PRAYER ANSWERED--ACTS 4-5

The apostles prayed for boldness in sharing the gospel message.  The Holy Spirit answered their prayer and confirmed it by “shaking” the place where they were.  And later in chapter 4 and chapter 5, the story of the early church continues.

(Read from Acts 4:32-37)

Acts 4:32—37

1)      One in heart and mind—The Holy Spirit unified the early church—they were together—genuine caring for one another—taking care of one another

2)      v. 32  Prayer answered—they testified to the resurrection with great power—a prayer for boldness was answered

3)      Notice Joseph Barnabas in v. 36.  We will see much more of him later in Acts—Antioch—Paul’s partner on 1^st missionary journey—the church needs more encouragers—he’s quite a contrast from Ananias and Sapphira whom we meet in Acts 5.

Acts 5:1-11

1)      Apparently, they gave money, withheld part of what they received, but told the church they gave a bigger amount than they did—Peter calls it “lying to God.”  Serious offense to try to fool God or His Holy Spirit.

2)      Ananias and Sapphira both lie—and both die for their sin.

3)      Great fear comes on the church and those who heard of it—seriousness of treating God with respect, awe, honor.  You never fool God.

Acts 5:12-16

1)      Healing and miracles were performed through power of God.  Again, prayers for boldness answered.

2)      Though people did not gather near the Temple due to fear, many came to accept the Lord and be part of His church.

Acts 5:17-41

1)      Jailed for preaching—released by God—continued preaching—when you are persecuted and stopped do you continue doing what God wants or just quit?

2)      Jewish leaders/jailers puzzled—how did they get out of jail with jail still locked and guards still present?  God does miracles!

3)      Again told not to preach/teach in Jesus name.  Peter again says, “We will obey God, not man, when there is a conflict.

4)      Notice that Peter witnesses to the Jewish leaders—“you killed Him, God raised Him, of this we are witnesses.”  Told NOT to do it—he witnesses to those telling him NOT to do it—boldness of witness—answered prayer.

5)      Gamaliel’s advice—“if this is of men, it will die out—if it is of God, it will continue and we do not want to be fighting against God.

6)      Took his advice, but beat them and threatened them again.  Then released them.

7)      Apostles rejoiced in suffering for Jesus’ sake—do you and I rejoice when we suffer for being Christian?

8)      What did apostles then do?  “Never stopped preaching and preaching good news that Jesus is Messiah—no matter where they were.

9)      Could people say of any church—we see God at work there?  Could they say, “Despite opposition, they continue sharing the message of Christ?”  Could we say of ourselves, “We never stop teaching/preaching about Jesus”?

Where’s the boldness?  Do we need to pray bigger prayers?

Where are the miraculous happenings? 

Could it be said of us, “the church is of God, therefore they are succeeding and seeing growth due to being obedient to God”?

“If it is of man, it will fail.  If it is of God, it cannot be stopped!”

Are we working/serving as the church in the power of men or the power of God?  What are the results we see happening?

Where do you personally need to pray for boldness right now?  Where does our church need to be better at teaching/preaching the message—wherever we go?