Demands of Demands of ConvictionConviction

How strong are your convictions?

ConvictionsConvictions

• Dictionary – “A fixed belief”• Sometimes demands are placed on

us that are in conflict with our convictions

• How should we handle the situation?

• What if man demands what violates the will or command of God?

Peter – Acts 4:18-20Peter – Acts 4:18-20

• 18So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Peter – Acts 4:18-20Peter – Acts 4:18-20• Peter was commanded not to speak in

the name of Jesus – vs. 18• Jesus had already command him to

preach everywhere – Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:15

• His response:– You are in authority to make such a

request– You will be accountable if it was a right or

wrong decision– I must be true to my convictions

Peter – Acts 5Peter – Acts 5• Acts 5:19-20Acts 5:19-20 – 19But at night an angel

of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20“Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

• Acts 5:28aActs 5:28a – saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name?

• Acts 5:28bActs 5:28b – And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

Peter – Acts 5Peter – Acts 5• Acts 5:29Acts 5:29 – But Peter and the other

apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men.

• Acts 5:41-42Acts 5:41-42 - 41So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Paul – Galatians 2Paul – Galatians 2• Galatians 2:3 – Galatians 2:3 – Yet not even Titus

who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

• Galatians 2:5Galatians 2:5 - to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

• The issue wasThe issue was – Do they have the right to “compel” him to be circumcised?

Modern ExamplesModern Examples• My nephew – My nephew – Josh Luscombe just

returned from a year in China.– He is teaching English at a university– He is teaching and baptizing many– They are an “underground church”

• Communist RussiaCommunist Russia – I met many who read and studied their Bibles when owning a Bible would send you to prison.

Modern ExamplesModern Examples• Some preachers are Some preachers are

hindered / prevented from:hindered / prevented from:– Preaching certain topics / issues /

doctrines– Teaching to correct error– Discussing “hot button” issues

• Not preach abortion – nurse at abortion clinic

• Not preach alcohol – workers at Jack Daniels

Our ConvictionsOur Convictions• Our convictions must be Our convictions must be

stronger than man’s stronger than man’s requests of usrequests of us

• Teach the whole counsel Teach the whole counsel of God – Acts 20:27of God – Acts 20:27

• Teach what is profitable – Teach what is profitable – Acts 20:20Acts 20:20

• Preach in season and out Preach in season and out of season – 2 Timothy 4:2of season – 2 Timothy 4:2

Our ConvictionsOur Convictions

• Preach the word – 2 Preach the word – 2 Timothy 4:2Timothy 4:2

• Speak what is sound Speak what is sound doctrine – Titus 2:1doctrine – Titus 2:1

• Speak, exhort, rebuke with Speak, exhort, rebuke with all authority – Titus 2:15all authority – Titus 2:15

• Good ministers instruct the Good ministers instruct the brethren – 1 Timothy 4:6brethren – 1 Timothy 4:6

Our ConvictionsOur Convictions

• How strong are your How strong are your convictions?convictions?

• What are your “fixed What are your “fixed beliefs?”beliefs?”

• What would you do if What would you do if others tried to have you others tried to have you violate your convictions?violate your convictions?