10/14/09

Acts 5:17-42 (New International Version)

The Apostles Persecuted
17Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
21At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23"We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." 24On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.

25Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people." 26At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

27Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28"We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."

29Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men! 30The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."

33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.[a]

The religious leaders were jealous of the respect that Peter and the Apostles were receiving. The difference was that the religious leaders were looking for self gratifying respect and the disciples were looking for respect for God. The disciples faced much persecution for carrying out the will of God. They didn’t let it stop them. Though they were beaten, imprisoned and persecuted, they continued to do God’s will because they loved Him and knew what He is. We must have the same attitude in our daily life. Be more concerned with serving God, than people’s reactions. Their message was converting people. You do your part and the people you touch will cause a ripple effect that will continue to grow. Never think your part is insignificant. If you will pray for the Spirit’s power you will be able to use the gifts God has given you. The disciples were threatening the religious leaders’ security and they did not like this. After the disciples had been threatened to stop preaching, they continued their mission. When you have experienced God’s power, you will have the confidence you need to do the same. Speak out on Christ’s behalf. While we may try to live in peace, conflict with some is inevitable. You will have to choose God or man. Always choose God. Feel blessed when you are rejected. Gamaliel teaches us to think before we act rashly. Sometimes only time will tell if God was speaking through a person. Be tolerant rather than repressive. Share your faith though, no matter what the cost is. Be willing to suffer. Feel blessed because this only means that God has considered you worthy of suffering for Christ. The disciples went home to home for “Bible Studies” and they never stopped preaching. They were great examples of how to be servants of God.

We must think of ourselves the way Christ thought of Himself at all times. Service starts in your mind. God is more interested in why we do some things than what we do.

Think more about others than yourself. Stop focusing on your own needs and focus on others. This is the only time that we do things that deserve to be remembered. Do not be so self-serving even though it may be easier. If someone takes advantage of you, use it to practice being a servant.

Think like a steward, not an owner. A steward is entrusted to manage an estate. God owns it all. You must be faithful to Him. You cannot serve both God and money. It is impossible. It has the greatest potential to replace God in your life. When you work for Jesus, the money works for you. When money becomes your master, you became its slave. He will not trust you in Heavenly riches if you haven’t handled earthly finances well. This affects how God will bless your life.

Think about your work, not what others are doing. Our goal is to make God look good, not ourselves. If you spend time criticizing, then you are wasting ministry time. Don’t have pity parties if things seem unfair. Just trust God and keep serving. The Lord will deal with the ones who aren’t serving in His own time. Expect to be criticized if you serve like Christ.

Base your identity in Christ. Remember that you are loved and accepted by grace. Only secure people can serve. Insecure people are too busy being worried about themselves and how they appear to others. When you identify in your relationship with Christ is when you are allowed to serve others best. The only approval that counts is the Lord’s approval. The closer you are to Christ, the less you promote yourself.

Think of ministry as an opportunity, not an obligation. Enjoy helping people, meeting people’s needs, and doing ministry. God will honor and award anyone who serves Him. He will use you if you think and act like a servant. The only really happy people are those who have learned how to serve. Make your attitude be like Christ’s attitude.

Our most gracious Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for the opportunity that you give us every day to serve you and to be tested by your will for our lives. Lord I ask that you help me to have a servants heart. I pray all those unspoken prayers for your will to be done, but also that you provide comfort and strength to all those involved. Thank you so much for your son and what he represents. Forgive me where I fail you in your precious name I pray....amen