Acts 5:17 - 42 - It is better to obey God

Max Fernandez

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Acts 5:17–42

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It is better to obey God than men -

Acts 5:29 KJV 1900

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

There are two understandings of the word obey here. The obvious one is that the apostles are to obey God by preaching Jesus Christ rather than stop preaching Jesus like the religious leaders are telling him. This first obedience is to believers. It is to Christians.

And so it is that we should obey

This one is quite easy to understand for us.

Illustration:

What becomes apparent is that the high priest, the chief priests, the Sadducees were blinded to the words of this life. Their minds were blinded to the preaching of Jesus Christ.

Second kind of obedience

The second one is a little more elusive in the passage unless we pay attention to the setting. The second form of obedience is seen in .

This obedience is that of the unbeliever who accepts as Jesus as Christ. What does this involve from this passage? It involves the rejection of their very identity.

Thesis:

Illustration: In the new movie called “Smallfoot” there is a Yeti/Sasquach who is called the “gong-ringer.” There was a lot of superstition in this fictional village. One of superstitions was that if the gong-ringer was not able to ring the gong, then the sun would not rise and the village would not wake up to do the needed work. He was one person with a very important task. As the movie develops, he is running a little behind on a morning, and he realizes before he rings the gong that the sun is rising. Through the movie, he begins to realize that maybe his ringing of the gong does not actually cause the sun to rise.

Awake to the “words of this life”! Let this be our prayer to God for the lost, and let this be the prayer to God for the saved.

(1) The words of this life free us from territorialism. (product of a insecure identity). ()

He is faced with a crisis that he words this way, “If I am not the gong-ringer, then what am I.” His unique roll had become his ultimate identity, so much so that if the task was gone, he felt as if he did not know who he was.

In like manner, the Jewish people had come to a point in their nation where they were going through the motions and their sense of self worth and identity was attached to what they were doing religiously. This is especially true of the religious leaders.

How do we see territorialism in the passage?

What is the principle?

Illustration?

How does this apply?

(2) The words of this life free us from a misdirecting acceptance. (all they that were with him) ()

When Jesus came to the Jewish people, He comes as

makes this clear.

How do we see a misdirecting acceptance in the passage?

What is the principle?

Illustration?

How does this apply?

John 11:47–48 KJV 1900

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.

The High Priest

(3) The words of this life free us from self-destructive emotions. ()

This was especially true of the high priest who was charged with a particular, unique responsibility in Israel. He was uniquely appointed. He was anointed for the position. He had garments that no one else could wear. He had the privilege to go into a place where no one else could enter into.

How do we see self-destructive emotions in the passage?

What is the principle?

Illustration?

How does this apply?

He was the one who would go to God on behalf of all the people. He was the one who spoke to the people on behalf of God. No one else possessed this kind of privilege.

(4) The words of life free us from faith in our own control ()

How do we see faith in our own control in the passage?

The Messiah & the High Priest

What is the principle?

Illustration?

How does this apply?

What then is the issue? Is it merely that Jesus was saying he is the King of the Jews. No. Notice the clear prayer of Peter in

(5) The words of life free us from paralyzing fear ()

Acts 4:26 KJV 1900

The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

How do we boldness in the passage?

Jesus has come as the “Anointed One.” He has come to men on behalf of God, and he claims to be going back to God on behalf of men.

What is the principle?

John 16:28 KJV 1900

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

This was a challenge to the perceived supremacy of the high priest and the ruling Jewish body. Jesus Christ had come to fulfill the position of our High Priest. He came to fulfill the Law.

Illustration?

Hebrews 8:1 KJV 1900

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

How does this apply?

The high priest and the Jewish people were willing to reject Jesus the Messiah, but why? Is it not because they found that

To accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah was to also accept that Jesus was bringing an end to their position?

To accept Jesus Christ meant an end of the unique status they thought they had.

To accept Jesus meant that they could not sway and control the masses like they enjoyed doing.

In the end, only One has the right to be Lord of your life. We live in bodies and in a world that is constantly challenging this truth. Only the words of this life can bring this kind of freedom. So, whose words are you believing?

Application:

It is no different today. There are many who are trying to accept Jesus Christ and hold on to something or someone else in which they find their identity and self-worth.

Illustration:

But you must see that trying to hang on to Jesus and anything else is like trying to hold on to two powerful, galloping horses going in the opposite direction. You must choose one or the other, but it cannot be both.

Proposition: It is better to obey God rather than men! It is better to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and reject any faith in your identity, who you think you are.

Philippians 3:4–8 KJV 1900

Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Christ is to be received exclusively!

(1) The authority of Jesus (v. 17 - 23): the Setting

Two powers are displayed in this setting. The first is the power that is controlled by jealousy. This kind of power makes those who wield it to try to take matters into their own hands. It is a man-centered power that is rebellious against God. This is not uncommon in the Bible.

Illustration: We see this kind of power as early as the first book of the Bible when a brother becomes angry that his brother sacrifice to God was accepted and his own sacrifice was not accepted. So, Cain takes matters into his own hands and kills Abel.

The second kind of power is that of the Lord. It is a power that is unstoppable by human forces, and because it is not of men, it is a power that these apostles have to trust in. You see their trust in this power when they are once again commanded to go do that for which they were imprisoned.

Illustration:

Submitting to a Higher Law

When I was in third grade, I was condemned to live under a law of nearsightedness. My eyes went bad, and today I am considered legally blind. I am not free; I am in bondage to this law. I hate it. But it doesn’t matter. There is no escape.

Topics: Freedom; Law; Obedience

Reference:

One day I discovered there was a greater law that can overcome the law of nearsightedness. It is the law of glasses. When I submitted myself to the law of corrective lenses, the law of nearsightedness was overcome. The law of nearsightedness is still there, but it was overpowered by a greater law that enabled me to see.

Here’s the irony: You would think if I want to be free, I should throw the glasses away. But that is not freedom. Only by submitting to the law of glasses do I become free.

—Jim Holm, “Free at Last,” Mennonite Brethren Herald (February 19, 1999)

Larson, C. B., & Ten Elshof, P. (2008). 1001 illustrations that connect (pp. 229–230). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.

Application:

And so it is, that the apostles have found a greater authority in the Lord than any power that this world has to offer.

The power/authority that is displayed by the working of the Lord should call us to unrivaled obedience to Jesus Christ.

unrivaled by territorialism

One of these powers makes us to be the source of our identity.

The other makes the Lord to be the source of our identity.

unrivaled by human physical control

One of these powers makes us trust in ourselves

The other power commands us to trust in the Lord.

Identity Crisis: (v. 17)

One of these powers leads to uncontrollable anxiety.

The other power leads to peace in spite of the circumstances.

The authority of Jesus is superior to all other authorities, and we must decide who will be Lord in our lives. TO OBEY JESUS DOES NOT ONLY MEAN WE PREACH HIS NAME TO OTHER PEOPLE, BUT TO OBEY JESUS MEANS THAT WE TRUST HIM AS THE AUTHORITY IN OUR LIVES. WE TRUST HIM AS THE SOURCE OF OUR ULTIMATE WORTH AND VALUE IN OUR LIVES.

Friend, you cannot serve two masters. Believe on Jesus alone!

Christian, you cannot

Transition:

The authority of Jesus calls us to unparalleled obedience of heart.

(2) The adversaries of Jesus (v. 24 - 28): the Conflict

These verses reveal to us a body of priests who are concerned that the apostles are going to have greater influence on the masses of people than they will have. These priests and adversaries are enslaved to the thoughts of men. Jesus said of the scribes and Pharisees in

Matthew 23:5 KJV 1900

But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

Matthew 23:10 KJV 1900

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Jesus challenges this and calls the people to claim Christ as their Master.

Illustration:

Have you ever been to a small children’s soccer game? They are so easily distracted; but one of the simple distractions they enjoy is that of seeing grandma or grandpa show up. Why? They feel loved and appreciated by the presence of their loved ones. It helps their self-esteem, if you will.

In like manner, here you have a group of religious leaders who find their sense of self-worth based upon who is watching, and who is following them. They are people who cannot tolerate if their influence is redirected to another.

Matthew 23:10 KJV 1900

Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Application:

they are enslaved by the influence, of the apostles, over the people (remember the last time they found an empty room)

The preaching of Jesus will have adversaries, but many times we are unaware that the adversaries are not other humans but these adversaries are very close to us. This is what is really being exposed here - the sinful hearts of men.

they are enslaved by the thoughts of men.

Illustration:

Mark Twain

Identity Crisis: (v. 24) & (v. 26)

Mark Twain was known for his wit. A Mormon acquaintance once pushed him into an argument on the issue of polygamy. After long and tedious expositions justifying the practice, the Mormon demanded that Twain cite any passage of Scripture expressly forbidding polygamy.

“Nothing easier,” Twain replied. “No man can serve two masters.”

Source unknown

Galaxie Software. (2002). 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press.

The adversaries though are often even closer than those in our families. The adversaries of Jesus often find themselves in our hearts. The adversaries of Jesus which are found in the heart are often called lusts in the Bible. These are desires that challenge Jesus at the heart level.

The desire for acceptance with people

The desire to be followed

The desire to be in control

The desire to be noticed

The adversaries that are often overlooked that rival obedience of heart are often in our heart. These call for our faith, but they must be cast down.

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 KJV 1900

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Transition:

The authority of Jesus calls us to unparalleled obedience of heart.

The adversaries of Jesus are often adversaries of the heart.

(3) The apostles of Jesus (v. 29 - 33): the Climax

This is where Peter and the apostles plainly declare that they are to obey God rather than men. What did God say?

Illustration:

We were in the outreach room yesterday. One of the teens asked, “Are we going to get the vans.” I turned to Jared Berry and he said, “the cans?” and he gave me a can of something and so I gave the can to the teen, and said, “You asked about the cans.”

The point is that God has said something and apparently the apostles know they are supposed to obey, but not everyone is clear on what that message is.

The message? (v. 30 - 31)

Jesus is the message!

Acts 17:30–31 KJV 1900

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Every message has details. What are the details of the message? (v. 31)

Repent and receive forgiveness of sins!

Summary: The apostles and Christians are the ones who heard the message and they believed the message. This means that they obeyed the message from the heart! Why is this important?

The Holy Ghost Anointing (v. 32)

The pouring out of the Holy Ghost was something that the Old Testament had spoken of. (, . It was a sign that the last days had begun. It was a sign that the KINGDOM OF GOD WAS AT HAND. (for the high priest, this must have rocked his world)

Illustration:

Let’s imagine that you are working in a warehouse that has three level shelving units [in Kentucky in a primitive time]. The first level of the units are 7 feet high, so that only a 6 foot tall person could reach and get things off of the shelf. The times are primitive and you have no additional tools or hardware for short people to get things off of the shelves. There is one man who is 6 feet 2 inches. He is hired into the position of “picker.” He has one responsibility and that is to work shelf #3 for all of the other shorter people. He is an indispensable part of the business because he is needed. Over time, he begins to realize his importance, and rather than serve the people he begins to serve himself. He makes people wait until it is convenient for him to accomplish the task. He begins to make fun of people and take advantage of his position’s influence.

Then one day there walks in someone who looks just like the rest of everyone else. He is normal height. He is a new hire to the company, but when he comes in, he has something strapped to his back that no one else has ever seen. It’s a step-stool. He had moved there from Ohio where everyone knew about the step stool, and step stools were everywhere in Ohio. As a matter of fact, this new hire could get step stools for everyone in the warehouse. What then happens in the mind/heart of the original “picker”?

In like manner, when Jesus comes claiming to be “the Anointed One”, the previous anointed one - the high priest - is now challenged, but wait....Jesus offers the anointing of the Holy Spirit to all those who would obey Him from the heart. Now things get worse in the heart of the high priest. John understands this anointing when he says in

1 John 2:27 KJV 1900

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

Application:

Only if you receive Jesus - obey him from the heart - can you have your sins against God forgiven. More, He gives to you the very Spirit of Christ because he makes you a son of God. (Exaltation: (v. 31) The point here is that Peter is tying the exaltation of Jesus with , .)

This is where Peter and the apostles explain why they obey Jesus like no One else. They first point to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is another way of pointing to power. These high priests cannot stand up against such power.

Second, the point to the exaltation of Jesus. The point here is that Peter is tying the exaltation of Jesus with , . This is something spoken of the One who was to come.

they believed in the Resurrection in the face of Sadducees

they believed in the need of repentance and forgiveness of sins

Transition:

they showed a steadfast confidence/faith in the Lord. Consider the Hebrew boys in Babylon.

The authority of Jesus calls us to unparalleled obedience of heart.

they were bold in the Lord

The adversaries of Jesus are often adversaries of the heart.

The apostles of Jesus are those who have obeyed Jesus from the heart and have His Spirit

Identity Crisis: (v. 33)

Each time the message of Christ is calling them to obey Christ!

(4)

(4) The assessment of Jesus (v. 34 - 40)

Here a man held in esteem makes a good observation. If it is of men, then it will not stand. The comparison is interesting. One of the men was slain, and the other perished. How does this compare with Christ. When Christ was slain, He had power to take up his life again.

John 10:18 KJV 1900

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Quote: The oft quoted words of C.S. Lewis, "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things that Jesus said wouldn't be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic on the level with a man who says he's a poached egg--or else he would be the devil of hell; you must take your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a mad man or something worse. You can shut Him up for a demon, or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But don't come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great moral teacher. He hasn't left that alternative open to us. He did not intend to."

In Mere Christianity, CS Lewis, "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things that Jesus said wouldn't be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic on the level with a man who says he's a poached egg--or else he would be the devil of hell; you must take your choice. Either this was, and is, the Son of God, or else a mad man or something worse. You can shut Him up for a demon, or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But don't come up with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great moral teacher. He hasn't left that alternative open to us. He did not intend to."

Application:

The assessment could not be more clear. Putting Jesus on the same scale as other religious leaders, zealots, or political leaders is like putting:

the Sun on the same scale as a candle

the Ocean on the same scale as a cup of water

the twinkling stars on the same scale as a flickering light bulb

the Moon on the same scale as a night light

You mustn’t think that you can believe Jesus and accept everyone in addition to Jesus. Jesus is to be received exclusively. He is the One in whom we find our deepest sense of self-worth.

The difference is that when they killed Jesus, the group actually became stronger.

Identity Crisis: (v. 40) still take confidence in their control

Conclusion:

Transition:

The authority of Jesus calls us to unparalleled obedience of heart.

The adversaries of Jesus are often adversaries of the heart.

The apostles of Jesus are those who have obeyed Jesus from the heart and have His Spirit

The assessment of Jesus is that He is to be uniquely believed

(5) The answer in Jesus (v. 41 - 42)

The apostles now find their worth - not in some earthly thing - but in the name of Jesus. They count it an honor to suffer shame for His name. It is a complete paradigm shift. It is something opposite of what you would expect. Their joy and value is found in suffering because in it, they can fellowship with Jesus.

This then leads them to continue serving, in spite of the threats - especially because they find joy in suffering.

Illustration:

When I was a child I did not understand this phenomenon. It was the adult who said, they liked the pie crust the best. As a child, I lived for the obvious. When I heard someone say they liked the pie crust the best, rather than the chocolate cheesecake, I thought maybe they just had weird taste buds or something, but then as I matured, I too began to develop this taste that enjoyed the “not so obvious” better than the “obvious.”

In like manner, what we have here are men and women who have a sort of weird kind of taste buds. They rejoice in suffering. Setting aside all of the other trappings of being a Christian, for a moment, we get a glimpse into what this does in the heart of a Christian. It causes them to value what others perceive to be without value.

Philippians 3:10 KJV 1900

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;

Having Jesus frees us from finding worth in everything the world tells you to find worth in.

The world says, find your worth in a special talent you have

Jesus says, find your worth in Me.

The world says, find your worth in the love of your family.

Jesus says, find your worth in Me.

The world says, find your worth in your work ability.

Jesus says, find your worth in Me.

The world says, find your worth in making yourself stand out

Jesus says, find your worth in Me.

I want you to know today that it is better to obey God rather than men.

(1) God is commanding men to receive Jesus as their Savior.

(2) God is commanding Christians to preach the command of God.

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