Bold Faith: Obeying God Amidst Human Authority

 

Summary

In the passage from Acts 4, we witness the boldness of Peter and John as they stand before the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of Jerusalem. Despite being uneducated and untrained, their courage and eloquence astonish the authorities, who recognize that these men have been with Jesus. The council, unable to deny the miracle of healing performed by Peter and John, resorts to threats, commanding them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. However, Peter and John assert that they must obey God rather than human authorities, highlighting a profound ethical dilemma faced by believers throughout history.

This narrative invites us to reflect on the tension between submission to earthly authorities and obedience to God. While Scripture calls us to be model citizens, submitting to those in authority, there are moments when obedience to God requires defiance of human commands. This is not a license for rebellion but a call to discernment, understanding when God's commands take precedence over human laws. The apostles' response to the Sanhedrin exemplifies this principle, as they prioritize their divine mandate to spread the gospel over compliance with unjust human decrees.

Throughout history, figures like Lech Walesa, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. have demonstrated the power of standing against tyranny and injustice. Their courage reminds us that one person's defiance can challenge oppressive regimes and inspire change. As Christians, we are called to navigate these complex situations with wisdom, balancing our duty to submit to authorities with our higher allegiance to God.

In our daily lives, we must be prepared to make difficult choices, understanding what God commands and forbids. This requires a deep commitment to Scripture and a willingness to stand firm in our faith, even when it leads to personal sacrifice. The early church's willingness to suffer for their faith laid the foundation for the growth of Christianity, and we are called to follow their example, honoring God above all else.

Key Takeaways:

- The boldness of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin illustrates the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden believers to speak truth in the face of opposition. Their courage serves as a reminder that our strength comes from our relationship with Jesus, and it is this connection that empowers us to stand firm in our faith. [10:42]

- Submission to authority is a biblical principle, yet there are times when obedience to God requires defiance of human commands. This tension calls for discernment, as we must understand when God's commands take precedence over earthly laws. [18:59]

- Historical figures like Lech Walesa and Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrate the impact of standing against tyranny and injustice. Their courage inspires us to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for righteousness, even at great personal cost. [05:20]

- The principle of civil disobedience is not a license for rebellion but a call to prioritize God's commands over human decrees. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and a commitment to follow God's will, even when it leads to conflict with earthly authorities. [21:13]

- As Christians, we must be prepared to make difficult choices, balancing our duty to submit to authorities with our higher allegiance to God. This involves a willingness to stand firm in our faith, even when it leads to personal sacrifice, trusting that God will honor our obedience. [22:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:35] - Boldness of Peter and John
- [01:21] - The Power of Miracles
- [02:13] - Influence and Recognition
- [02:55] - Lech Walesa's Defiance
- [03:48] - Tyranny and Public Uprising
- [05:20] - Courage Against Oppression
- [06:08] - Historical Examples of Defiance
- [06:53] - Christian Duty to Authority
- [08:26] - Submission and Obedience
- [09:13] - The Healing at the Gate Beautiful
- [10:42] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
- [12:03] - The Sanhedrin's Dilemma
- [14:14] - Apostles' Ethical Conflict
- [18:59] - Principle of Civil Disobedience
- [22:55] - Standing Firm in Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 4:13-22

Observation Questions:
1. What was the reaction of the Sanhedrin to the boldness of Peter and John, and what did they recognize about them? [00:35]
2. How did the Sanhedrin respond to the miracle performed by Peter and John, and what was their main concern? [12:41]
3. What was Peter and John's response to the command not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus? [14:14]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the boldness of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin reveal about the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers? [10:42]
2. How does the narrative of Peter and John illustrate the tension between obeying God and submitting to earthly authorities? [18:04]
3. In what ways do historical figures like Lech Walesa and Martin Luther King Jr. reflect the principle of standing against unjust authority as seen in Acts 4? [05:20]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between obeying God and following human authority. How did you handle the situation, and what would you do differently now? [18:59]
2. How can you cultivate the same boldness that Peter and John displayed when faced with opposition? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your relationship with Jesus? [10:42]
3. Consider the ethical dilemmas you face in your daily life. How can you discern when to prioritize God's commands over human laws? [22:01]
4. Identify an area in your life where you feel called to stand against injustice. What actions can you take to advocate for righteousness, even if it involves personal sacrifice? [05:20]
5. How can you prepare yourself to make difficult choices that honor God, especially when they might lead to personal sacrifice or conflict with authorities? [22:55]
6. Think of a situation where you might be tempted to use "just following orders" as an excuse. How can you ensure that your actions align with God's will in such circumstances? [20:29]
7. How can you support others in your community who are facing similar ethical dilemmas, encouraging them to stand firm in their faith? [22:55]

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit Empowers Boldness
The boldness of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Despite their lack of formal education, their courage and eloquence astonished the authorities, who recognized that these men had been with Jesus. This encounter highlights the profound impact of a relationship with Christ, as it empowers believers to speak truth in the face of opposition. The Holy Spirit emboldens us, providing the strength and wisdom needed to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity. As we cultivate our relationship with Jesus, we too can experience this divine empowerment, enabling us to live out our faith with courage and conviction. [10:42]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's boldness to speak truth and stand firm in your faith today?


Day 2: Discerning When to Obey God Over Man
Submission to authority is a biblical principle, yet there are moments when obedience to God requires defiance of human commands. This tension calls for discernment, as believers must understand when God's commands take precedence over earthly laws. Peter and John's response to the Sanhedrin exemplifies this principle, as they prioritize their divine mandate to spread the gospel over compliance with unjust human decrees. This narrative invites us to reflect on the ethical dilemmas faced by believers throughout history and encourages us to seek wisdom in navigating these complex situations. By grounding ourselves in Scripture and prayer, we can discern when to prioritize God's commands over human authority. [18:59]

Daniel 3:16-18 (ESV): "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.'"

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you feel torn between obeying God and following human authority? How can you seek God's wisdom to navigate this tension?


Day 3: Courage to Stand Against Injustice
Historical figures like Lech Walesa and Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrate the impact of standing against tyranny and injustice. Their courage inspires us to challenge oppressive systems and advocate for righteousness, even at great personal cost. As Christians, we are called to navigate these complex situations with wisdom, balancing our duty to submit to authorities with our higher allegiance to God. By drawing strength from our faith and the examples of those who have gone before us, we can find the courage to stand against injustice and work towards a more just and equitable world. [05:20]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Who in your community is suffering from injustice, and how can you take a stand to support them in a way that aligns with your faith?


Day 4: Civil Disobedience as a Call to Prioritize God's Commands
The principle of civil disobedience is not a license for rebellion but a call to prioritize God's commands over human decrees. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and a commitment to follow God's will, even when it leads to conflict with earthly authorities. The apostles' willingness to suffer for their faith laid the foundation for the growth of Christianity, and we are called to follow their example, honoring God above all else. By studying Scripture and seeking God's guidance, we can discern when civil disobedience is necessary to uphold our faith and witness to the world. [21:13]

Acts 5:29 (ESV): "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel called to civil disobedience in order to honor God's commands? How can you prepare yourself spiritually and practically for this challenge?


Day 5: Standing Firm in Faith Amidst Sacrifice
As Christians, we must be prepared to make difficult choices, balancing our duty to submit to authorities with our higher allegiance to God. This involves a willingness to stand firm in our faith, even when it leads to personal sacrifice, trusting that God will honor our obedience. The early church's willingness to suffer for their faith laid the foundation for the growth of Christianity, and we are called to follow their example. By cultivating a deep commitment to Scripture and prayer, we can develop the resilience needed to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity. [22:55]

1 Peter 4:12-14 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

Reflection: What personal sacrifices might God be calling you to make in order to stand firm in your faith? How can you trust in His promises as you face these challenges?

Quotes


“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled, and they realized that they had been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against him, but when they had commanded them to go aside of the counsel they conferred amongst themselves saying, ‘What should we do with these men for indeed that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. [00:00:01]

But so that it spreads no further among the people let us severely threaten them that from now on they speak to no man in this name.’ So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus, but Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge, for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’ [00:00:51]

And so when they had further threatened them they let them go, finding no way of punishing them because of the people, since they had all glorified God for what had been done. For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.” Let us pray. O Father, give us ears to hear of the boldness of Peter and John before this august body of authority and instruct us by thy Spirit on how we are to act in similar circumstances. [00:01:30]

Back in the eighteenth century the philosopher Montesquieu, when he wrote his book The Spirit of the Laws said that the maintenance of all forms of tyranny depends and relies upon the ability of the government to keep the people afraid. That’s why you have purges. That’s why you have secret police. That’s why you have mass execution in nations that follow that sort of regiment. And what Montesquieu said was that it only takes one person, one Lech Walesa with enough courage to withstand the tyrant to bring down their powerful regime. [00:05:05]

Well throughout history we have seen individuals who have swum against the current, who have stood against powerful obstacles – Mahatma Gandhi. In our own country, Martin Luther King stood against the authorities of his day. He defied those authorities and raised all kinds of questions about the legitimacy of civil disobedience. [00:05:55]

And it was out of that principle of submission to the civil magistrate that Mary and Joseph made the arduous journey to Bethlehem, risking the life of both Mary and the unborn infant Jesus. Out of this deep affliction and inconvenience they made the journey to obey the authorities that were over them. So the principle that comes to us again and again in Scripture is the principle of submission to those who are in authority. [00:08:12]

But always the question arises: Is it ever legitimate, is it ever ethically right to refuse to obey authorities who are over you? That’s the question I want to look at this morning in light of the text that I just read. Let’s look again at what’s taking place because we continue to deal with the reaction of, not only the people, but the authorities that ruled over the Jews in Jerusalem to the healing of the man who had been born unable to stand or to walk when he was healed by Peter and John by the Gate Beautiful. [00:08:55]

And they realized that they had been with Jesus” What a statement. How many sermons could we get just out of that one line? How many times has anybody ever said to you, “Oh I know about you. I can tell that you’ve just been spending time with Jesus.” Nobody’s ever made that connection to me. They talk about my connection to the Stealers or the Penguins or to the Irish or whatever, but nobody says, “Oh he must have just been with Jesus.” [00:11:00]

Now let me ask you this morning, if the apostles, at that moment, decided, “The supreme court of the nation has spoken. It is our obligation now to obey.” And suppose Peter and John came out of there, and the people said, “Well what’d they say?” And Peter said, “My lips are sealed. I’m never going to speak about what’s-His-name again.” Had that been the response of the apostles, we would not be here this morning talking about it or listening to a story about it, would we? [00:14:57]

But all of a sudden Peter and John are in the worst of all possible conflicts of ethics: a conflict between ruling authorities. Every child knows what it’s like when the child goes to the mother and says, “Mamma, can I go to the movie tonight?” And mother says, “No.” So what does the child do then? Goes to daddy. “Hey dad, can I go to the movies tonight?” Tries to set one authority after the other, but it doesn’t work because father always says, “Go ask your mother.” [00:15:41]

We are always to obey those in authority over us, unless that authority commands us to do something God forbids or forbids us from doing something that God commands. The husband says to the wife, “I want you to earn some extra income for us by turning to prostitution.” Not only may she disobey him, she must disobey him. On the other hand, a woman’s married to an unbelieving man, and the man says to her, “You may not go to the church on Wednesday night and join the choir.” [00:19:24]

Do you see how this can be very painful and very costly when we are caught in this vice between two authorities that differ? And we can never use the copout, “I’m just obeying orders,” as a license or an excuse for sin. But the other side of it is this: Just because God gives us the right and the responsibility to disobey when an authority over us commands us to do something He forbids or forbids us from doing something God commands, that is not a license to be disobedient just when we disagree with the authority, or if the authority is exploiting us, or if the authority is afflicting us, bringing us discomfort or inconvenience. [00:20:42]

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Transcript
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