Upending the Power Structure

The power brokers lost their ever-loving mind because Jesus won.

Overcoming fear of rejection

Intro:

Do any of you remember when the US Conflict with Iran began?

The long run!

Grit - Angela Duckworth

Medical Students

Shortcuts - cram for exams, memorizing without understanding, picked the easiest rotations

The slower harder became the most capable physicians overtime.

Backdrop

Peter heals the crippled man in Jesus name.

Address the crowed about the purpose of the miracle and shares the good news of Jesus

This ticks off the powers of the day…

Acts 4:1–12 “1 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. 2 These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. 3 They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. 4 But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000. 5 The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. 7 They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.””

Doing good for people in Jesus name will always upend the power structures of our world.

v1

The captain of the guard was the highest-ranking priest after the high priest.

The Sadducees’ opposition to resurrection wasn’t merely theological—it carried political weight. People convinced that God would recreate the world and resurrect their bodies are far more inclined to undertake dangerous and risky actions, which wealthy ruling classes naturally prefer to discourage.

The Power of the Resurrection!

That would take away power from the haves.

v3

Uncomfortable = fear (not being liked by people)

1st christian imprisonment - Thankfulness (America doesn’t get it)

don’t be afraid of the enemy - Christaian persecution.

340 Million Christians face high levels of persecution worldwide

North Korea has an estimated 50-70k Christians currently in prison camps

Just owning a bible can result in imprisonment

China

Iran

Nigerai

India

Missionaries tell of experiences that are not talked about

Why does Jesus allow persecution?

The early followers of Jesus saw it as an opportunity to share the love of Christ with the officials who would never hear otherwise.

v6

John 18:19–24 “19 Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them. 20 Jesus replied, “Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret. 21 Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.” 22 Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded. 23 Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?” 24 Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest.”

Caiphas was over Jesus’ trial

Acts Inviting Persecution

Those who carry salvation, healing, and wholeness to others in the name of Jesus will often invite trouble and persecution rather than thanksgiving and praise from those around them

v8

God shows up in the moment

How you says it, what you say.

Prayer team (praying for you people)

v9

A good deed

Acts Structure and Literary Form

Peter and John, who speak as Jesus’ witnesses, are characterized as full of the Holy Spirit (v. 8), having done a good deed (v. 9), persuasive despite being ordinary (vv. 13–14), obeying God rather than human beings (vv. 19–20), and bold (v. 13).

Good deeds always win.

Self Sacrifice over the long run.

The power of the Holy Spirit softens their hearts.

love - words fall short

Personal experience

Calm or steady feeling.

Where do we need to grow.

Praying for salvation and watching for a door to open. Walking through.

witness - Wed how to?

First College class at VU - I was afraid I didn’t have it.

When God speaks to you to talk with someone , or he is putting someone on your heart

Do good deeds for the them.