Acts the Story Continues (18)
Notes
Transcript
Jealousy and Persecution
Jealousy and Persecution
Last week we discussed having a true Fear of God. We understand Fear not as being scared, but having a respect for the what God can do to our mortal bodies. We quoted the scripture that stated- do not fear that which can kill the phyiscal body, but fear that which can kill the physical body and your soul. I believe this mornings verse is a direct fruit of the proper fear of God.
But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy
they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison.
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said,
“Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”
And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
While studying this verse I see two specific things. Remember prior to this you had Annias and Saphira whose actions caused many to fear God and turn to him. We know that Godly fear will ultimately lead you toward Christ and Wordly fear will ultimately lead you away from Christ.
Then, after the casting down of those who practice fake Christianity many signs and wonders are done. This is where we come to verse 17 because in order to understand why the High Priests were jealous we must understand what caused them to be jealous.
Through the processing of events we see that Peter and John were first jailed because they were used to heal a man. Now thousands are coming to Christ Miracles are happening everywhere and this stirs Jealousy in their hearts again. This caused the high priests to be Jealous and here in lies the issue with Jealousy.
Jealousy occurs when we are protecting ourselves against some kind of loss.
Jealousy occurs when we are protecting ourselves against some kind of loss.
You neighbor buys a new Tesla and you begin to despise him and his car. Your not jealous of the tesla—there are thousands of them on the road. the root of Jealousy is that your neighbor, someone you know has something that in your eyes make you think that others will perceive them high than you. It’s why you cannot enjoy someone else’s success.
Someone buys a cruise. Instead of being happy for them you look and state-I work harder than them. Why don’t I have a cruise? They don’t deserve that cruise.
Jealousy is the direct oposite of being content. You cannot be content and jealous at the same time.
This Jealousy is the same Jealousy that the High Priests are feeding. Why do they do miracles, we are the high priests. Why isn’t God using us like that. People are going to stop giving to the temple. We will lose our money, our power, our wealth. Let’s stop them. Let’s arrest them.
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
What is the vile practice in our text?
Arresting the apostles.
Unchecked Jealousy will always lead us down the path to wrongful behaviors and/or incorrect motives.
Unchecked Jealousy will always lead us down the path to wrongful behaviors and/or incorrect motives.
You can have the right behavior and wring motives and still be wrong. You can have the wrong behaviors and right motives and still be wrong.
I find it interesting that their reaction to their own Jealousy is to humiliate the apostles.
Notice where the apostles are placed
In a public prison
In a public prison
They were put in general population where everyone would see them. Why? Because the goal of the Jealous person is often to diminish the reputation of those they are jealous of. Think about it. What usually happens. You being to gossip about that person. Declair why they don’t deserve that raise. Oh they must have done something sexual to get that promotion. I wonder who they know that they were able to get job. Forget the fact that it may have been their merit or credentials.
They even went to Jesus—I wonder what demon Spirit you’re worshipping that allows you to cast out other demons. It’s the reason Jesus said that a house that is divided can’t stand. Jealousy usually leads to some form of humiliation and is usually undeserved by the person we are humiliating. If you find yourself gossiping about someone or trying to discredit someone and you don’t really know why. Ask yourself what do they have that I want. and usually you can find the root cause of the sinful desire.
So how do we fight Jealousy.
If you are jealous or being humiliated because of someone else’s jealousy God shows us the answer.
“Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.”
Truth-the only way to combat Jealousy is truth.
Whenever you see persecution, there is more than a probability that truth is on the persecuted side.
Whenever you see persecution, there is more than a probability that truth is on the persecuted side.
Truth- I cannot afford that cruise and that’s ok. The bible states that I need to store up treasures in Heaven and not here on this Earth. So I need to take my eyes off the Earthly desire for a cruise and find my rest and peace in Christ.
Truth- For whatever reason I didn’t get said job. It’s ok because I know God is the supplier and restorer and what he has for me he will provide.
Truth- I don’t have the ability to raise the dead or heal the sick. God gives out each gift according to his purpose. The gifts I have and the gifts others have serve this particular purpose so I will remain faithful with what I have.
We will always bend the truth when we perceive we deserve something we don’t have. What made Bennie Hinn falsify healings? The desire for power, money, and to be perceived as Holy. Thankfully he since come out and sought forgiveness, but he is living proof that we will always falsify whatever we have to if Jealousy is left unchecked.
I find it interesting that in some translations the bible states that the apostles were to go to the
Temple Courts
Temple Courts
The same place they were arrested. Why?
The apostles stood as public proof that God’s purpose cannot be overturned and that Christ’s Lordship is the true power in Spiritual struggles. The key when standing on the side of Jesus is this
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
1 Peter 3”13-
When people persecute you for whatever reason IF YOU ARE ON THE SIDE OF TRUTH have no fear and do not be troubled. Honor God in all you do because ultimately those who are against you will be put to shame. It may happen when we stand before God during the great divide when the wheat is seperated from the chaff, but you will ultimately stand affirmed.
For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.
Do not bend the Word of God to get what you think you deserve. Speak truth knowing that your reward isn’t here on earth, but rather it’s in heaven.
Like Paul stated in the book of Philippians press on toward the goal to win the heavenly prize. That is what you are here for. That is what you should desire. That is where your treasure should be.