What are we suppose to do when faced with a command or directive from an earthly authority to act in a manner that is in clear opposition to the Word of God? You might think this would never happen in America. Think again…it already has according to former Navy Chaplin Gordon Klingenschmitt who was punished (in writing, three times) for quoting the Bible in chapel during optionally-attended worship. He says, “I know exactly how they'll come after us. The enemies of religious liberty will simply declare certain gospel phrases "hateful" and "offensive" like my commanding officer who punished me for quoting John 3:36 in chapel, and was supported by government lawyers for "protecting" easily offended listeners from the "offensive" gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ.”

Peter and John were told in Acts 4:18 “not to speak or teach in the Name of Jesus.” This is in direct opposition to the command of God to go and make disciples of all nations (Mat 28:18-20) and also, His command to be His witnesses in Jerusalem…and to the ends of the world (Acts 1:8). The Sanhedrin felt they had authority over what the apostles could and could not say. Therefore—the apostles had to decide whether to obey or not to obey their command.

What they chose to do is what we will be looking at today. They chose to obey. Obedience to the Word of God has always placed His people in opposition to those who reject the sovereign authority of the One true God. Many believe there is no absolute truth…therefore obedience simply becomes relative. Or to put it in more simple terms—truth is whatever a person wants it to be. Whatever works for me! Luke points out 3 things to consider when faced with the choice to obey or not to obey the Word of God.

1. The power of obedience.

He tells us were the power of obedience is found. It’s found in the presence of God’s Holy Spirit working in the life of a believer (v32). Remember what Jesus said in 1:8—you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Let’s remember Peter and John led the church to pray after their release from the Sanhedrin the first time in Acts 4:23-31. One request in that prayer meeting was for power to do mighty things in the name of Jesus. Verses 12-16 reveals their prayer was answered. Look at what verse 12 says…read.

The power of God’s Spirit was so strong in the life of Peter that some felt that they would be healed from their infirmity if only his shadow touched them (v15). This type of miracle reminds us of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34. She thought if only she could touch Jesus’ garment she would be healed…and she was. When her faith merged with the power of God’s Holy Spirit a miracle was the result.

But—what we have to keep in focus is this. It’s not what Peter or John or any of the other disciples is doing—its God working through the disciples that is creating miraculous signs and wonders among the people. When their obedience merged with the power of God’s Holy Spirit people believed and became part of the church (v14).

The same thing is still true today. If anything worthy of praise happens among us…the Holy Spirit is the One responsible for it. We participate in it through obedience. The amazing thing is this—through our obedience, merged with power of Holy Spirit…our Father in heaven is praised for the good things we do…Amen (Mat 5:16). ILL: We are like the cord that connects the wall socket to the light socket. And when the power flows the light comes on.

2. The price of obedience.

He reminds us there may be a penalty incurred for being obedient to God’s will and to God’s Word. For the early apostles the penalty was being arrested, placed in jail and then being brought before the Sanhedrin for a second time. The birth, sinless life, substitutionary death, resurrection, and ascension may be priceless…but preaching and teaching about it has a price.

All the miraculous signs and wonders that should have created joy in the hearts of the Sadducees created jealousy instead. Their hearts are hardened like that of Pharaoh in the Exodus. The Sadducees were trying to silence the Apostles by threats and regulations…but nothing can stop the message of new life from going out. When the Apostles are asked why they won’t stop preaching and teaching about Jesus—they simply say, “It’s a question of obedience…We must obey God rather than men” (v29).

The Apostles knew what Jeremiah meant when he said, “Your word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut-up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot” (Jer 20:9). The prophet Jeremiah was persecuted for preaching the Word of God…just like the Apostles are here in Acts.

One day—perhaps sooner than later, we’ll be asked to pay the price of obedience for the gospel. Totalitarian governments simply try to crush the message of new life while democracies around the world are starting to create laws they say are meant to protect people from the offensive nature of the message of Christ. What will our response be? Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me” (Mat 5:11). Will we obey God rather than men?

3. The prize for obedience.

The Sanhedrin wanted to kill the Apostles (v33) but a man by the name Gamaliel persuaded them to wait and see if God really was at work among them. But—notice the parting gift from the Sanhedrin was a flogging (v40). By the way this is exactly what Jesus said would happen to those who were obedient…Mat 10:17-20.

You might think—perhaps the apostles would feel like throwing in the towel if this is the reward for obedience. But instead—they celebrate their affliction. They see their beating as a badge of honor. The reason they’re rejoicing according to Luke is, “Because they were counted worthy of suffering for the Name” (v41). Like Paul in Philippians 3:10, “they wanted to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering.” Jesus’ resurrection and suffering were directly related to His complete obedience to the Father’s will.

Perhaps you know someone who feels they have been persecuted because a visitor came in and sat in their seat…and the ushers or deacons wouldn’t make them move. That’s not suffering…that’s self-centeredness. These early believers have real skin in the game now as a result of being physically beaten for the gospel. Now—notice what verse 42 says…their persecution leads to perseverance. They never stop preaching and teaching the gospel.

They know—everyone who seeks to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim 3:12). They remembered that Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount when you’re persecuted, “Rejoice and be glad…because great is your reward in heaven” (Mat 5:12).

Close: Church—the power of obedience comes from having the Holy Spirit of God living in your heart. The price of obedience will be experienced in various forms of persecution because of your relationship with Jesus. And—the prize for obedience will be the knowledge in your heart that you’re truly walking in His steps.

As we prepare to celebrate the Lord’s Supper…reflect on these points of application from God’s Word this morning.

                Recognize that the source of obedience comes through the power of God’s Spirit.

                Realize that the god of this age hates Christ and the people of Christ.

                Rejoice in your faith and know that every form of persecution is short in light of eternity.