God Glorifies His Church - Acts 5:12-16

Introduction

The Lord is willing to work in his church today. Last week we saw his discipline in the church when Ananias and Sapphira lied and died on the spot. God wants his church to be pure and usable to him.

Do you desire God to do a great work in your life for His glory? How is it that we can see God glorify himself in our church at Lake? What happened in the first century church that could be taken and applied in principle to our church. We now God is willing to save. What are things that hold us back?

Acts 5:12–16 “12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. 13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.”

D. God glorifies the church through his Son Jesus.

P. God seeks to glorify His Son Jesus through our church too.

T. This morning we see that God is using four means to help glorify the church.

backing their witness by mighty works through its leaders.

binding them all together in one accord.

blessing of respectful onlookers.

Building the church numerically.

1. Backing their witness by working mighty deeds through its leaders. 5:12a, 15-16

Acts 5:12 “12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.”

Acts 5:15–16 “15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.”

Explain

By the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people.

This signifies that a majority of the miraculous deeds were done by the apostles, the church leadership of the first Christian church.

This was for three reasons:

To meet a physical need

To validate the message as from God

To validate the messenger as sent by God.

There wasn’t a lack of evidence.

Some claim miracles today such as raising from the dead. But the evidence for their claims would not hold in court.

Examine Acts 4:16 “16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.”

The miracles were many. Just look at verses 15-16.

Acts 5:15–16 “15 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.”

Those around Jerusalem were bringing the sick to be healed.

The shadow of Peter appears to be healing people too. While some chalk this up to superstition the Bible records it. It seems to me that God was honoring the faith of those who believed. It must be remembered this was because God gave the power to do signs and miracles.

It was not only physical, but the name of Jesus was shown to have power over unclean spirits.

Matthew 10:8 “8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”

Mark 16:17–18 “17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

Notice that everyone was healed. No one went home sick.

In modern faith healing movements they don’t claim to heal everybody.

It wasn’t limited to those in the church. The good works of the apostles extended to all.

Argue

Shouldn’t we have miracle workers today?

We find a biblical pattern of miracle working by God’s approved messengers throughout the Bible as God brings in different eras of time.

Before and after the giving of the Law God validates Moses through the 10 plagues on the Egyptians, the crossing of the Red Sea, and miracles in the wilderness.

The beginning of the era of the prophets through Elijah and Elisha’s miracles.

Elijah

no rain for three years and six months James 5:17; 1 Kings 17:1-7

Miraculous feeding by ravens and a widow woman’s unfailing cruse of oil and barrel of meal. (1 Kings 17:8-16)

Raising a woman’s dead son to life (1 Kings 17:17-24)

The miraculous acceptance of his offering on Mount Carmel and defeat of the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 17:17-40)

Elisha (2 Kings 2-3

Parting of the water of Jordan with Elijah’s mantel/coat (2 Kings 2:14)

Healing of waters. (2Kings 2:19-22)

The cruise of oil that fills many jars to pay a lady’s debt. (2 Kings 4:1-7)

Raising the Shunemite woman’s son to life again. (2 Kings 4:32-37)

Healing a poisonous pot of pottage so it is safe to eat. (2 Kings 4:38-41)

The multiplication of food to feed the people. (2 Kings 4:42-44)

Healing Namaan of leprosy and giving of leprosy to lying Gehazi (2 Kings 5)

The floating of an iron axe head. (2 Kings 6:1-7)

Blinding of the Syrian troops through Elisha’s prayers. (2 Kings 6:17-23)

As well as several others.

During Jesus ministry and the apostles at the start of the church age.

Jesus

John 2:11 “11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

John 5:36 “36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.”

John 10:25 “25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me.”

The Apostles

Acts 4:10 “10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.”

Hebrews 2:3–4 “3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

2 Corinthians 12:12 “12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”

Romans 15:18–19 “18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.”

Because we are currently in the church age still and have the completed Word of God there is not the need of validation of the word through miracles as there once was. We check the falseness or honesty of a teacher and preacher by their faithfulness to the Word of God.

Today we don’t have apostles today. No one is alive today that was with Jesus from John the Baptist’s ministry to after the resurrection of Christ. This was prerequisite for being an apostle. Acts 1:21–22 “21 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”

Why isn’t the pastor doing these miracles today?

These miracles are in the Bible to show us the trustworthiness of God’s Word.

The Word of God is now completed. The miracles were to affirm that the messages of those who were giving what we find in God’s Word were true and from God.

While God can still do these miracles as He wills. He still is doing the miracle of transformation in the lives of those who trust Christ as their Savior. 2 Corinthians 5:17 “17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Illustrate

A cold frost like this morning threatens the garden plants and fruit on the trees. So a Christian cold hearted towards God can threaten his ability to be used of God. Have a heart perfect toward God. 2 Chronicles 16:9 “9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him...”

The apostles were walking in obedience to God. Just as you would be offended if I served you a meal on a filthy plate, don’t be offended if God won’t use if you will not repent of sin in your life. 2 Timothy 2:21 “21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

If you were saved as an adult you know the changes God brought into your life. If you are faithfully getting in the Word and seeking to obey You are continuing to be transformed. God will change you. Romans 12:2 “2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Apply

Whether you are a teacher, mother, father, grandpa, grandma, deacon, or single. God wants to use us to show Himself strong in behalf of the Christian that has a perfect heart towards Him.

As one commentator wrote, “A wise and loving Father, knowing the results of the misue of power, will not give it to those not pure.”

Are you a Christian usable to God? Or, are you a dirty Christian who has forgotten you were purged of your old sins. 2 Peter 1:9 “9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.”

As the apostle healed all. May we be willing to do good to all like the apostles and our Savior Jesus, who worked through them.

Matthew 5:44–46 “44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?”

Galatians 6:10 “10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

Young man it might be opening the door for an older lady.

It might be noticing the kind actions of someone and praising them.

It might be giving a tract to the cashier in the check out line at the grocery store.

It might be inviting someone for a meal.

Purpose before God that you will put your confidence in His strength to help you live a life yielded to Him.

2. Binding them all together in one accord. 5:12b

Acts 5:12 “12 ...(and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.”

Explain

They were

This is an important tense in the Greek here. It is the imperfect tense. It denotes repeated action of the whole assembly.

It shows that when there was church everyone showed up for church meetings.

It also shows that if we are going to be one-minded at our church we need to take our relationship with Jesus seriously and show up for every church service we can.

They were united together. We have seen this in our study of the book of Acts thus far. The people are active together.

The word speaks of more than a passive yeah we agree. The word is rooted in two words.

homo - meaning the same

thumos - anger, wrath

While not having the negative connotation of wrath here. One accord depicts a positive passion together for living and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others.

The church was in agreement together. With the recent judgment miracle of Ananias and Sapphira struck dead those who are in the church are not your casual church shopper, but committed saints willing to be obedient to God even if they are persecuted for Jesus.

Acts 8:4 shows their commitment “4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”

Blest be the tie that binds (Singing with my brothers in Christ in the dorm)

1.Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love: The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above.

‎2. Before our Father's throne We pour our ardent prayers; Our fears, our hopes, our aims, are one, Our comforts and our cares.

‎3. We share our mutual woes, Our mutual burdens bear, And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear.

‎4. When we asunder part, It gives us inward pain; But we shall still be joined in heart, And hope to meet again.

‎5. This glorious hope revives Our courage by the way, While each in expectation lives, And longs to see the day.

‎6. From sorrow, toil and pain, And sin, we shall be free; And perfect love and friendship reign Through all eternity.

In Solomon’s porch (They were in a place to meet)

Solomon’s porch was on the East side of the temple mount perimeter. It was a large porch full of two rows of tall pillars that went the length of the East side of the temple mount. The length of the porch was much bigger than your back patio. It was nearly a quarter mile long. It was used by rabbis to teach and the common people to socialize. It was located outside the temple area where Jews were only allowed.

The gate beautiful was further into the temple complex as we find in Acts 3 when Peter and John heal a lame man in Jesus’ name.

The importance of this is they had a place where they were publicly teaching and preaching God’s Word.

Argue

Why weren’t they bothered here?

The Apostles many signs and miracles and the people’s perception of them played a major role as it did during Jesus ministry. (Acts 5:26)

However, we find in verse 17 of our text that their envy came to a boiling point and they arrested the apostles again.

Illustrate

Pastor Seth’s Basketball team of not-so-athletic kids versus the team of athletic kids.

One year Pastor Seth took the coaching job for the kids that didn’t make the cut for Jefferson’s first basketball team. Pastor Seth worked with those not-so- athletic-kids all season long and helped them learn to play as a team. They learned to pass, dribble, shoot. Most importantly, he taught them the mindset of never quitting, but giving it 100% of your energy even when you are losing big. His team’s hard work paid off. They started winning games. So much so they made it to the finals to face off against you know who. The team that had said your not-so-athletic kid, you don’t make our team.

The two teams played competitively. The one relying on their talent and every player trying to be the star player, the other on good coaching and playing as a team. The team of of athletic kids had the typical problem of the one-man team. While Pastor Seth’s team learned to work together. That made all the difference. The game came down to a two point final score. Although the well-coached team lost, all the parents in town saw how a bunch of not-so-athletic kids took down the most talented team and they wanted their kids to play for him.

Church, we would all probably admit that we aren’t the best this or that, but together united in mind under our coach Jesus Christ and following the lead of the leadership we are more than conquerors Christ.

Apply

My friend are you one-minded with Lake Baptist Church? Or are you uncommitted?

Make it a priority to be at church and a committed follower of Christ.

Pray for our church to have this one-mindedness of the church of Acts around the Gospel.

Philippians 1:27 “27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”

Romans 12:9–16 “9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

T. A church that glorifies God is not only being used of God to do great things and

3. Blessing of respectful onlookers. 5:13

Acts 5:13 “13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.”

Explain

The rest did not join. There has been contention about this.

The best take on this is that God used the miracle of judgment of Ananias and Sapphira to weed out the gaukers and shoppers out of the church. Now only those that were committed as Philip was committed to go sit in the chariot with the Ethiopian eunuch and tell him the Gospel.

The people magnified them

they spoke highly and respectfully of the church. There was a admiration and honor for those in the church.

People saw what was going on and new it was a work of God. Yet, many sadly were unwilling to commit to become a follower of Jesus. Have you committed to follow Jesus?

Argue

If they magnified why not unify? Not all are willing to follow Christ.

Why wouldn’t they just trust Christ?

Rejection of religious leader of the nation.

Persecution.

They were scared after what happened to Ananias and Sapphira.

It is like those going shopping just to window shop. They may like what they see but they ware unwilling to purchase.

However, unlike shopping, salvation should excite all you bargain shoppers. Salvation is the free gift of God. Titus 3:5–6 “5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”

John 3:36 “36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

Illustrate

Hey they are doing a good work over there. But they don’t want to be a part of it.

Apply

Do you have respect of unbelievers in your life. Or does your testimony conflict. What we say we believe ought to match our walk. You should be known for holy living in your speech and conduct. It should also be such when you are alone as well. Be a respectable Christian. 1 Timothy 4:12 “12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Challenge others to make a decision to follow Christ.

Mark 16:15 “15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

4. Building it numerically by multitudes of men and women. 5:14

Acts 5:14 “14 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)”

Explain

Many were being reached for the Gospel.

the word is multitudes in the plural.

Lots and lots of people were being saved as they faithfully held their church services and taught of Jesus Christ.

God gave the increase.

1 Corinthians 3:6 “6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”

Ask God to save souls. It is his will. 1 Timothy 2:3–4 “3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Men and women believe the Gospel.

The answer to their prayers for boldness is clearly ansewred.

Argue

God gives us the responsibility to tell.

Be brave and tell.

Illustrate

Apply

You be faithful to the Lord in your seeking his face, attending church, and sharing the Gospel and God will give the increase as he sees fit. 2 Peter 3:9 “9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Conclusion

A church that seeks God’s glory will be backed by his working with souls being saved and lives changed.

There will be a binding together as one in their worship.

There will be respected even by those who may not join them. So live in holiness and the fear of God.

God will build his church.

Does your life back the Gospel?

Are you holding grudges against someone that’d hinder you from being one in mind with the church and it’s mission to reach the lost?

Is your testimony respectable both to those in your church and outside of it?

Are you asking God to build our church numerically and doing your part to water your garden?