Irrepressible Truth

My sermon yesterday morning was based on Acts 4:13-22. Peter and John were being punished for healing a lame man in the name of Jesus. The passage records the deliberation of the Jewish Court and the response to their demands by Peter and John.

I. The Simple Disciples: Be known for the time you have spent with Jesus (13-14).

The religious leaders noticed that Peter and John were just common untrained, unlearned men, but what set them apart was that "they had been with Jesus." Does our relationship with Christ define us?

II. The Sanctimonious Detractors: Be guided by the truth (15-18).

The leaders admitted "a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it." However, since the miracle threatened to expose their traditions, they refused to accept the truth. Are you blinded by tradition? Are you committed to a religious institution or committed to Jesus?

III. The Steadfast Devotees: Be bold for God (19-22).

The Bible states "But 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. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.'”

I love the almost sarcastic response of Peter and John. They said something like this: "Since you are the representatives of God, do you think we should listen to God or to you?" I love that.

Then, they boldly declared, "We can't help it. We've got to tell people about the power of Jesus."

May God give us all the boldness to speak the truth in His name.