Text: Acts 5:33-42

= Good News on Shame

Romans 10:11 - As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

Vs. 40 - The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Topic: Overcome the Spirit of Shame

= Jesus’ Way on Shame:Hebrews 12:2 - Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

= A Case of Moses: Hebrews 11:26 - He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.

How Can We Rejoice in the Face of Shame (Disgrace) in this

world?

1. 1. God in History

Vs. 39 - But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

= What is the Value of Gamaliel’s Advice that Convinced the Jealousy-filled Members of the Sanhedrin?

Vs. 35 - Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.”

(1) Vs. 36 - Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.

(2) Vs. 37 - After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.

(3) Vs. 38 - Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

= What is the Common Misunderstanding of “If it is from God, It will not Fail”?

Vs. 39 - But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Vs. 40 - His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged.

Ephesians 1:19-20 - I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.NLT

Philippians 1:12-14 - Now I want you to know that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.

Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

Colossians 1:11 - We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.

2. 2. God in Principle

Vs. 40 - His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

= Why does “God’s Allowing the Apostles to be flogged” have to do with His Principle?

Vs. 40 - His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged.

(1) You will be PersecutedMatthew 5:10-12 - Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say

all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(2) You will be HatedJohn 15:18-19 - “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

(3) You will be TroubledJohn 16:33 - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

(1) You will be PersecutedMatthew 5:10-12 - Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say

all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

(2) You will be HatedJohn 15:18-19 - “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

(3) You will be TroubledJohn 16:33 - “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

= How should Christians Understand “Being Counted Worthy”?

Vs. 41 - The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

Ephesians 4:1 - I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Philippians 1:27 - Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

Colossians 1:10 - And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God

2Thess. 1:11 - With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith

= How should Christians Accept the Way the Apostles Faced the Difficulties in ministry?

Vs. 41 - The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

(1) Joy – NO ComplaintVs. 41 - The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

(2) Knowledge – NO Ignorance

Vs. 41 - The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

A Case Study of Paul Acts 16:22-23 - The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison

2Corinthians 11:24-25 - Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,

Paul’s Principle: Romans 8:15-17 - For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit

that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Philippians 3:10-11 - I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death

A Case Study of PeterActs 5:40 - They called the apostles in and had them flogged.Acts 12:4 - After arresting Peter, King Herod put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each.

Peter’s Principle: 1Peter 4:12-16 - Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are

insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

3. 3. God in Life

Vs. 40 - They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

= How did the Disciples Apply what the Lord Jesus taught them to do in their ministry?

Vs. 42 - Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

(1) When Does God Live in Our Life - Day after day

Vs. 42 - Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

(2) Where Does God Live in Our Life? - From house to house

Vs. 42 - Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

(3) How Does God Live in Our Life? - Never-Stop

Vs. 42 - Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

How Can We Rejoice in the Face of Shame (Disgrace)

in this world?

God in History God in Principle God in Life