God's Sovereignty In The Midst Of Christian Suffering (Part 2) Series

GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY IN THE MIDST OF CHRISTIAN SUFFERING

(Part 2)

Acts 4:23-28

(Antioch Baptist Church: Wednesday, August 27th, 2025)

Many unbelievers have a common misconception that “if our God is real”, and “if He is all powerful”, and “if we are His children”, and “if He loves us”, then we will never experience any sort of trouble, hardships or tragedy. This erroneous mindset can partly be attributed to the abundance of false teaching in our day. However, this mindset is not a new phenomenon, King David wrote about a time when the enemies of Isreal mocked their faith in God. In Psalm 115:2-3 he said, “Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.”

We should believe and echo that sentiment in each and every circumstance that we face. Indeed, our God is in the Heavens and He does all that He pleases. However, there will be many times when we do not like, agree with, or understand why God does what He does. Like the aforementioned unbelievers, there are times when we (Christians) ask the questions “if our God is real”, and “if He is all powerful”, and “if we are His children”, and “if He loves us”, then why does He allow us to suffer? For the answer to this question, we need not look any further than the Cross of Jesus Christ.

John MacArthur once said, “God has written all of history according to His eternal plan. The crucifixion of Jesus was no exception”. Everything that the enemies of Christ did to Him was part of God’s plan. This is clear evidence of His sovereignty. It was not Judas Iscariot who handed Jesus over to His enemies, it was God. Pilate, Herod, and the Sanhedrin were not the ones who saw to it that Jesus was crucified, it was God the Father. Jesus was handed over to death by God Himself and we must never forget that He did this on our behalf. (2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.)

The rejection of the Jews, being betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and abandoned by the Disciples; the unjust trial, the mocking, beating, scourging and the crucifixion itself were all predestined by God. Scripture declares that Jesus is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8).

With that being said, those who were guilty of the death of Christ will still be held responsible for their rebellious acts. The fact that Jesus was delivered to death by the Sovereign Lord does not absolve Christ’s enemies of their responsibility concerning His death. This is why Peter continuously confronts their evil deeds and pleads with them to repent.

Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;)

(Acts 3:15 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.

Because of their rejection of the Promised One, it was necessary for the people in Jerusalem to hear the message of the Gospel. They needed to know the eternal importance of repenting and believing in Jesus Christ. Each time that Peter confronted their guilt, he called on them to respond in repentance.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord

The necessity of repentance is a message that must be proclaimed today. There are many people who reject Christ just as those who were guilty of executing Him. In fact, they too are responsible for His death. But there is another similarity that modern day people have with the Jews in Christ’s day. I am referring to the fact that the grace, mercy, love and forgiveness of Jesus is available if they will humble themselves and repent and believe in Him.

Like those in the early church, we find much hope in the sovereignty of God. We belong to the ultimate authority and no government, leader or counsel can thwart his divine will! With this in mind we can have great boldness and courage as we set out to be His witnesses on the earth. It is important that we follow the example of the first century Christians and pray for boldness in this process. Notice their request in - v29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,