How to Disarm Adversity - (Acts 5:40-42) P12

Sunday, May 21, 2023

Introductory information

Last week we left off in the middle of a scene

The apostles are in front of the Jewish high court for the second time

They had continued to preach about Jesus even after being threatened criminal punishment

They had been arrested, released by an angel, started preaching again, and arrested again

Gamaliel, a respected teacher on the court, had just finished suggesting they release the disciples and leave the situation up to God

He had pointed out that whenever a movement wasn’t from God, it didn’t last

READ

Question to consider as we read:

What does it mean to follow Jesus?

Acts 5:40–42 CSB

40 After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. 41 Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name. 42 Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

EXAMINE

What are some key points in this passage?

#1 | The apostles received suffering and shame like it was a privilege

Acts 5:41 CSB

41 Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.

They saw suffering for the sake of Jesus as an HONOR

They had such a high view of Jesus that even His suffering was precious and too good for them

They didn’t think: “I don’t deserve to suffer” - they thought: “I don’t deserve to suffer like Jesus”

They saw suffering as something that united them with Jesus - it brought them closer to Him

Romans 8:16–17 CSB

16 The Spirit himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him.

They expected a life of suffering and adversity in this world

They understood that following Jesus meant living like Him - suffering included

John 15:18–21 CSB

18 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. 20 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they don’t know the one who sent me.

Their hope for a peaceful life was in the world to come, not the present world

They knew the suffering they were experiencing was nothing compared to Jesus’ reward

Romans 8:18 CSB

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.

This meant that they approached their present life with realistic expectations

1 Peter 4:12–14 CSB

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you. 13 Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

#2 | The apostles’ view of suffering meant they couldn’t be intimidated by it

Acts 5:42 CSB

42 Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Their acceptance of present suffering and their focus on the world to come, robbed their enemies of any leverage

The Jewish leaders’ threats and punishments were actually having the opposite effect

Every bad thing the Jewish leaders did to them, just pushed the apostles closer to their hope in Jesus

APPLY

[Pose the following questions for group discussion, offering the suggested answers below only if the group has nothing to say or drifts too far off topic]

What are the “big ideas” you see in this passage?

Suggested “big ideas”

We shouldn’t expect an easy life when following Jesus - some things will get harder

Jesus’ return will mean an end of suffering - in the meantime, we should expect it

Suffering for good (1 Peter 3:14-17) is one of the ways that God makes us more like Jesus

How do these ideas apply in your life? and what might be some next steps?

Suggested application

I need to expect suffering in this life on earth, so it doesn’t slow down or derail me

I have to receive the particular suffering I go through as God’s process in making me more like His Son

I need to consider ways that I might be disobeying God in order to avoid suffering

REFLECT

Prayer Point

Ask the Lord for endurance and strength to receive suffering and shame with joy - for the sake of Jesus and the reputation of the Gospel

Devotional Question

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19. How does you attitude toward suffering need to mature?