Rejoicing to Suffer Shame for His Name
Introduction. The
apostles had been brought before the council. A prominent member of the
council advised that the council not to act too rashly. The council agrees and
decides to release them. Acts 5:40-42 I Ask you to note three things that
occur:
1. They are beaten. (Note:
Probably 39 stripes —2 Cor. 11:24 - Paul 5 times 39 stripes).
2. They are commanded not to
speak in the name of Jesus. (Note: They are told this by the very people who
killed Jesus and now they are told not to speak in his name).
And
yet, the text says— “they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing
that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (vs. 41). This
evening I’d like for us to note a few things about what led up to this and
consider what it teaches us about our own lives in service to the Lord.
I. What Led Them To This
Point?
A. They had witnessed the
resurrected Christ (Acts 1:9-11).
B. They had received the Holy
Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).
C. They had preached in Jesus’
name (Acts 2:14-39).
D. They had healed a lame man
(Acts 3:1-10). They used this occasion to teach about Jesus.
E. They had been arrested and
brought before the council (Acts 4:1-3; Acts 4:7-13). Notice their reaction:
1. They Identify Themselves
as Christians. The man was healed in Jesus’ name (vs. 10).
2. They Speak the Truth
About Right & Wrong. Jesus was the Christ & they had crucified Him
(vs. 11).
3. They Proclaim Jesus As
the Way. Jesus is the way to salvation (vs. 12).
II. What
Was It About These Men? (Acts 4:13).
A. They had boldness.
B. Not because of their
education.
C. Not because of their
training.
D. They had “been with Jesus.”
1. A relationship with Jesus
changes alot of things about a person.
2. It leads to boldness and
courage.
3. It leads —regardless of
training, education, power, or popularity to tell who we are, what the truth is
and what the way is to salvation!
III. Where Did This Lead Them?
A. They stood up for truth.
B. They were threatened.
C. They prayed for boldness (Acts
4:23-31).
D. Their faith spread (Acts
5:14).
IV. What Were the
Consequences?
Often at the times when it
would seem that we have the most reason to rejoice events come into our lives
which challenge our courage and test our commitment.
• Elijah, after the challenge
of the prophets of Baal, runs from Jezebeel when she seeks to kill him (1 Kings
19).
• Apostles, after the
transfiguration unable to heal a boy because of their lack of faith (Matthew
17).
A. The leaders grew angry and
imprisoned them (Acts 5:17-18).
B. They are freed from prison
by an angel (Acts 5:19).
C. They teach openly again (Acts
5:20-25).
D. They are brought before the
council again (Acts 5:26-32). Notice their reaction. It is no different
than when first brought before the council!
1. They Identify Themselves
As Christians. They confess witnessing His resurrection and claim to
possess the Holy Spirit (5:32).
2. They Speak the Truth
About Right & Wrong. They tell Jesus’ murderers they are acting
against GodÑ“We ought to obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) • They tell
them that they murdered the one whom God sent (5:30).
3. They Proclaim Jesus As
the Way. They tell them that in Jesus is where forgiveness of sins is
found (5:31).
E. The council is furious and
Gamaliel advices caution (Acts 5:33-39).
F. They are beaten, released
and go away rejoicing (Acts 5:40-42). Read: Acts 5:41
V. Questions For Our
Lives.
A. Can people around us see
that we have “been with Jesus”?
1. We can’t be with Jesus in
the same way that the Apostles were, but our relationship with Him is just as
real—or at least it should be.
2. Do we show by our
behavior that we have a real relationship with Jesus? Can people see our
boldness? • Are we courageous enough to identify ourselves as Christians? •
Are we courageous enough to speak the truth about right & wrong? • Do we
show Jesus as the way?
B. Do we rejoice to suffer
shame for His name?
1. These men didn’t enjoy the
hardship, but they rejoiced in the recognition that they held firm—they served
the one who died for them—they stayed faithful. James 1:2-4
2. We aren’t beaten—we aren’t
arrested—how do we suffer shame? • Are we laughed at? • Are we treated like
children? Note: This is a common form of persecution. It starts as children...
• “Only babies don’t use cuss
words!” As we grow...
• “You just know don’t know
about the world if you don’t ________ (drink, have sex, dance, watch dirty
movies, etc.) It doesn’t stop as adults.
• If you’re faithful to your
mate, if you don’t party on the weekends, if don’t cheat on your taxes, or lie
to get ahead at work... “It’s poor little Kyle, he can’t ___________”
3. What a lie Satan has told
the world! The very things that should cause the world to feel shame they act
as if these things are badges of honor.
4. Yet, the virtues which are
true signs of strength are mocked as weakness! DON’T LISTEN TO THIER
RIDICULE!!!! This is not something to feel bad about—Like the Apostles it is a
reason to rejoice. It says, “you are not like the world!” Hallelujah!!! (1
Peter 4:3-5).
C. Are we committed to obey
God no matter what?
1. These men were warned
twice, threatened, and eventually beaten, but they stayed as resolute after
this as they did beforehand. What about us?
2. Are we the same before
and after ridicule?
3. Do we pray for boldness
— or wait until we fall and wonder why?
4. We will never regret
standing up to suffering shame and holding true to the Lord.
5. We will regret it if we
allow such to lead us into sin and away from Christ. (Luke 21:12-19).