REJOICE IN SUFFERING

Bible Passage: Acts 5:38-42

INTRODUCTION: Skating

Love Skating, one of my favorite things to do. I love trying to figure out a new trick that I could maybe land, and grinding to land it, the hard work and failure over and over again, make landing something so satisfying.

It has been a tool for me to level with people, and be on their playing grounds to develop relationships, and talk to them about Jesus.

I pulled up to Corvallis 3 weeks ago on a friday, and by saturday, I was skating at the park in town and met the owner of the skate shop in town.

Invited him to church after he was asking why I moved here from california, and he responded… “NAHH”

Last week Gary talked about Acts 4:12, and we talked about there being NO other NAME other than Jesus that brings Salvation.

Tonight we’re going to be digging into Acts 5:38-42 where Peter and the Apostles are punished for preaching BOLDLY the name of Jesus, and their response is REJOICING that they are even considered worthy to suffer shame from others for the NAME of JESUS.

PRAY:

BIBLE: Acts 5:38-42

Context:

The Church is booming, people are responding to the gospel and are being added to the Lord “more than ever” .

There where other religious leaders of the time, who did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God, and the Church growing around them struck them to deep jealousy.

To put a stop to the Apostles teachings of Jesus, the religious leaders threw them in Jail, but an angel of the Lord bailed them out ——> If God is WORKIN, no one can stop His good purposes to draw the many to Himself.

Apostles taken back into custody of the religious leaders, and they wanted THEM DEADDD.

Gamaliel stands to say, if what they are speaking is of men, what the apostles are doing will fail. But if It is of GOD, They will be UNABLE to stop them.

READ ACTS 5:38-42

NEED:

HOW could the apostles consider it joy to suffer. Because Jesus was eveything to THEM.

What we think of Jesus is the most important thing we will ever think of.

If we love Jesus, it will shape everything that we think and do.

THIS IS WHY the Apostles, who loved Jesus more than anything, REJOICED in being even considered worthy to SUFFER SHAME FOR THE NAME of Jesus.

Hard part in my life, is when things even get a little uncomfortble, it is way easier to retreat into what is COMFORTABLE and not share the good news.

GOSPEL

APPLY:

Take a second to think of one person you can share the gospel with.

Maybe you are the one who hasnt accepted Jesus, I encourage you to talk to your small group leader tonight if you have any questions and want to learn more.

CHALLENGE:

BECAUSE… the Name of JESUS is worth suffering any ounce of Shame when we share His love for sinners.

Be BOLD, and for those who came to your mind, I challenge you to pray for them everyday this week, and pray for an opportunity to talk to them about the NAME of Jesus, and pray for boldness to jump into that opportunity.

CLOSE:

John Piper: “We need to tell them that it is Christ who has changed us, so they will know that this resilient joy can be theirs as well.”

1. Embrace Endurance with Joy

Acts 5:41

You could suggest that teens today, much like the apostles, can find joy even amidst their struggles, knowing that their trials have purpose. By focusing on the reason for their suffering - their faith in Jesus - they can see these trials as a privilege rather than a punishment. This perspective shift encourages them to embrace challenges as opportunities to draw closer to Christ and witness to others, showing that true joy transcends circumstances and finds its source in Him.

2. Persist in Proclaiming Christ

Acts 5:42

Perhaps emphasize that despite their persecution, the apostles continued to teach and preach about Jesus day after day. This persistence models for teens the importance of maintaining their witness and standing firm in their faith, even when criticized or opposed. Encourage young believers to find joy in consistently living out their faith, knowing that their endurance and joy are testimonies to the hope found in Christ, inspiring others to find strength through their example.