Acts PT7 – If It Is of God

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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