Knowledge of Your Rights Brings Freedom
- Baptist Daily Devotional
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Rev. Tse Amable | January 31 2026 | Acts 22:22-30
KEY VERSE: “The next day, since the commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, HE RELEASED HIM and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.” (Acts 22:30 NIV)
MESSAGE:
In our previous devotional, the Apostle Paul stood up for his rights as a Roman citizen when the soldiers were violating them. As soon as Paul identified himself as a Roman citizen, the physical abuse stopped immediately. Scripture records that those who were about to examine him withdrew at once, and the commander himself became alarmed when he realised that he had put a Roman citizen in chains (Acts 22:29). Paul’s knowledge of his citizenship rights protected him from further unlawful treatment.
This incident reveals an important truth. Some Christians subject themselves to unnecessary harassment and hardship, either because they do not know their rights or because they are afraid to assert them wisely. The Lord lamented through the prophet Hosea, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Jesus also declared, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Often, the enemy exploits ignorance of God’s Word to afflict believers unnecessarily. When you understand what Christ has accomplished for you through His death and resurrection, you gain confidence to resist what is unjust. Scripture teaches that Jesus secured redemption for the whole person—spirit, soul, and body. Knowing this does not remove every trial from life, but it helps believers discern when suffering is unjust and when lawful or spiritual means should be used to seek relief, as Paul did.
As believers, our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). This heavenly citizenship comes with privileges and responsibilities clearly revealed in Scripture. It is therefore vital to study God’s Word and grow in understanding of all that salvation in Christ provides. When you know your position in Christ, you are better equipped to stand firm and walk in the freedom God intends for His children. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you suffering unnecessarily because of your lack of knowledge of the promises of God, which are abundantly available in the scriptures? The Bible says we are more than conquerors. God has given you power and authority to overcome Satan. You have powerful weapons available to be deployed against the powers of hell. Study the Bible to know your position in Christ.
PRAYER:
Father, I thank you for what Jesus Christ bequeathed to me as an heir of God and a joint-heir with Him. Open my eyes to see that those who are on my side are more than those who are against me. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
DAILY word study: RELEASED When Paul asserted his rights, Scripture says the commander released him. That single action signals a decisive shift in the situation.
The Greek word for Released is Luō. It means to loosen, untie, or set free. It is used for unbinding restraints, dissolving a hold, or removing what limits movement.
Paul’s release was not accidental. Knowledge, spoken wisely, led to freedom. God used truth and lawful appeal to halt injustice and change the course of events.
Reflect on this
Knowing who you are in Christ and acting with wisdom can loosen pressures that should never bind you. Truth, when applied rightly, opens doors God intends to open.
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