in a professing Christian home. Did they teach them? Yes, but it was a head knowledge. I have one friend who's a pastor. His parents were divorced at an early age. He was 34 years old. His mother, well, it turned out to be a honky-tonk woman.
#46 | 32:43 to 33:35 | cleaned
And she drug this little boy to every bar in town. With all the men she was running around with, he went through it. God saved him. Called him to preach. He's now pastoring in Tennessee. I'm just simply pointing out, a head knowledge is not going to make anyone a devoted worshiper and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, if you're not acquiring and pressing toward a personal intimate relationship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ, you're missing the mark.
#47 | 33:37 to 34:33 | cleaned
I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, please, to the book of Jude. The book of Jude, right before the book of Revelation. And I want you to see again, this is the end and the aim of personal and family devotions. It is that you are to build yourself up and you're to build your family up. So here's what he said in Jude, verse 20 and 21.
#48 | 34:34 to 35:04 | cleaned
He said, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith." Wow. "Praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life."
#49 | 35:04 to 35:18 | cleaned
Now, let me give you a couple of things. First of all, he said, "But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith." Have you ever asked yourself this question, "How do I build myself up on my most holy faith?" Wow. Interestingly, the Greek word means literally to build upon or to build up or to finish the structure from which the foundation has already been laid. You know what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians, chapter 3, verse 10, "I have laid the foundation." The foundation is in Jesus Christ. No other man needs to lay that foundation. That foundation is laid. So what he's saying in the book of Jude is we're to build ourselves up on this foundation, the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
#50 | 35:18 to 36:11 | cleaned
Well, how do we do it? Well, one way, of course, is by praying in the Holy Ghost, which is a different sermon in itself. But the second way is "keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." So let me ask you this question, how do you keep yourself in the love of God? See, most people think the love of God is emotions or the love of God is feelings or the love of God happens to be some little ethereal thing floating around somewhere in the universe. How in the world would you keep yourself in the love of God like that? Hmm. You need to know what the love of God is.
#51 | 36:11 to 36:52 | cleaned
And I can give it to you directly from the Scripture. 1 John 5, and verse 3, for the Bible says this, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous." What is the love of God? Keeping His commandments. Obedience. Submission. Yes. If you'll look in your Bibles, if you'll turn to the book of Romans, chapter 13, you'll see this again very plainly stated. Look at Romans, chapter 13, and let's begin reading there with verse 8. Romans 13, verse 8. And here's what the Word of God says. Watch this carefully. Romans 13 and verse 8. "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
#52 | 36:53 to 37:41 | cleaned
"For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Love is obedience. I used to tell my girls, I had four daughters, I jokingly always say all my boys were girls. But, you know, I love girls. I love little girls, that's for sure.
#53 | 37:43 to 38:22 | cleaned
I mean, we have identical twins. And so holding one in each arm, you know, was quite a blessing and sometimes strange. But my wife looked out one day at our house, and I had a hammock out there. And I was in the hammock and one of my twins was pushing me this way. The other twin was pushing me that way. My baby girl had a fan and she was fanning me.
#54 | 38:22 to 38:58 | cleaned
And my oldest daughter was dropping grapes in my mouth. Did I like it? Oh, yeah. I can assure you. But the point I'm trying to make is this. Love—you know, I told my girls this. I love that. I appreciate that. And you can tell me all day long that you love me and you can kiss on my cheeks all day long. But what I really want as proof of love is obedience and submission. So I don't care how many times my girls told me they love me if they disobeyed me. The obvious is they do not love me. So you can tell God all day long that you love Him. But if you're violating His law, if you're violating His Word, you do not love Him. I don't care what you say. Now.
#55 | 38:59 to 39:50 | cleaned
In your personal devotions, in your family devotions, your teaching and training yourself and your family. Not just simply to know the Scriptures. They must know them, that is for sure, but they must know the principles. They must know how to apply them. They must know how to flesh those things out in practical everyday situations. You have to have precise knowledge, accurate knowledge in order to do that.
#56 | 39:58 to 40:31 | cleaned
Have you ever thought about this? A problem is not a problem if you know what to do. You only have problems when you don't know what to do. But when you have the answer from Scripture, you know what to do, and therefore you can work right through the problem. It turns out not to be a problem.
#57 | 40:33 to 40:51 | cleaned
Now, I want you to turn in your Bibles, if you would, first of all, to the book of Deuteronomy, chapter 6. Watch this. Deuteronomy, chapter 6. And let's begin reading there with verse 4, Deuteronomy 6, verse 4. Look what the Word of God says. He's talking about statutes and judgments in verse 5, in fact, I will read verse 5. He says, "Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it." Now, look what he says concerning these laws.
#58 | 40:52 to 41:26 | cleaned
"Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon Him for? And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?" Now look at this. "Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons." He said, "All these words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt diligently teach them unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them
#59 | 41:27 to 42:37 | cleaned
for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." What is he saying? He's saying we have to know the Word of God. We have to know what He teaches us. We have to know how to obey what He teaches us. There are a lot of people who can quote the Ten Commandments. And they break them all the time. No. How do we know whether or not this knowledge is in our hearts? He said this knowledge shall be in your heart. How do we know that it's in our hearts?
#60 | 42:37 to 43:17 | cleaned
Because we talk about it when we sit down. We talk about it when we walk by the wayside. We talk about it when we lie down and we get up. In other words, what he's saying is it becomes our life. It becomes everything to us. It becomes our food, our drink, our sleep, our work, our hobby. It becomes everything to us. If you'll turn in your Bibles to the book of John, chapter 6, I will show you the New Testament version of what I just read and quoted from the Old Testament. John, chapter 6.
#61 | 43:20 to 44:04 | cleaned
And let's begin reading there, verse 48. John 6, verse 48. Look at this. John 6, verse 48. Jesus Christ said, "I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?" Then Jesus said to them, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life.
#62 | 44:06 to 45:08 | cleaned
And I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever."
#63 | 45:10 to 45:35 | cleaned
I do not believe that this passage teaches the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. Neither do I believe it teaches the Lutheran doctrine of consubstantiation. But I think what it is teaching is very plain and very clear. That Jesus Christ is our life. He is our food. He is our drink. He is our everything. And the Scripture says He is our all in all. It means He said, "If you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you abide in me and I abide in you." What is He saying? He is saying simply, if we're devoted to Him, He is our life. He is everything about us.
#64 | 45:37 to 46:15 | cleaned
You can't help but talk of Him. You can't help but pray to Him. You can't help but worship Him. You can't help but think to Him and think of Him. He is our everything. Our devotions are to be full of life because He is life. And if you come up with deadness and dullness, it's not life. He said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee, the one true and living God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." The goal, the end and the aim of all devotions is to become a more devout and devoted worshiper of God, the Father through Jesus Christ.
#65 | 46:19 to 47:16 | cleaned
Now, let me give you some applications. Here's the first one. This is a warning, Mama and Daddy. Education alone is insufficient. I'm not telling you do not educate your children. I'm not saying do not teach your children Bible verses. You must. But don't rely upon that alone. Education in and of itself is insufficient. We must have the illumination and the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit of God. We must ask that our eyes will be opened. We must ask that our understanding will be open.
#66 | 47:19 to 48:04 | cleaned
What does Proverbs 2, verse 6 say? "Understanding cometh from God." What did the Apostle Paul tell Timothy in 2 Timothy 2, verse 7? He said, "Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things." Note, if you would, Timothy had to consider, he had to think, he had to meditate, but he also had to seek God for understanding. You do not go to bed stupid and wake up smart. You don't go to bed ignorant and wake up brilliant. You must study, you must consider, you must meditate, but at the same time, you have to recognize that you need the Holy Spirit to open your understanding. You know what the Bible says in Luke chapter 24 and verse 45 concerning Jesus Christ and His disciples?
#67 | 48:04 to 48:49 | cleaned
Remember, they walked with Him for three years. The Bible says in Luke 24 and verse 45, "Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures." There can be no understanding of the Scripture apart from divine illumination. He must open our eyes. Education alone is insufficient. You better cry out to God to make it effective. I can give you a good, clear illustration. You know, the Bible says in Proverbs 23, "For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell." Now, if you take that verse and say, "Hmm, I know what that means." Then you take a rod, the best case scenario for evangelism would be go around beating everybody that you could find. No, that's not what that verse means. That verse means if you discipline that child with God's blessing upon that discipline, he's not going to die. He'll be saved. That's what it means. And so it means this, that we must teach our children, but we must not rely upon our instruction and our education.
#68 | 48:49 to 50:14 | cleaned
We must cry out to God for this. We must. We must. Here's the second application. You ask so many people sometimes why they do not pray or why they do not study. The simple answer is this: "I'm just too busy." Wow. It is inconsistent not to have time for God and wish to spend eternity with God. How can you say, "I have no time for God"? He's the one that gives you time. Now is the time to know Him. Now is the time to learn of Him. Now is the time to obey Him. Now is the time to follow Him. Now is the time to emulate Him. Now is the time to worship Him. And it's inconsistent for you to say that you love God, and yet you want to spend eternity with Him, but you're too busy now to pray and study and worship Him.
#69 | 50:15 to 51:25 | cleaned
I tell you what, you try this with your spouse. You tell your spouse, "You know, I love you, but I really don't have time for you right now. And I probably won't be able to have time for you for the next week or two." See how that works out for you. Yeah, but you know, we do. I love that passage in Jeremiah 2, I think it is. What did God say?
#70 | 51:29 to 51:59 | cleaned
"My people have forgotten me days without number." How can you forget God? You better wake up every morning. And you better be quoting Lamentations 3, 22 and 23. "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness." If it wasn't for God's greatness and faithfulness and mercies and compassions, you would not have made it through the night. No.
#71 | 52:00 to 52:37 | cleaned
It's inconsistent for you to say that you love the Lord and you want to spend eternity with Him, but you're too busy now to commune with Him and to worship Him. Here's the third application. The best way to prepare for eternity is to love the Lord now and to worship Him now in time and in history. And if you are not becoming more and more devoted to God and to the Lord Jesus Christ, if you're not becoming more and more devout, if you're not becoming more and more knowledgeable and growing in grace, you're not using devotions for their proper end. I want to close with one last verse. I want you to please turn to 2 Peter 3 in verse 18. I can quote this verse, but I want you to see it.
#72 | 52:40 to 53:46 | cleaned
I'm going to explain one little tiny word. In 2 Peter 3, look, if you would please, at verse 18. Look at this. 2 Peter 3, verse 18. The Bible says, "But grow in grace."
#73 | 53:47 to 54:01 | cleaned
"and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." You see that little word, "but grow in grace and"—that little word "and" is the Greek word kai, we'd spell it K-A-I. That little word kai is translated not only "and" in our Bibles many times, but it is also translated many times in our Bibles as "even." So you could read this, "but grow in grace even in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." So if you're not growing in knowledge, you're not growing in grace. Grace and peace are multiplied to us through the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
#74 | 54:11 to 55:11 | cleaned
The aim and end and object of all devotions, personal, family, ecclesiastical, is for you to become more devout, more devoted, more godly, more obedient, more submissive, more loving, more kind, more like your Heavenly Father. Why? Because you're communing with Him. And it's the Holy Spirit of God who transforms us into that image, into all the moral excellencies that are revealed of Him in the Scripture. Without the knowledge, you're not going to live a sanctified, holy life.
#75 | 55:14 to 56:01 | cleaned
You need to pray when you pray. And when you study and when you read, "Lord, open my eyes, make me more godly, make me more devoted, more devout. May I worship You the way You have commanded. May I love You the way You demand and the way You deserve to be loved with all my heart, mind, soul, spirit and being." May God make you holy, for He said, "Be ye holy; for I am holy, saith the Lord." Father, bless us, we pray. Speak to our hearts.
#76 | 56:04 to 56:49 | cleaned
Grant us Your mercy and grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, we ask and pray. Amen.
#77 | 56:50 to 56:55 | cleaned

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T19:44:12Z

Family Devotions In the Context of Lifestyle Discipling

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

John Weaver examines the biblical concept of devotions, using Acts 17:22-23 as a starting point to contrast pagan devotions with true Christian devotion. He argues that the aim and end of all devotions—personal, family, or ecclesiastical—is to become a devout worshiper of God through a personal, intimate, and accurate knowledge of Him as revealed in Scripture and in Jesus Christ. Doctrine determines duty, and true knowledge leads to obedience, submission, and godliness. He warns that head knowledge alone is insufficient and that believers must rely on the Holy Spirit's illumination. Applications include the insufficiency of education alone, the inconsistency of claiming to love God while being too busy for Him, and the necessity of growing in grace through growing in knowledge.

Introduction: The Only Biblical Occurrence of 'Devotions'

The Danger of Worshiping an Unknown God

Many professing Christians worship a God of their imagination rather than the God revealed in the Bible. Doctrine determines duty, so incorrect doctrine leads to misunderstanding one's obligations.

Doctrine as the Foundation for Steadfastness

Using 1 Corinthians 15:58, Weaver shows that the doctrine of the resurrection motivates believers to remain steadfast and abounding in the Lord's work, because they know their labor is not in vain.

So let me give you a good, clear illustration of this. You remember that passage, most of you can quote it, in 1 Corinthians 15, verse 58? The Apostle Paul says,

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:58

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord."

Why? He said, "because"—or

Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 15:58

"forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

It doesn't matter if you're ever recognized by the president or not. No, no, no, no, no. We understand our duty is based upon our doctrine.

The Meaning of 'Devout' in Scripture

Here's what the Word of God says. Luke 2, verse 25. "Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days"—that's Luke 1, I need to get Luke 2. Luke 2 verse 25, and he said this,

Scripture Reading — Luke 2:25

"And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same was a just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him."

Scripture Reading — Acts 10:2

"and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."

Scripture Reading — Acts 13:50

"But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts."

Eternal Life as Personal Knowledge of God

From John 17:3, Weaver explains that eternal life is a present, personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Jesus Christ, not mere facts or a future state.

That is why in Philippians chapter 3 and verse 10, the Apostle Paul said,

Scripture Reading — Philippians 3:10

"That I might know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death; that I might know Him."

The Necessity of Precise Knowledge for Godliness

Citing 2 Peter 1:2-3 and other passages, Weaver argues that grace, peace, and all things pertaining to life and godliness come through the precise, accurate knowledge (epignōsis) of God.

And if you look in verse 17. Look what he says, Ephesians 1 in verse 17,

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 1:17

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him."

Oh, boy. Hmm. He goes on in verse 18, "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened"—and the only way they can be enlightened is through the knowledge of Him—"that ye may know

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 1:17

"—the only way you can know is through the knowledge of Him—"

Scripture Reading — Colossians 1:10

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Building Up Through Devotions

Christ as Our Life and Sustenance

From John 6, Weaver illustrates that Jesus is the bread of life; true devotion means He becomes our everything—our food, drink, and constant meditation.

Applications and Warnings

I'm going to explain one little tiny word. In 2 Peter 3, look, if you would please, at verse 18. Look at this. 2 Peter 3, verse 18. The Bible says, "But grow in grace."

Conclusion: Grow in Grace and Knowledge

Weaver closes with 2 Peter 3:18, emphasizing that growing in grace is synonymous with growing in the knowledge of Christ, and prays for God to make the hearers holy.

I'm going to explain one little tiny word. In 2 Peter 3, look, if you would please, at verse 18. Look at this. 2 Peter 3, verse 18. The Bible says, "But grow in grace."

Family Devotions In the Context of Lifestyle Discipling

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	8142525415115
Subject	Family Government
Course	The Christian Family: Children, Fatherhood, and Generational Faithfulness: The World And Times Of Jesse James
Genre	Sermon
Date	2025-08-08
Dictation Name
Book	Book 028: The Christian Family: Children, Fatherhood, and Generational Faithfulness — Chapter 16
Source Timed Segments	77

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction: The Only Biblical Occurrence of 'Devotions': Weaver introduces Acts 17:22-23, noting that the word 'devotions' appears only once in the English Bible, in the context of pagan Athenian worship. He emphasizes that negatives in Scripture are as important as positives.
The Danger of Worshiping an Unknown God: Many professing Christians worship a God of their imagination rather than the God revealed in the Bible. Doctrine determines duty, so incorrect doctrine leads to misunderstanding one's obligations.
Doctrine as the Foundation for Steadfastness: Using 1 Corinthians 15:58, Weaver shows that the doctrine of the resurrection motivates believers to remain steadfast and abounding in the Lord's work, because they know their labor is not in vain.
The Meaning of 'Devout' in Scripture: Weaver examines three Greek words translated 'devout' (eulabēs, eusebēs, sebomai) to define a devout person as one who seriously, dutifully, and reverently worships God, becoming more godly and obedient.
Eternal Life as Personal Knowledge of God: From John 17:3, Weaver explains that eternal life is a present, personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Jesus Christ, not mere facts or a future state.
The Necessity of Precise Knowledge for Godliness: Citing 2 Peter 1:2-3 and other passages, Weaver argues that grace, peace, and all things pertaining to life and godliness come through the precise, accurate knowledge (epignōsis) of God.
Building Up Through Devotions: Using Jude 20-21 and Deuteronomy 6, Weaver teaches that devotions are meant to build up believers and their families on the foundation of Christ, keeping themselves in the love of God through obedience.
Christ as Our Life and Sustenance: From John 6, Weaver illustrates that Jesus is the bread of life; true devotion means He becomes our everything—our food, drink, and constant meditation.
Applications and Warnings: Weaver gives three applications: education alone is insufficient without the Spirit's illumination; it is inconsistent to claim love for God while being too busy for Him; and the best preparation for eternity is to grow in grace and knowledge now.
Conclusion: Grow in Grace and Knowledge: Weaver closes with 2 Peter 3:18, emphasizing that growing in grace is synonymous with growing in the knowledge of Christ, and prays for God to make the hearers holy.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

Negatives in Scripture are as important as positives

Weaver argues that when Scripture presents a negative example (like pagan devotions), it implies a positive truth that must be sought.

He says, 'Negatives are just as important as positives. And anytime you see a negative, you should always ask, "What is the positive?"'

Many Christians worship an unknown God

Like the Athenians, many professing Christians worship a God of their imagination rather than the God revealed in Scripture.

Weaver states, 'there are many professing Christians who worship an unknown God. Because they worship a God who is the figment of their imagination.'

The resurrection doctrine fuels steadfastness

The doctrine of the bodily resurrection assures believers that their labor is not in vain, enabling them to remain steadfast.

Weaver explains, 'it is the doctrine of the resurrection and the doctrine of the faithfulness of God that keeps us steadfast, unmovable, unshakable.'

Devoutness defined by three Greek words

The biblical concept of devout combines serious reverence (eulabēs), godly piety (eusebēs), and worship (sebomai).

Weaver synthesizes: 'You have someone then who is very serious, who is very dutiful, who is very cautiously and yet very reverentially laying hold upon God and worshipping Him.'

Eternal life is a present reality

John 17:3 uses a present active subjunctive verb, indicating that eternal life is a present, ongoing, potential relationship with God.

Weaver says, 'This is life eternal right now, that we would have a personal, intimate relationship with God the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.'

Grace and peace multiply through knowledge

2 Peter 1:2-3 teaches that grace, peace, and all things for life and godliness come through the precise knowledge of God.

Weaver asks, 'Do you want more grace? Do you want more peace? How are grace and peace multiplied? Through the knowledge of God.'

Love is obedience to God's commandments

The love of God is defined biblically as keeping His commandments, not mere emotion or words.

Weaver quotes 1 John 5:3 and Romans 13:8-10, concluding, 'Love is obedience.'

Growing in grace equals growing in knowledge

2 Peter 3:18 can be read as 'grow in grace even in the knowledge of our Lord,' indicating that growth in grace is inseparable from growth in knowledge.

Weaver explains the Greek word kai: 'So you could read this, "but grow in grace even in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."'

Scripture References

Acts 17:22-23: Paul's address on Mars Hill, noting the Athenians' altar to an unknown God; the only occurrence of 'devotions' in the English Bible.
1 Corinthians 15:58: Paul's exhortation to be steadfast and abounding in the Lord's work, based on the knowledge that labor is not in vain because of the resurrection.
Luke 2:25: Simeon described as just and devout (eulabēs), waiting for the consolation of Israel.
Acts 2:5: Devout Jews from every nation dwelling in Jerusalem at Pentecost.
Acts 8:2: Devout men carried Stephen to his burial.
Acts 10:2: Cornelius described as a devout man (eusebēs) who feared God.
Acts 10:7: A devout soldier under Cornelius.
Acts 22:12: Ananias, a devout man according to the law.
Acts 13:50: Devout and honorable women stirred up against Paul and Barnabas.
Acts 17:4: A great multitude of devout Greeks believed and consorted with Paul and Silas.
Acts 17:17: Paul disputed with devout persons in the synagogue and marketplace.
John 17:3: Jesus defines eternal life as knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:10: Paul's desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.
2 Peter 1:2-3: Grace and peace multiplied through the knowledge of God; all things for life and godliness given through knowledge.
Ephesians 1:17: Paul prays for the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God.
Ephesians 4:13: Unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God leads to maturity.
Philippians 1:9: Paul prays that love may abound in knowledge and judgment.
Colossians 1:10: Walking worthy of the Lord and increasing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 3:10: The new man is renewed in knowledge after the image of God.
Jude 20-21: Building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keeping yourselves in the love of God.

Historical References

Athenian polytheism and the altar to the unknown god: Weaver describes the historical context of Acts 17, where Athenians had many altars to various gods and one to an unknown god, possibly to cover any missed deity or to appease a god during a plague.
Eusebius, early church historian: Weaver mentions Eusebius as an example of the Greek word eusebēs, meaning godly or pious, noting he lived in the second and third centuries.

Important Quotes

Negatives are just as important as positives. And anytime you see a negative, you should always ask, "What is the positive?"

Establishes a hermeneutical principle that negative examples in Scripture imply positive truths, framing the use of Acts 17 as a lesson on true devotion.

our duty is always based upon our doctrine. So if your doctrine is incorrect, you have no idea what your duty really is.

Core argument that correct knowledge of God is essential for right living; doctrine determines practice.

the actual end of all devotions, whether you're talking about personal devotions or family devotions, is to turn yourself and your family into what you and I would call devoted or devout individuals.

Defines the purpose of devotions as transformation into devout worshipers, not mere intellectual exercise.

Eternal life, according to our Lord Jesus Christ, is a personal, intimate knowledge of God the Father through Himself, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Clarifies the biblical definition of eternal life as a present relationship, not just future existence.

If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing.

Practical principle that without a clear goal for devotions, believers will miss the intended outcome of becoming more devoted.

What is the love of God? Keeping His commandments. Obedience. Submission.

Defines love for God in concrete, biblical terms, countering emotional or abstract notions.

It is inconsistent not to have time for God and wish to spend eternity with God.

Challenges the common excuse of busyness, highlighting the contradiction of claiming love for God while neglecting communion with Him.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

How does the negative example of the Athenians' devotions in Acts 17 help us understand what true Christian devotion should look like?

[Context]

Weaver begins by noting that negatives in Scripture are as important as positives, using the pagan devotions as a contrast.

[Question]

In what ways might professing Christians today be worshiping an 'unknown God' of their imagination rather than the God of the Bible?

[Context]

Weaver warns that many have a God of their own making, not the God revealed in Scripture.

[Question]

How does the doctrine of the resurrection practically enable you to remain steadfast and abounding in the Lord's work?

[Context]

Weaver uses 1 Corinthians 15:58 to show that doctrine fuels perseverance.

[Question]

Based on the three Greek words for 'devout,' what characteristics should be evident in a person who is truly devoted to God?

[Context]

Weaver defines devout using eulabēs, eusebēs, and sebomai.

[Question]

If eternal life is knowing God personally now, how should that reality shape your daily devotions and priorities?

[Context]

Weaver explains John 17:3 as a present, active relationship with God.

[Question]

Why is head knowledge alone insufficient for producing a devout life, and what role does the Holy Spirit play?

[Context]

Weaver emphasizes the need for divine illumination alongside study.

[Question]

How can you practically 'keep yourself in the love of God' as described in Jude 21 and 1 John 5:3?

[Context]

Weaver connects keeping in God's love with obedience to His commandments.

[Question]

What are some signs that a person's devotions are achieving their proper end of making them more devout and Christ-like?

[Context]

Weaver concludes that the aim is to become more godly, obedient, and worshipful.

Applications

Format deepseek deepseek-v4-pro structured study JSON | Source Commentary.net transcript enrichment

deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T12:33:17Z