Obeying God: The Transformative Power of the Gospel

 

Summary

In Acts 5:29-32, Peter and the apostles boldly declare, "We ought to obey God rather than men." This statement encapsulates the essence of their mission and the transformative power of the gospel they preached. The apostles, having been imprisoned and tried by the Sanhedrin for their faith, stood firm in their conviction that Jesus, whom God raised and exalted, is the Prince and Savior, offering repentance and forgiveness to Israel. This gospel message, though a source of salvation and blessing, often incites indignation and rejection from those who hear it. This paradox remains a tragedy of the world, as people seek deliverance yet dismiss the very message that offers true salvation.

The gospel unites people in unexpected ways, often bringing together those who would otherwise be divided. Despite the world's rejection, the apostles emphasize the necessity of repentance and forgiveness, highlighting humanity's need for reconciliation with God. The gospel is not merely about forgiveness; it is about a complete transformation that includes justification, sanctification, and ultimately, glorification. Justification is not achieved through human effort or adherence to the law but is a gift of righteousness through faith in Christ. This righteousness allows believers to stand in the presence of God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

Sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart for God, involving the purification from sin's pollution. It is a divine work that begins with the new birth and continues throughout the believer's life. The gospel offers not just a change in status but a new life, a new nature, and a new beginning. This life in Christ is abundant and eternal, transcending the temporal struggles and temptations of this world.

The Savior, Jesus Christ, is complete in His work. He not only forgives and justifies but also leads, intercedes, and ultimately glorifies those who believe in Him. He is the captain of our salvation, guiding us through life's challenges and ensuring our ultimate redemption and glorification. This comprehensive salvation is the reason the apostles could not cease preaching, despite opposition. It is a message of hope, transformation, and eternal life, offered freely to all who believe.

Key Takeaways:

- The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men underscores the transformative power of the gospel, which offers salvation and blessings but often incites rejection and indignation from the world. This paradox highlights the tragedy of humanity's search for deliverance while dismissing the true message of salvation. [03:01]

- The gospel unites people in unexpected ways, bringing together those who would otherwise be divided. It emphasizes the necessity of repentance and forgiveness, highlighting humanity's need for reconciliation with God. This reconciliation is not achieved through human effort but is a gift of righteousness through faith in Christ. [06:20]

- Justification is a divine gift, not earned by human effort or adherence to the law. It allows believers to stand in the presence of God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. This righteousness is essential for communion with God and is a central aspect of the gospel message. [20:29]

- Sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart for God, involving purification from sin's pollution. It begins with the new birth and continues throughout the believer's life, offering a new nature and a new beginning. This life in Christ is abundant and eternal, transcending temporal struggles. [43:09]

- Jesus Christ, the complete Savior, not only forgives and justifies but also leads, intercedes, and ultimately glorifies believers. He is the captain of our salvation, guiding us through life's challenges and ensuring our ultimate redemption and glorification. This comprehensive salvation is the reason for the apostles' unwavering proclamation of the gospel. [46:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Apostles' Bold Declaration
- [00:34] - Jesus: Prince and Savior
- [01:10] - Apostles on Trial
- [01:42] - Miracles and Indignation
- [02:30] - Obeying God Over Men
- [03:01] - The Gospel's Paradox
- [04:11] - Salvation and Deliverance
- [05:07] - Unity in the Gospel
- [06:20] - Repentance and Forgiveness
- [07:08] - The Need for a Savior
- [09:22] - Reconciliation with God
- [10:54] - Justification by Faith
- [20:29] - Righteousness in Christ
- [43:09] - Sanctification Process
- [46:23] - Jesus: The Complete Savior

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 5:29-32

Observation Questions:
1. What was the main reason Peter and the apostles gave for continuing to preach about Jesus despite being ordered not to by the Sanhedrin? ([03:01])
2. How did the apostles describe Jesus in their defense before the Sanhedrin? ([00:34])
3. What was the reaction of the authorities to the apostles' preaching and miracles, and how did this reflect the broader societal response to the gospel? ([02:13])
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play according to the apostles' statement in Acts 5:32? ([03:20])

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why do the apostles emphasize the necessity of obeying God rather than men, and how does this principle apply to modern believers? ([03:01])
2. How does the concept of Jesus as both Prince and Savior challenge the expectations of a savior in the context of the sermon? ([07:08])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel message unites people who would otherwise be divided? ([05:07])
4. How does the sermon explain the process of sanctification, and why is it considered an essential part of salvation? ([43:09])

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? ([03:01])
2. The sermon highlights the paradox of people seeking deliverance yet rejecting the gospel. Can you identify any areas in your life where you might be dismissing God's message of salvation? ([04:25])
3. How can you actively participate in the process of sanctification in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to grow in holiness? ([43:09])
4. Consider the role of Jesus as the complete Savior in your life. How does this understanding impact your relationship with God and others? ([46:23])
5. The sermon discusses the unity brought by the gospel. How can you foster unity within your community or church, especially among those with differing views? ([05:07])
6. In what ways can you rely on Jesus as the captain of your salvation to guide you through life's challenges? Share a recent challenge where you sought His guidance. ([46:23])
7. How can you ensure that your life reflects the abundant and eternal life offered in Christ, transcending the temporal struggles of this world? ([43:09])

Devotional

Day 1: Obeying God Amidst Worldly Rejection
The apostles' declaration to obey God rather than men highlights the transformative power of the gospel, which offers salvation and blessings but often incites rejection and indignation from the world. This paradox underscores the tragedy of humanity's search for deliverance while dismissing the true message of salvation. The apostles, despite facing imprisonment and trials, stood firm in their conviction that Jesus is the Prince and Savior, offering repentance and forgiveness. Their unwavering faith serves as a reminder that true obedience to God may lead to worldly opposition, yet it is the path to eternal life and transformation. [03:01]

Acts 4:19-20 (ESV): "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 areas of your life are you tempted to conform to worldly expectations rather than obeying God's call? How can you take a step today to prioritize God's voice over others?


Day 2: Unity Through Repentance and Forgiveness
The gospel unites people in unexpected ways, bringing together those who would otherwise be divided. It emphasizes the necessity of repentance and forgiveness, highlighting humanity's need for reconciliation with God. This reconciliation is not achieved through human effort but is a gift of righteousness through faith in Christ. The gospel's power to unite transcends cultural, social, and personal barriers, creating a community of believers who are reconciled to God and to one another. This unity is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, which calls for repentance and offers forgiveness as a pathway to true reconciliation. [06:20]

Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life with whom you need to seek reconciliation? How can you take a step towards forgiveness and unity today?


Day 3: Justification as a Divine Gift
Justification is a divine gift, not earned by human effort or adherence to the law. It allows believers to stand in the presence of God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. This righteousness is essential for communion with God and is a central aspect of the gospel message. The gift of justification through faith in Christ liberates believers from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through works. Instead, it invites them to rest in the assurance of being made right with God through Christ's sacrifice, enabling them to live in freedom and grace. [20:29]

Titus 3:5-7 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Reflection: How does understanding justification as a gift change your perspective on your relationship with God? What steps can you take to embrace this gift more fully in your daily life?


Day 4: The Ongoing Process of Sanctification
Sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart for God, involving purification from sin's pollution. It begins with the new birth and continues throughout the believer's life, offering a new nature and a new beginning. This life in Christ is abundant and eternal, transcending temporal struggles. As believers grow in their faith, they are continually transformed into the likeness of Christ, experiencing the joy and freedom that comes from living a life set apart for God. This process is a journey of growth and renewal, marked by the Holy Spirit's work in their lives. [43:09]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you sense the need for further sanctification? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in those areas today?


Day 5: Jesus, the Complete Savior
Jesus Christ, the complete Savior, not only forgives and justifies but also leads, intercedes, and ultimately glorifies believers. He is the captain of our salvation, guiding us through life's challenges and ensuring our ultimate redemption and glorification. This comprehensive salvation is the reason for the apostles' unwavering proclamation of the gospel. Believers can find hope and assurance in knowing that Jesus is actively involved in every aspect of their salvation journey, from justification to glorification, providing guidance, strength, and intercession along the way. [46:23]

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for you impact your daily walk with Him? What specific challenges can you bring to Him today, trusting in His complete salvation?

Quotes

"We are confronted by this extraordinary phenomenon: the people reacted favorably to the proclamation of this gospel. Here is a message which tells men and women about a way of salvation. It isn't a proclamation or some curse that's going to descend upon us; it's a proclamation of a way of salvation and of deliverance and of untold blessings." [00:03:59]

"The world still in trouble, a world looking for deliverance and for salvation and is ready to listen to anybody as it just listening in this country at the present time. It'll listen to anybody or anything rather than this gospel. This over agreed is to be dismissed." [00:04:37]

"The gospel combines the people in the most amazing manner. People who disagree amongst themselves become one when they're confronted by this. We saw that at the beginning of chapter 4. We read there that as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them." [00:05:02]

"Justification is a divine gift, not earned by human effort or adherence to the law. It allows believers to stand in the presence of God, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. This righteousness is essential for communion with God and is a central aspect of the gospel message." [00:27:09]

"Forgiveness is an absolute necessity. We are all guilty before God, and while we are guilty, God does not bless us, and God will not bless us. Let there be no mistake about that. A mere preaching of the love of God which doesn't include righteousness is a lie." [00:10:08]

"Christ is my righteousness, and that means that he has not only purchased my pardon and forgiveness by dying on the cross and Calvary's Hill and laying down his life and bearing like punishment. Oh, he does this other thing which in a sense is yet more glorious: I am given his righteousness." [00:20:30]

"Sanctification is the ongoing process of being set apart for God, involving purification from sin's pollution. It begins with the new birth and continues throughout the believer's life, offering a new nature and a new beginning. This life in Christ is abundant and eternal, transcending temporal struggles." [00:43:09]

"Christ as the Savior has come to give us this new life. If you didn't do this, his salvation wouldn't be complete, but he does it. Oh, I haven't got time, my dear friends, to go into this, but you see this is the great doctrine expanded so much in the scriptures." [00:36:23]

"Christ as your Savior will also lead you while you're still left in this world, and we need his leadership, don't we? And this is a part of his great salvation. That is why the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews puts it like this: we see Jesus, and we're going to follow him." [00:46:23]

"Christ is the Savior, and it is the proclamation of this great transaction that took place between the Father and the Son on the cross on Calvary's Hill and which takes place in the working out of this great salvation. God hath made him to be sin for us." [00:22:59]

"Jesus Christ, the complete Savior, not only forgives and justifies but also leads, intercedes, and ultimately glorifies believers. He is the captain of our salvation, guiding us through life's challenges and ensuring our ultimate redemption and glorification." [00:46:23]

"God exalted him with his right hand to be a prince and a saviour, and you see he taking us for every part of our need. He is undoing all the works of the devil. What's the loss though death itself, and he's dealt with that, he's conquered it, he's defeated the last enemy." [00:52:39]

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Transcript
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