Fly High – Acts part 4
On the lighter side of life:
The Secret Service is preparing to issue a cease-and-desist order to stop a Christian ministry’s use of a gospel tract designed as a "million-dollar bill," after someone tried to deposit one of them into a bank account, reports WorldNetDaily. Last week, the controversy began when three agents visited the Great News Network in Denton, Texas, and threatened to arrest staffer Tim Crawford for hiding evidence in a counterfeiting investigation. They then took with them 8,300 tracts and left behind their business cards and a receipt. Though Great News Network distributes the tracts, they did not originate them. They are produced by evangelist Ray Comfort’s Living Waters Ministry.
The U.S. Code requires any novelty currency to be at least three-quarters smaller or one-and-a-half times larger than normal and to be printed in black and white on one side. But, Great News Network director Darrel Rundus argues that "million-dollar" bills can’t be counterfeited because they don’t exist. And the tracts — which include a "not legal tender" disclaimer on the front — present the Christian salvation message on the opposite side. He says he won’t be deterred from distributing the tracts in the future. "Show me the law we’re breaking," he said.
The Great News Network’s attorney in the case, Brian Fahling of the American Family Association Center for Law and Policy, said he believes the tracts conform to the code and will ask a federal judge in Dallas to issue a declaration. "Apparently some cognitively challenged individual attempted to deposit one of the ’bills’ into his account, and the Secret Service decided that was enough for them to treat the bills as counterfeit," said Fahling. "By that type of reasoning, if someone should attempt to deposit Monopoly money in a bank, the Secret Service could seize all the Monopoly money held by Americans. Surely the Secret Service has more important things to do." (The Pastor’s Weekly Briefing [family@mail-family.org]).
Thesis: The book of Acts was written to show what God can do with ordinary people who are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Scripture Text:
Acts 2: 42a - 43:
42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…
43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
Acts 5:12-42:
12The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.
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.
Introduction:
The book of acts demonstrates what happens to a person when they are filled with the Holy Spirit. If you recall prior to Pentecost the disciples had frequently got into trouble and seemed to be powerless in their witnessing role for Jesus. At the time of Jesus arrest one tried to stop the arrest by the power of the sword. His name was Peter! The others ran like mice running from a cat. Others scattered and hid for cover. The church of Acts was not represented well before the Day of Pentecost. It seemed as if the church was in big trouble because of its frequent failures but Jesus went to the cross and then rose again on the third day and commanded his followers to go to Jerusalem to wait for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
It’s interesting if you read the life of the apostles before the Day of Pentecost and then read about their lives after this pinnacle day because you must admit the group changes dramatically. Something happened!
So what was the difference? It was the Baptism in the Holy Spirit – It was the infilling from the Holy Spirit that Jesus had promised. I honestly believe that the primary focus in the book of Acts is not the Apostles but it is actually the Holy Spirit. I believe Luke penned this book as the Lord directed to show the church and His followers that their power and ability to do ministry was linked with the Holy Spirit. The power to be a witness for Jesus would only come from the Holy Spirit’s enablement.
The book reveals that power does not come from our own strength or abilities but from the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts tells me that if I want to do marvelous and supernatural things for the Kingdom of God then I need to yield my life to the Holy Spirit. I need to allow the Holy Spirit to fill me and dwell in me so that I can be empowered by the Lord from the inside to do and fulfill His purpose for my life. The point Luke makes is we must allow the Spirit of God to affect our head and allow Him 100% reign in our heart. When I let this happen then I will do great and mighty things for the Kingdom of God.
I must remember that it is not by my might or my strength but it is by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that I am able to work effectively for the Lord.
Acts reveals what God can do with ordinary men and women who commit themselves to Jesus and then allow the Holy Spirit to fill them and direct them in their lives. A key that stands out in the book of Acts is how the Holy Spirit empowers individuals to be witnesses for Jesus. This supernatural empowerment to witness comes from being devoted to the teachings of the Word of God and also by allowing the Holy Spirit to perform miracles through our lives.
Lets look at the 3 keys which surface in our Scripture text about how to be empowered to be a witness for Jesus.
I. You must obey God rather than men.
a. The first key I gleam from out text is we must obey the Lord above the commands of men when comes to doing His work.
i. The Lord is the authority we are to follow when it comes to the spiritual work of the Kingdom.
ii. Romans 15:29-32: 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.”
1. Peter tells us that if we want all of the Holy Spirit we must obey God over what man may say about the spiritual relam of life.
iii. We must preach and teach others about His word even when we are told `not too.
1. I honestly believe that the time is coming when this government will try to stop the preaching of the Word because it will be considered a hate crime.
iv. All the apostles of the Bible faced this same dilemma – They were told not to preach or teach about this person Jesus Christ.
1. They were threatened
2. They were flogged - whipped
3. They were arrested and put in dungeons and jails
4. They were stoned even some to death
5. They were beaten and left for dead
6. They were abused mentally and physically
7. They were attacked by many various means - financially, socially, politically and the like
8. They were labeled as dangerous and bad for the people
a. A recent news story from The Pastor’s weekly briefing shows how the world views the Christian faith:
i. Federal District Judge Robert Pratt ruled that the Prison Fellowship Ministries program, InnerChange Freedom Initiative, at the Newton Correctional Facility in Iowa violates the First Amendment. Pratt wrote that the program "impermissibly endorses religion" and ordered it to shut down in 60 days and to repay $1.5 million to the state. The IFI program is voluntary and has produced "dramatic results" in the lives of hardened criminals and has been effective in stopping what it describes as "the revolving door of crime." Mark Earley, president of Prison Fellowship and creator of IFI, states that the ruling "has attacked the right of people of faith to operate on a level playing field in the public arena and to provide services to those who volunteered to receive them." Earley pointed out that the program is totally supported with private funds. "If this decision is allowed to stand," he said, "it would basically remove God from the prisons of America — and that is beyond tragic."
9. They were called evil instead of good.
10. The religious leaders warned others to have nothing to do with them because they believed that they were deceived and they were dangerous to society.
a. Listen to this recent news story: The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) is now warning parents of movies which contain a reference to the Christian faith, equating Christianity as being on the same level of sex, violence and profanity when it comes to objectionable material.
The MPAA is controlled by Hollywood moguls known for their bitter opposition to Christianity.
A new family film featuring miracles and a pro-God theme has earned the PG rating because it would offend non-believers. The MPAA refuses to give movies which promote the homosexual lifestyle a similar warning. In other words, MPAA warns parents if a movie has Christianity presented in a positive manner but refuses to warn them if homosexuality is presented in a positive manner. From: AFA ActionAlert Facing the Giants is the story of a Christian high school football coach who uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure. Due to the Christian content, the MPAA rated it PG, placing it in the same offensive category as sex, violence and profanity.
The plot includes several prayers being answered, a medical miracle, and a mystic who delivers a message from God. The scene which MPAA found most offensive was a discussion between the football coach and a boy named Matt. The coach says the boy needs to stop bad-mouthing his father and get right with God.
The boy replies: "You really believe in all that honoring God and following Jesus stuff? Well, I ain’t trying to be disrespectful, but not everybody believes in that."
The coach responds: "Matt, nobody’s forcing anything on you. Following Jesus Christ is the decision that you’re going to have to make for yourself. You may not want to accept it, because it will change your life. You will never be the same."
That, says the MPAA, is very objectionable and parents need to be warned [afapetition@afa.net]
b. As I look at one of the key figures in the book of Acts we have a man named Peter.
i. The example of Peter’s transformation is a result of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. If you study this man’s history from the Gospel’s and compare it to Acts it’s a dramatic change..
1. A scaredy cat turns into a lion because of the Holy Spirit.
2. A person prone to violence becomes a dispenser of God’s grace.
3. A man once afraid to die is martyred and asked to be hung upside down because he is not worthy to die like Jesus did.
4. A man who at one time was always putting his foot in his mouth comes out of Pentecost and delivers an anointed sermon to the on lookers and thousands get saved.
a. The man who addresses the religious leaders in Acts is revealed as a man who ahs words of wisdom and insight.
b. Same Peter but drastically different.
ii. Peter becomes a central figure in the book of Acts because he is empowered by the Holy Spirit. The one who denied Christ before Pentecost is now fearless for the cause of Jesus Christ.
1. His new found strength and boldness is found in the Holy Spirit. He is shown in Acts using the power he had received from the Holy Spirit to heal those looking for healing.
a. His shadow healed people – this was a man who sold out 100% for Jesus and he allowed the Holy Spirit full control in his life.
i. It changed him from a man driven by the flesh to man driven by the Spirit.
ii. The result miracles happened!
b. When the Holy Spirit is in control fear is driven out and jealousy of others is uprooted and love takes the place of the works of the flesh.
i. Peter goes from failure to super star apostle.
c. Please understand an important point also unveiled in our text from Acts 5:17. God reveals through this section of Acts that when you sell out for Jesus 100% and the Holy Spirit starts to use you others will become jealous and envious of you. When God is using you people will become jealous of the miracles and the impact your life will make on others.
i. The religious leaders in our story did become jealous of how God was using these men and women. They did not like how these individuals were being used for the purpose of the Kingdom and how God performed miracles through their ministry. So they wanted them to stop! But God had other plans and jealousy is not part of His plan!
1. It made them jealous.
a. Jealousy is defined as the following:
i. Jealousy is an emotion by one who perceives that another person is giving something that he/she wants or feels is due to them (often attention, love, respect or affection) to an alternate. For example, a child will likely become jealous when their parents give sweets to a sibling but not to them. An adult may become jealous if they observe that their lover is flirting with someone else, perceiving a threat to their relationship.
1. This could happen with people who have no friends and they look at others with friendships and then they harbor jealous thoughts toward them.
2. This can happen with people who have low-self-esteem.
a. They look at the relationship of another and become jealous over their meaningful relationships.
3. This can happen of one being envious and jealous of others success in the ministry and their failures.
ii. I want to talk a moment about the spirit of jealousy:
1. Notice these men in 5:17 were the religious leaders and they became filled with jealousy because people were being healed, delivered, set free and miracles were happening and they were not a part of it.
a. Instead of rejoicing over the greatness of God they became jealous of the disciples success and they wanted it stopped!
i. Why? Because they were not in the lime light!
b. They were so far from God they could not enter in to the great outpouring of God’s Spirit instead they criticized and sought ways to stop it!
i. They even considered the act of murder!
ii. They ridiculed them.
iii. They accused them of being possessed of the Devil.
iv. They pointed the finger at them and said you are not from God.
2. Jealousy is a cancer in the body of Christ today that needs to be recognized and repented off!
a. People get jealous because they see someone who has a successful Bible Study so they attack that leader and say things like they are forming a cliché!
b. They point the finger at the success of another ministry and seek to tear it down because they are not its leader. Why do people do this?
c. Jealousy and it’s root problem is found in self-centeredness!
i. In jealousy there is more self-love than love.
Author: Francois Duc de la Rochefoucauld
Source: Maxims
ii. Jealousy is the jaundice of the soul.
Author: John Dryden
Source: None
iii. John Bevere stated, “The most effective way for the enemy to blind us is to cause us to focus on ourselves” (2).
d. As I grew up I saw the destruction that the Green Eyed Monster of jealousy could do to a family and a marriage.
i. I watched it destroy my parent’s relationship!
ii. It was ugly mean and cruel.
1. Jealousy, that dragon which slays love under the pretence of keeping it alive.
Author: Havelock Ellis
Source: None
2. It is not love that is blind, but jealousy.
Author: Lawrence Durrell
Source: None (no. 334)
a. It ripped our family apart and caused it’s destruction.
iii. This monster also surfaces in the church with one another as it did in the Acts New Testament era.
1. Someone thinks that they are robbed of a relationship with another so they make jealous accusations against that person to justify their distorted view of the situation.
a. Selfishness and envy eat at the heart of love and make it bitter and deceived.
b. He sees only it’s twisted image of a situation and not the truth
3. How to Kill the Green-eyed Monster by L. Ron Hubbard: Nothing can ruin a relationship or marriage faster than jealously. Jealousy creates anxiety, anger, loneliness, hate, fear. No one thinks clearly when jealous. Having a relationship with a jealous person is tough. The jealous person acts untrusting or unworthy. Jealousy makes the person unattractive, even repulsive. No one wants a jealous mate and no one likes being jealous. So what causes jealousy? "Jealousy is the largest factor in breaking up marriages. Jealousy comes about because of the insecurity of the jealous person and the jealousy may or may not have foundation. This person is afraid of hidden communication lines and will do anything to try to uncover them." — L. Ron Hubbard When you are jealous, a line of communication is going on with your spouse or lover that is hidden from you. The mystery causes the pain. If you witnessed your spouse’s communication line, so it was not hidden from you, you would not feel jealous. Hidden communication lines or mysteries make you think of questions. "Will she find someone she likes better than me?" "Is he having an affair?" "Is she going to leave me?" "Does he think I’m unattractive?" When you are jealous, the mystery makes you assume the worst. "Maybe he’ll fall in love with his cute receptionist and leave me." "She’s going to lunch with her old boyfriend because she’s still attracted to him." "He’ll come home and tell me he wants a divorce." So how do you handle your feelings of jealousy? How do you deal with a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend who is jealous?
a. What are some ways to defeat this evil monster?
i. Admit that you have it! Take responsibility for it and repent of it.
ii. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of it when you have those jealous thoughts.
iii. Learn to communicate with the one who you are jealous with to defeat the lies of the Green Eyed Monster.
iv. Work on the renewing of the mind – it’s essential.
iii. The Bible does address the issue of jealousy:
1. James A. FOWLER enlightens us to what the Word says about jealousy:
a. Jealousy is linked with:
i. Selfish ambition - James 3:14,16.
ii. Strife, conflict - Rom. 13:13; I Cor. 3:3; II Cor. 12:20
iii. Deeds of the flesh - Gal. 5:20
iv. Anger, wrath, rage - Prov. 6:34; 27:4
b. Jealousy is a dissatisfaction and unacceptance of God’s providential arrangement of one’s life.
i. Jealousy exhibits diabolic character - James 3:15
ii. Jealousy is destructive - Job 5:2; Prov. 6:34; 27:4
iii. Jealousy is often based on an inadequate sense of identity (cf. I Cor. 15:10), and fuels depression
c. Biblical examples of selfish jealousy
i. Brothers of Joseph - Gen. 37:11,19; Acts 7:9
ii. Korah - Ps. 106:16,18; Numb. 16:3
iii. Jewish leaders - Acts 5:17; 17:5
iv. Zealots - Lk. 6:15; Acts 1:13
iv. Examples of selfish jealousy from Fowler:
1. Jealous of another’s possessions, wealth, assets - (greed, coveting)
2. Jealous of another’s position, placement, job, advancement
3. Jealous of another’s authority, power, leadership
4. Jealous of another’s recognition, praise, prestige
5. Jealous of another’s abilities, talents, skills
6. Jealous of another’s accomplishments, achievements, success
7. Jealous of another’s intelligence, logic, knowledge
8. Jealous of another’s personality, social standing
9. Jealous of another’s relationships, communication, intimacy, marriage
10. Jealous of another’s loyalties, devotion, attachments
11. Jealous of another’s age, youth, maturity, experience
12. Jealous of another’s looks, appearance, beauty, health
13. Jealous of another’s clothes, style, sophistication
14. Jealous of another’s opportunities, privileges, advantages, good fortune
v. Jealousy must be rooted out of the Christian life or we ourselves could become like the religious leaders described in Acts 5!
T.S. – Peter along with the other apostles knew that they had to obey God’s direction for their lives even if other people did not like what they were preaching and doing for Jesus and the Kingdom of God. They had to deal with the spirit of jealousy but they knew that it’s God who would defend their ministry and actions.
II. You must understand that God is on your side and He will fight your battles for you.
a. Romans 12:19-21: 9Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
i. The question could be proposed in the book of Acts who is suppose to defend us – myself? Or God?
1. The Bible is clear it’s the Lord’s job not mine!
a. James 4:12: Here is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
b. James 5:9: Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
c. He is the judge – I am not!
2. When we decide to avenge a wrong committed to us and choose not to forgive we set ourselves up into a trap of offense that will rip our lives apart.
a. Bevere states, “It is unrighteous for us as children of God to avenge ourselves. But that is exactly what we are seeking when we refuse to forgive. We desire, seek, plan, and carry out revenge. We will not forgive until the debt is paid in full, and only we can determine the acceptable compensation. When we seek to correct the wrong done to us, we set ourselves up as judges.’
b. He reminds us that we are not the Judge but God is the judge and when we seek to judge we take the role and the job of God on ourselves and the truth is we are no God.
b. The Lord has the power and the ability to deliver you from your adversaries.
i. He may raise someone up from the opposition to speak on your behalf to open their blind eyes.
1. Gamaliel - Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people…did such a thing for Peter in our scenario.
2. God can and will do the same for your situation!
c. The truth is - He will even save some of those who oppose you come to accept the message
i. Example of the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus was handled not by another Christian but by Jesus Christ Himself.
d. God will work in every situation to achieve His will and purpose for that situation in the context of the Kingdom of God.
i. God is at work and His Spirit is moving this world and your life to a climax in history.
1. We can admit that and believe it or deceive ourselves like many have but God is in control!
ii. There is a goal for everything that is happening and it is all pointing and pushing us toward Jesus.
e. We must be careful in the midst of opposition that we do not take matters into our own hands. If we do things will get worse not better!
i. Revenge is not up to us!
1. John Bevere stated in “The Bait of Satan”
a. When we seek to correct the wrong done to us, we set ourselves up as a judge. The unforgiving servant in Matthew 18 did this when he put his fellow servant in jail. In turn this unforgiving servant was turned over to the tormentors, and his family sold, until he should pay all. We must make room and give place to the just Judge. He rewards righteously. Only He avenges in righteousness” (137).
ii. Don’t take things personally recognize we wrestle not against flesh and blood but principalities and powers in the spiritual realm.
f. Listen to me this is not a battle between flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.
i. 2 Corinthians 10:4, 5: 4The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
ii. Proverbs 3:5, 6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
iii. Ephesians 6:12, 13: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
T.S. – We must allow the Lord to fight our battles for us and not take things into our own hands and instead we must choose the attitude of rejoicing when we are persecuted for the cause of Jesus Christ.
III. You must rejoice even in the midst of persecution because suffering for the cause of the Gospel is a great honor.
a. Attitude makes the difference when we go through tough times.
i. Joyce Meyer states either we, “Complain and remain in the wilderness or praise and be raised from the wilderness.”
1. She notes how our attitudes will either keep us in the wilderness or release us from the wilderness.
2. The battle for your attitude about a situation in life occurs in your mind.
3. This is why it is so crucial to renew the mind!
a. This also relates back to our little talk on jealousy!
b. When we change the negative distorted thinking pattern and see what God sees we will defeat the spirit of jealousy.
b. We must never forget that it is honorable to suffer because you are a witness for Jesus.
i. There is no greater honor than to suffer for the truth of the Gospel. Listen to Scripture verses about suffering for the cause of Jesus Christ.
1. Romans 5:3-5: 3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
2. 2 Thess. 1:5: 5All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
3. 1 Peter 4: 12-16: 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.
c. Tough times always help us to mature and grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
i. We need to remember that it’s the tough times of life that will produce and develop our Christian character.
ii. John Bevere states, “We grow in the tough times, not the easy times. Hard places will always come in our journey with the Lord. We cannot escape them but need to face them, for they are part of the process of becoming perfect in Him. If you choose to run from them, you will seriously hinder your growth” (150, 151).
iii. Bevere notes, ‘Maturity does not come easily. If it did, all would attain it.”
1. He adds a lesson from Paul found in Acts 14:22 …exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” He did not promise them a life of ease. He did not promise them success according to the world’s standards. He showed them that if they were going to finish their course with joy, they were going to meet up with resistance that he called tribulation…remember that when we lose our life for the sake of Jesus, we will find His life. Learn to fix your focus on the end result, not the struggle. Peter put it so well: 1 Peter 4:12, 13: 12Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” Notice that he compares the extent of suffering to the extent of rejoicing. How can you rejoice to that extent? When His glory is revealed, you will be glorified with Him. This glorifying is to the degree that you allow Him to perfect His character within you. So don’t look at the offense. Look at the coming glory. Hallelujah! (151,152).
d. There is glory in sacrifice – John Maxwell from his book The Right To Lead shares a story about a person who considered it and honor to stand and suffer for Jesus.
i. In 1945, in a Japanese internment camp in China, a forty-three-year-old man did everything he could to effectively lead and serve his fellow prisoners. Without the benefit of equipment or supplies, he taught science to many of the children in the makeshift school they created. He also taught Sunday school, led Bible studies for adults, and tended to the elderly and infirm. Along with teaching and assisting others, he organized youth sporting events to promote fitness and boost morale. In fact, he especially enjoyed helping the children with athletics because he had been an athlete himself-an especially well known one in England and his native Scotland. Many years earlier, the people had called him the “Flying Scotsman” because of his prowess in track. If you’ve seen the movie Chariots of Fire, then you know his name: Eric Liddell. A 100 – meter sprinter by talent and training, he declined to run in that race during the Paris Olympics of 1924 when he learned that it would be run on Sunday. A devout Christian, he believed that running on Sunday violated the keeping of the Sabbath, something he would not do for king, country, or Olympic glory. For the stand he took, Eric Liddell was called a traitor…When he refused to run in the 100 meters, he instead got the opportunity to run in the 400- meters race. Though he had not trained for that distance, he took the opportunity. Remarkably, he not only won-he set a world record in the process…(he became a national hero)…What was the response to his fame? He quietly finished his degree in science and divinity, and then in 1925, he traveled to China as a missionary. For nearly twenty years, he worked with the Chinese people, teaching, sharing his faith, and serving in numerous other ways. At one point, he worked with the Red Cross to gain greater access to more remote regions of the country. And he made the most of it…In 1943, Eric Liddell found himself in a 150-by-200-yard internment camp along with eighteen hundred other ‘enemy’ nationals. While there, he served everyone he could, and the children there especially delighted in him. They had grown up hearing the story of the athlete who refused to run on Sunday. He gained not only the love of the children, but also that of the imprisoned adults and the respect and admiration of their Japanese captors. ..on February 21, 1945, just months before the end of the war, he succumbed to an undetected brain tumor. He was laid to rest in a little cemetery outside the walls of the camp. The record books may remember Eric Liddell the runner, but the people whose lives he touched remember Eric Liddell the leader (49-52).
Conclusion:
The three lessons learned from our text today:
1. Obey God rather than men and do what He tells you to do.
2. Understand that God is your defender and He is the Judge not you.
3. Make sure your attitude is one of rejoicing in spite of the suffering you will have to endure for the cause of Jesus Christ.
