ACTS PT7—If It Is Of God, It Will Not Be Overthrown
[Act 5:38-39 NASB95] 38 “So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God.”
· I call this book: Acts of the Holy Spirit in the world through the Church. ACTS for short.
· This series is exposing some incorrect mindsets on how the primitive church was so successful. It is also showing us how we can be victorious in this world.
· Here Gamaliel is speaking after the re-arrest of the apostles. The leaders are wanting to stop them. They are desperate. Yet, Gamaliel is giving them perspective.
· It is this perspective that we need to hear today.
· They were “of God” and they were not overthrown.
When we live lives that are “of God” we will not be overthrown.
What does a church/Christian that is “of God” look like according to Acts 4:32-5:42?
There are five characteristics of a church/Christian that are “of God” according to Acts 4:32-5:42.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will be a giver.
Acts 4:32-37
This kind of radical giving was not prescribed by God.
Yet, believers will have a heart to God.
[2Co 9:6-8 NASB95]
Make a decision to be a giver.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will operate in power.
Acts 4:33
Acts 5:12-16
God is calling us to walk in His power.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will fear the Lord.
Acts 5:1-11
The issue here was not giving. It was lying to the Holy Spirit.
[Mat 10:28 NASB95]
Ask God to help you walk in the fear of the Lord.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will value the church.
Acts 4:35, 37
The feet of the apostles signified their connection to established church leadership.
The next chapter shows how to handle complaints in church. Do not miss it.
Acts 5:11
“Ekklesia” – an assembly, congregation, and meeting of the Christian community.
How committed are you to the church? We are better together.
A church/Christian that is “of God” will understand the necessity of preaching.
Acts 5:17-42
Persecuted (v17-18), Angelic deliverance (v19), Preached (v20-21), Rearrested (v26), Flogged (v40), Keep preaching (v42)
We must obey God! Acts 5:29!
They preached Christ’s Death (v30), Christ’s Resurrection (v30), and Christ’s Ascension (v31).
[1Th 2:13 NASB95]
As we value the releasing and receiving of the preached Word of God good things will happen in us.
When we live lives that are “of God” we will not be overthrown.
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