Enduring Gospel: Overcoming Opposition Through Christ

 

Summary

In the fourth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, we find a situation that mirrors our own times, reminding us that the challenges we face are not new. The gospel has always been under attack, from the days of Jesus and the apostles to the present. The world that crucified Christ continues to reject His message, and this opposition is not a novel phenomenon. Throughout history, the gospel has faced resistance from various quarters, both within and outside the church. This resistance often comes from a diverse group of people who, despite their differences, unite in their opposition to the gospel. This pattern of opposition is evident in the gathering of the Sanhedrin against Peter and John, and it continues today with various groups opposing the evangelical faith.

The opposition to the gospel is not based on intellect or understanding but on prejudice and pride. The authorities in Jerusalem were grieved not because of the apostles' message but because it threatened their authority and pride. This same pride and prejudice are evident in modern times, where people reject the gospel not because of intellectual objections but because it challenges their status and beliefs. The gospel's message of salvation through Jesus Christ alone is a stumbling block to many, as it asserts that He is the only Savior, a claim that is often met with resistance in a world that values pluralism and tolerance.

The essence of the gospel is that Jesus Christ is the Savior, the only Savior, and this is what we must proclaim. He is not just a great teacher or moral exemplar; He is the one who has done everything necessary for our salvation. His death and resurrection are the cornerstone of our faith, and any attempt to add to His work is to detract from His glory. The modern world, with its emphasis on human wisdom and authority, often fails to recognize the sufficiency of Christ's work. Yet, it is only through Him that we can find true salvation and reconciliation with God.

Key Takeaways:

- The challenges faced by the gospel today are not new; they have been present since the time of Jesus and the apostles. The gospel has always been under attack, and this opposition often comes from a diverse group of people who unite against it. This reminds us that we should not be discouraged by the current opposition but remain steadfast in our faith. [01:17]

- Opposition to the gospel is not based on intellect but on prejudice and pride. People reject the gospel because it challenges their authority and status, not because of any intellectual objections. This highlights the importance of humility and openness to the truth of the gospel. [11:22]

- Jesus Christ is the only Savior, and this is a central tenet of the gospel. The world may accept Jesus as a great teacher or moral exemplar, but it often rejects the claim that He is the only way to salvation. This exclusivity is essential to the Christian faith and must be proclaimed boldly. [23:27]

- The sufficiency of Christ's work is a cornerstone of our faith. He has done everything necessary for our salvation, and any attempt to add to His work is to detract from His glory. This emphasizes the completeness and finality of Christ's sacrifice. [26:50]

- The modern world often fails to recognize the sufficiency of Christ's work, relying instead on human wisdom and authority. Yet, it is only through Christ that we can find true salvation and reconciliation with God. This calls us to challenge the modern builders and proclaim the truth of the gospel. [42:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Acts 4
- [00:30] - Facing Familiar Challenges
- [01:17] - Historical Opposition to the Gospel
- [02:23] - Modern Misconceptions
- [03:44] - Diverse Opposition
- [06:09] - Unity in Opposition
- [10:38] - Characteristics of Opponents
- [12:07] - Pride and Authority
- [15:52] - The Builders' Blindness
- [18:13] - Objections to the Gospel
- [19:50] - Jesus as the Only Savior
- [23:27] - Exclusivity of Salvation
- [26:50] - Sufficiency of Christ's Work
- [42:23] - Challenging Modern Builders
- [47:48] - Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 4:1-12
- 1 Corinthians 1:22-24
- Psalm 118:22

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the reaction of the authorities in Jerusalem to the apostles' message, and why were they grieved? ([11:07])
2. Who were the diverse groups that united against the apostles, and what was surprising about their alliance? ([06:09])
3. How did Peter and John defend their actions before the Sanhedrin, and what was the core message they proclaimed? ([19:08])
4. What does Peter mean when he refers to Jesus as "the stone which was set at naught of you builders"? ([19:08])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why do you think the opposition to the gospel is often based on prejudice and pride rather than intellectual objections? How does this reflect in today's society? ([11:22])
2. How does the unity of diverse groups in opposing the gospel illustrate the nature of spiritual opposition? What does this tell us about the challenges faced by the early church and those we face today? ([06:09])
3. In what ways does the claim that Jesus is the only Savior challenge modern views on pluralism and tolerance? How should Christians respond to this challenge? ([23:27])
4. How does the sufficiency of Christ's work contrast with the modern emphasis on human wisdom and authority? What implications does this have for our faith? ([26:50])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from the apostles' example in Acts 4? ([01:17])
2. In what ways might pride and prejudice be hindering your own acceptance of certain truths of the gospel? How can you cultivate humility and openness to God's message? ([11:22])
3. How can you boldly proclaim the exclusivity of Jesus as the only Savior in a world that values pluralism? What are some practical steps you can take to share this message with others? ([23:27])
4. Consider the areas in your life where you might be relying on human wisdom rather than the sufficiency of Christ's work. How can you shift your focus to trust more fully in His completed work? ([26:50])
5. Identify a situation where you have witnessed diverse groups uniting against the gospel. How can you pray for and engage with those involved to share the truth of Christ's message? ([06:09])
6. How can you challenge the "modern builders" in your life who rely on human authority and wisdom? What conversations or actions can you take to point them to the truth of the gospel? ([42:23])
7. Reflect on the role of the church in today's world. How can you contribute to its mission of proclaiming the gospel amidst opposition and misunderstanding? ([47:48])

Devotional

Day 1: Historical Continuity of Gospel Opposition
The challenges faced by the gospel today are not new; they have been present since the time of Jesus and the apostles. The gospel has always been under attack, and this opposition often comes from a diverse group of people who unite against it. This reminds us that we should not be discouraged by the current opposition but remain steadfast in our faith. The gathering of the Sanhedrin against Peter and John in Acts 4 is a vivid example of this pattern. Despite the differences among those who oppose the gospel, they often find common ground in their resistance to its message. This historical continuity of opposition serves as a reminder that the gospel's truth is enduring and resilient. [01:17]

Acts 4:18-20 (ESV): "So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you remain steadfast in your faith when faced with opposition or criticism for your beliefs today?


Day 2: Pride and Prejudice Against the Gospel
Opposition to the gospel is not based on intellect but on prejudice and pride. People reject the gospel because it challenges their authority and status, not because of any intellectual objections. This highlights the importance of humility and openness to the truth of the gospel. The authorities in Jerusalem were grieved not because of the apostles' message but because it threatened their authority and pride. In modern times, this same pride and prejudice are evident, as people often reject the gospel's message of salvation through Jesus Christ alone because it challenges their status and beliefs. [11:22]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: Can you identify an area in your life where pride might be preventing you from fully embracing the gospel? How can you practice humility in that area today?


Day 3: The Exclusivity of Christ as Savior
Jesus Christ is the only Savior, and this is a central tenet of the gospel. The world may accept Jesus as a great teacher or moral exemplar, but it often rejects the claim that He is the only way to salvation. This exclusivity is essential to the Christian faith and must be proclaimed boldly. The message of salvation through Jesus Christ alone is a stumbling block to many, as it asserts that He is the only Savior. In a world that values pluralism and tolerance, this claim is often met with resistance, yet it remains a foundational truth of the Christian faith. [23:27]

John 14:6 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Reflection: How can you share the message of Christ's exclusivity as Savior with someone in your life who may be open to hearing it?


Day 4: The Sufficiency of Christ's Work
The sufficiency of Christ's work is a cornerstone of our faith. He has done everything necessary for our salvation, and any attempt to add to His work is to detract from His glory. This emphasizes the completeness and finality of Christ's sacrifice. The modern world, with its emphasis on human wisdom and authority, often fails to recognize the sufficiency of Christ's work. Yet, it is only through Him that we can find true salvation and reconciliation with God. This calls us to challenge the modern builders and proclaim the truth of the gospel. [26:50]

Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."

Reflection: What is one way you can rest in the sufficiency of Christ's work today, rather than striving to earn God's favor through your own efforts?


Day 5: Challenging Modern Builders with Gospel Truth
The modern world often fails to recognize the sufficiency of Christ's work, relying instead on human wisdom and authority. Yet, it is only through Christ that we can find true salvation and reconciliation with God. This calls us to challenge the modern builders and proclaim the truth of the gospel. In a society that often values human achievement and wisdom over divine truth, Christians are called to stand firm in their faith and boldly proclaim the gospel's message. This involves not only personal conviction but also a willingness to engage with the world in a way that reflects the love and truth of Christ. [42:23]

1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV): "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Reflection: How can you engage with someone in your community this week to share the truth of the gospel, challenging the reliance on human wisdom with the message of Christ?

Quotes

The essence of the gospel is that Jesus Christ is the Savior, the only Savior, and this is what we must proclaim. He is not just a great teacher or moral exemplar; He is the one who has done everything necessary for our salvation. His death and resurrection are the cornerstone of our faith, and any attempt to add to His work is to detract from His glory. [00:00:00]

The challenges faced by the gospel today are not new; they have been present since the time of Jesus and the apostles. The gospel has always been under attack, and this opposition often comes from a diverse group of people who unite against it. This reminds us that we should not be discouraged by the current opposition but remain steadfast in our faith. [00:00:40]

Opposition to the gospel is not based on intellect but on prejudice and pride. People reject the gospel because it challenges their authority and status, not because of any intellectual objections. This highlights the importance of humility and openness to the truth of the gospel. [00:11:00]

Jesus Christ is the only Savior, and this is a central tenet of the gospel. The world may accept Jesus as a great teacher or moral exemplar, but it often rejects the claim that He is the only way to salvation. This exclusivity is essential to the Christian faith and must be proclaimed boldly. [00:23:00]

The sufficiency of Christ's work is a cornerstone of our faith. He has done everything necessary for our salvation, and any attempt to add to His work is to detract from His glory. This emphasizes the completeness and finality of Christ's sacrifice. [00:26:00]

The modern world often fails to recognize the sufficiency of Christ's work, relying instead on human wisdom and authority. Yet, it is only through Christ that we can find true salvation and reconciliation with God. This calls us to challenge the modern builders and proclaim the truth of the gospel. [00:42:00]

The gospel has been objected to and rejected from the very beginning. As you read the history of the Christian Church throughout the centuries, you find that constantly there have been Grievous persecutions and Powers within the church and outside have been set together against the true faith and the true preaching of the faith. [00:02:30]

The opposition to the gospel really never changes at all; it always conforms to a pattern. The gospel doesn't change; the opposition to the gospel doesn't change either. This might very well be a description of the modern situation by which you and I are confronted. [00:03:24]

The thing that rarely annoyed these authorities about these Apostles and their message was that it touched and it hurt their pride. They were grieved, they were annoyed, they were moved, and they were bitter. They realized that their position and their Authority was being threatened. [00:12:00]

The people we are concerned about tonight are people who claim that they can even correct this book. They can tell you what's right in it and what's wrong in it. They know exactly, they say, they've got Insight. Why? Why, they've got scholarship, they've got learning, they've got modern knowledge, and it's modern knowledge that really matters. [00:16:00]

The real Crux of this matter, of course, is reached at this point. Why does Peter say that he is alone and unique and exclusive? Why must we assert that there is no value in anybody or anything else? You know, we are living in an age when we are told that we mustn't be narrow. [00:27:00]

The rejectors of this gospel, whether they're inside or outside the church, are not fighting just simple men like we are here tonight, mere nobodies in this modern world. They are fighting the Living God, they are fighting the Lord Of Glory, and they are under his judgment. [00:46:00]

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Transcript
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