Discerning the True Work of God
Summary
In the book of Acts, chapter 5, we find a pivotal moment in the early church's history. The apostles, having been arrested for preaching in the name of Jesus, stand before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council, to defend their actions. Peter boldly declares that they must obey God rather than men, emphasizing the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus as a Prince and Savior. This declaration cuts to the heart of the council, leading them to consider drastic measures against the apostles. However, a Pharisee named Gamaliel advises caution, suggesting that if the apostles' work is of human origin, it will fail, but if it is of God, it cannot be stopped.
This passage raises a profound question: How can we discern whether a work is of God or of men? Gamaliel's advice, while insightful, is not a foolproof test. History shows us that many movements, both true and false, have endured over time. Therefore, we must look deeper to understand the marks of a genuine work of God. A true work of God is characterized by its inexplicability, its reliance on the Spirit rather than human might or power, and its focus on the glory of God rather than human needs. It is marked by a profound seriousness and a message that begins with God, not man. It humbles us, convicts us of sin, and exalts Jesus Christ as the only Savior.
In contrast, a work of men is often understandable, reliant on human methods and pressure, and centered on human needs and desires. It may be successful and popular, but it lacks the depth and transformative power of a true work of the Spirit. As believers, we must be vigilant against counterfeit works and ensure that our faith is rooted in the genuine work of God, as revealed in the Scriptures and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- Discernment of God's Work: A true work of God is often inexplicable and cannot be fully understood or explained by human reasoning. It is marked by a sudden and profound impact that defies human manipulation or control. This is evident in the events of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit's arrival was both unexpected and transformative. [41:04]
- Reliance on the Spirit: Genuine works of God do not rely on human might, power, or techniques. Instead, they depend on the Spirit's power to convict, transform, and draw people to Christ. The Apostle Paul exemplified this by choosing to preach with simplicity and reliance on the Spirit rather than human wisdom or eloquence. [43:00]
- God-Centered Message: The message of a true work of God always starts with God and His glory, not with human needs or desires. It focuses on God's plan of redemption and the exaltation of Jesus Christ as Savior. This God-centered approach contrasts with human-centered messages that prioritize personal benefits or solutions. [49:04]
- Conviction and Humility: A genuine work of the Spirit humbles individuals, convicting them of sin and leading them to repentance. It shifts the focus from personal problems to the reality of sin as an affront to God. This conviction results in a deep concern for one's soul and a desire to glorify God. [50:23]
- Transformative Power: The true work of God produces lasting change in individuals, evidenced by a love for God's Word, a desire for fellowship, and a commitment to prayer. This transformation is not superficial or temporary but results in a lifelong devotion to Christ and His teachings. [54:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Acts 5
- [00:29] - The Apostles' Defense
- [01:20] - Peter's Bold Declaration
- [02:09] - Gamaliel's Advice
- [03:14] - The Importance of the Christian Message
- [04:35] - Understanding Whit Sunday
- [06:36] - The Day of Pentecost
- [08:08] - The Resurrection of Jesus
- [09:53] - The Coming of the Holy Spirit
- [11:30] - Miracles and Opposition
- [13:16] - The Question of Authenticity
- [15:04] - The Challenge of Discernment
- [17:15] - The Problem of Counterfeits
- [20:19] - Inadequate Tests for God's Work
- [26:24] - Characteristics of Man's Work
- [34:15] - Characteristics of God's Work
- [41:04] - The Inexplicability of God's Work
- [43:00] - Reliance on the Spirit
- [49:04] - God-Centered Message
- [50:23] - Conviction and Humility
- [54:57] - Transformative Power
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 5:38-39
- Matthew 24:24
- Zechariah 4:6
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the main concern of the Sanhedrin regarding the apostles' actions, and how did Peter respond to their charges? ([01:01])
2. How did Gamaliel advise the Sanhedrin to handle the situation with the apostles, and what reasoning did he provide? ([02:45])
3. What significant event does the sermon connect to the apostles' boldness and the growth of the early church? ([06:36])
4. According to the sermon, what are some inadequate tests for determining if a work is of God? ([20:19])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Gamaliel's advice reflect a broader principle about discerning the origin of spiritual movements? What might be the limitations of his approach? ([05:08])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a true work of God differs from a work of men, particularly in terms of its impact and methods? ([26:24])
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the early church, and what implications does this have for understanding God's work today? ([09:53])
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of a God-centered message, and how does this contrast with human-centered approaches? ([49:04])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to discern whether a movement or teaching was truly of God. What criteria did you use, and how might the sermon’s insights help you in future discernments? ([06:04])
2. The sermon emphasizes reliance on the Spirit rather than human methods. In your personal or church life, are there areas where you might be relying too much on human techniques? How can you shift towards greater reliance on the Spirit? ([43:00])
3. Consider the sermon’s point about the transformative power of a true work of God. How have you experienced lasting change in your life through the Spirit, and what areas might still need transformation? ([54:57])
4. The sermon highlights the importance of a God-centered message. How can you ensure that your conversations and actions reflect this focus on God’s glory rather than personal needs? ([49:04])
5. How does the sermon’s discussion of conviction and humility challenge you to view your own sin and need for repentance? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of humility before God? ([50:23])
6. The sermon warns against counterfeit works. How can you stay vigilant in your faith to ensure it is rooted in the genuine work of God? What practices or habits might help you in this vigilance? ([15:04])
7. Reflect on the sermon’s description of the early church’s devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer. How can you incorporate these elements more fully into your daily life? ([55:22])
Devotional
Day 1: The Inexplicability of God's Work
A true work of God often defies human understanding and explanation. It is marked by a sudden and profound impact that cannot be manipulated or controlled by human efforts. This is evident in the events of Pentecost, where the arrival of the Holy Spirit was both unexpected and transformative, leaving a lasting impact on the early church. Such works of God are characterized by their divine origin and purpose, transcending human logic and reasoning. They remind us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. [41:04]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Can you recall a moment in your life where you experienced something that could only be explained as a work of God? How did it change your perspective on His power and presence?
Day 2: Reliance on the Spirit
Genuine works of God do not rely on human might, power, or techniques. Instead, they depend on the Spirit's power to convict, transform, and draw people to Christ. The Apostle Paul exemplified this by choosing to preach with simplicity and reliance on the Spirit rather than human wisdom or eloquence. This reliance on the Spirit ensures that the work is not tainted by human pride or ambition but is purely for the glory of God. It is a reminder that true spiritual transformation comes not from human effort but from the Spirit's work in our hearts. [43:00]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength rather than the Spirit's power? How can you begin to shift your reliance to the Spirit today?
Day 3: God-Centered Message
The message of a true work of God always starts with God and His glory, not with human needs or desires. It focuses on God's plan of redemption and the exaltation of Jesus Christ as Savior. This God-centered approach contrasts with human-centered messages that prioritize personal benefits or solutions. By centering the message on God, believers are reminded of the ultimate purpose of their faith: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This perspective shifts the focus from self to God, aligning our desires with His will. [49:04]
Colossians 1:16-18 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your daily actions and decisions are centered on glorifying God rather than fulfilling personal desires?
Day 4: Conviction and Humility
A genuine work of the Spirit humbles individuals, convicting them of sin and leading them to repentance. It shifts the focus from personal problems to the reality of sin as an affront to God. This conviction results in a deep concern for one's soul and a desire to glorify God. It is through this process of conviction and humility that believers are drawn closer to God, recognizing their need for His grace and mercy. This humility fosters a deeper relationship with God, rooted in repentance and a desire to live according to His will. [50:23]
James 4:8-10 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to humble yourself before God and seek His forgiveness? How can you take a step towards repentance today?
Day 5: Transformative Power
The true work of God produces lasting change in individuals, evidenced by a love for God's Word, a desire for fellowship, and a commitment to prayer. This transformation is not superficial or temporary but results in a lifelong devotion to Christ and His teachings. It is through this transformative power that believers are equipped to live out their faith in a way that impacts the world around them. This change is a testament to the Spirit's work in their lives, drawing others to the truth of the Gospel. [54:57]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: In what ways has your faith in Christ transformed your life? How can you continue to grow in your love for God's Word and commitment to prayer?
Quotes
The apostles answered and said we ought to obey God rather than men the god of our fathers raised up Jesus whom ye slew and hanged on a tree him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a prince and a savior for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. [00:01:06]
The question he raises you see for us is this how can you tell whether a work is the work of God or the work of men that's the question that Cel raised and however deficient he was himself in his understanding and his Insight he certainly puts a very good question. [00:06:04]
On that first wit Sunday in Jerusalem a very remarkable thing happened this incident that we are considering would never have taken place were it not for that which had happened on the day of Pentecost as it was called which we now call whit Sunday what was it well you can read it for yourselves. [00:06:31]
Suddenly there came a sound from Heaven as of a rushing Mighty Wind and it filled the house where they were sitting and there appeared unto them clothing tongues like as a fire and it sat upon each of them and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues as the spirit gave them utterance. [00:10:07]
The fact that a movement is successful and popular and that it gains adherence and results doesn't prove that it is of necessity a true work of the spirit of God. [00:22:32]
If you can understand the work if you can explain a work you can be certain that it is the work of men and there are many works of men which appear to be truly the work of God God which can be understood and seen through by the application of this test. [00:27:41]
A work of the spirit of God is always inex liable you cannot explain it did you notice that word at the beginning of Acts 2 suddenly suddenly no preparation no conditioning no working up to no no suddenly it happens to them and it's inexplicable revivals movements of the spirit of God take place in spite of human weakness. [00:41:04]
No human might no human power this doesn't depend upon men's ability in organizing or in anything else or in special techniques not at all it doesn't depend upon human pressure being applied to the will or to anything else. [00:42:55]
The true message is always a message that starts with God not with men and his aches and pains and his little unhappiness and his problems his psychological States and conditions no no but man face to face with God the Everlasting and eternal God he his honor his glory his Majesty. [00:48:49]
The trth work always humbles men a bases him it always convicts him of sin he forgets his little troubles and his problems he sees himself as a sinner men and Brethren what shall we do conscious of God conscious of his son conscious of the vness in us that made us reject him this is the thing we are humbled. [00:50:23]
If a man's life is not entirely changed it's not a work of the spirit of God men can do many things men can get adherence men can get decisions men can get people to join the church we've all done this we can all do it you know if we're worth our assault it's not a difficult thing to get people to take decisions. [00:54:05]
He gets a love of the word of God here's a very good test I've heard of people who seem to have been influenced and everybody thinks they' become Christians but I find they don't like teaching profound teaching in the Bible they don't want that they say oh no that's too deep too deep. [00:54:57]
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