UNSTOPPABLE: The Pushback on Power (Acts 5:12-42)

Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. (5:12-18)

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus (5:41-42)

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:14-17)

…We must obey God rather than men. (5:29)

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Josh 24:15)

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (5:41)

• Where in my life am I trying to manage outcomes and control risk instead of surrendering control to God and simply obeying Him?
• What fears (isolation, rejection, loss, discomfort, timing)are influencing my decisions right now, and how might God be inviting me to respond with active faith instead of risk management?
• If I truly believed that “what is of God cannot be stopped,” how would that change the way I respond to opposition, delay, or uncertainty in this season?

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