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).