For or Against: Counted Worthy

Intro

Growing up: Shy kid, but antagonized religious people due to family’s history (hurt), until it clicked. Challenged teachings. Challenging things to hear got to me.

As a Christian: Frequently challenged with tough questions. Had to learn some grace and to develop a squishy-tough skin. (Huggable and patient while shrugging off attacks.)

In Acts 5, we see the early church in a similar situation: Apostles trying to deal with new people with a need to show grace. They also keep getting arrested, as seen here. Sometimes freed, as Pastor Paul talked about last week and will be seen again.

Last time, they were freed to go back and preach, which brings us back to being arrested again, picking up in verse 28.

Body

[Read vv. 28-32]

Point #1: The truth hurts, but we are faithful to God’s truth.

We know we should obey God rather than man, but it can be hard. “… you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us!” Yes! We are all guilty of Jesus’ death!

[Read Romans 3:22-25, 6:23; Colossians 2:13-14]

It is our sins that put Jesus on the cross, but it’s also the cross that forgives us, if we have faith in this truth.

Other truths hurt, too, especially when God’s Word intersects with our lives. This is why we need the “squishy-tough skin.”

Our society today says: “Live your truth.” (John 14:6) “Love is love.” Or “Just let people do what they want! They’re not hurting anyone.” (1 John 4:16) “Don’t judge!” (Matthew 7:1-6) “That’s just your interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)

When we disagree with people, basing it on God’s Word, they will feel attacked and hurt. We see it with the priests here, who are angry enough to kill.

[Read vv. 33]

When we share God’s truth, it offends our natural senses. “Why can’t I do whatever I want?!” We’ve each felt it. We may disagree with the Bible, but I guarantee all of our disagreements come from misunderstanding or selfish pride.

The alternative is our next point:

[#1: Truth hurts, but we are faithful to God’s truth.]

Point #2: Don’t try to hurt, but be honest and reasonable.

[Read vv. 33-39a – “found opposing God!”]

The Apostles said hurtful things, and many will feel hurt by the truth, but we can learn from Gamaliel. “Hey, if this isn’t of God, it will blow over.” Yes, we still defend biblical truth, but who would claim to know as much as Jesus’ Apostles?

Remember, too, that the Apostle Paul had been a student of Gamaliel, but how well did he listen? [Acts 87:58-8:3] Even as a Pharisee, he followed the leadership of the Sadducees in this area.

But look at Paul’s letters later: he defended truth, called out false teachers, and treated straying believers with grace.

Even in grace, people will react strongly and (sometimes trying to be reasonable) negatively. (Remember, the religious leaders think they’re defending good beliefs!)

[#1: Truth hurts, but we are faithful to God’s truth.]

[#2: Don’t try to hurt, but be honest and reasonable.]

Point #3: Expect to hurt, but stay faithful and joyful.

[Read vv. 39-42]

The leadership felt like they were letting the Apostles off easy with “merely” a beating.

Think of what’s happening in our society today: If you’ve ever said anything bad (by current standards), you should be cancelled. If you disagree with the current standards, you’re a [insert religious/sexual identity]-phobe. If you think there really is an absolute truth, you’re stupid and wrong.

And they think they’re being kind to everyone else, and even to Christians by trying to help them get over their stuffy old ways.

Yet, our society will vilify and mock us, and we’re even seeing increased reports of attacks on churches, Christians, and ministries and Christian-owned businesses. (Nov. 15, 2023, a pastor was shot in the head while street preaching just 100 miles south of here in Glendale.)

But how can we stay joyful in our faithfulness?

Jesus told us in the Beatitudes that we who are merciful and peacemakers are blessed, and in Matthew 5:10-12 that when we are persecuted, reviled, and mocked that we should rejoice!

Why?

Look at their words: they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. They were considered worthy of the same treatment as our God.

Not for being a jerk. Not for putting people in their place. Not for strict adherence to a set of rules (though many will claim that’s all it is.)

They rejoiced knowing they are counted faithful like our Lord.

And we do that when we join them in going house to house teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Remember they met in houses and at the Temple.) Stay faithful, with grace, patience, and squishy-tough skin.

Application/Conclusion

What does it look like for us?

We keep calm when situations aren’t going the way we would like, remembering everyone is trying to get through this life. [And God is in control!]

We teach others God’s truth, even when it hurts, but with gentleness and respect. [Read 1 Peter 3:13-17]

We’re in an election year: Stick to biblical truth, but don’t get angry with those who disagree!

We expect that people will disagree with us, but we show grace.

And if someone reviles, mocks, or attacks us: We develop that squishy-tough skin. Yes, being vulnerable, but we let their attacks slide off of us. We remember that this is how they treated our Lord. We rejoice that Christ’s faithfulness has moved through us.

[#1: Truth hurts, but we are faithful to God’s truth.]

[#2: Don’t try to hurt, but be honest and reasonable.]

[#3: Expect to hurt, but stay faithful and joyful.]

Our worthiness is found in Christ alone, and His faithfulness. We are counted worthy when we are found in Him and His truth.

It’s easy to feel like we’re right and deserve better, but the only things Christ promised us are that we will have troubles in this world (John 16:33) and that He is always with us (Matthew 28:20), especially in our troubles.