We Must Obey God Rather than Men
The book of Acts gives us a powerful glimpse into the lives of the first apostles, showing us how their faith wasn’t just a set of beliefs—it was a call to action. Their story is a profound lesson in what it means to live out your convictions when the world is against you. It’s a story that goes far beyond a single, courageous statement. The apostles’ famous declaration, “We must obey God rather than men,” isn’t just a clever line; it’s the guiding principle behind everything they did.
Their obedience wasn’t an isolated event; it was a consistent pattern of living that gave birth to the early Christian movement. It was a multifaceted expression of their deep commitment to Jesus, defined by unwavering courage, joy in the face of suffering, and an absolute trust in divine power. This narrative provides a timeless model for how to live a life of authentic faith in a world that often stands in opposition to it.
Key characteristics of Apostles Obedience
Corporate Obedience
The obedience of the apostles was a collective act, not just an individual one. “Peter and the other apostles” spoke together, demonstrating a unified front and mutual support in their commitment. This underscores the communal nature of Christian obedience, where believers encourage and uphold one another in their shared mission.
Joyful Obedience in Suffering
Acts 5:40-41 gives us an amazing account to ponder. The disciples after being flogged by the council “left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”
The apostles obedience was not grudging or fear-based, but a source of deep joy. They saw suffering for the sake of the Gospel as a privilege, reflecting a profound difference in their understanding of success and fulfillment. Their joy was rooted in the knowledge that they were aligned with God’s will, regardless of the earthly consequences.
Persevering Obedience
Their obedience was not a momentary burst of courage but a sustained act of perseverance. The religious authorities were “infuriated to find that they were still preaching” because they had not been deterred. This relentless and unwavering commitment, day after day in the face of threats, is what truly defined their obedience as radical. The obedience displayed by apostles was not just a statement of principle but a lifestyle of unshakable faithfulness to their calling.
Obedience Driven by the Holy Spirit
The apostles’ boldness and courage was not innate. The book of Acts repeatedly attributes their actions to being filled with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowered them to speak with conviction and to perform signs and wonders. This shows that their obedience was not a feat of human will alone, but a supernatural enablement. It highlights a key New Testament principle: true Christian obedience is a response to and a partnership with the indwelling Holy Spirit.
conclusion
In conclusion,this radical obedience was a power source. It was not a feat of human will or self-discipline, but a supernatural result of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who empowered them to perform miracles also enabled their unwavering courage and relentless perseverance.This collective, persevering, and joy-filled obedience stands as a foundational model for the Christian life. It demonstrates that faith is not a passive belief but an active and courageous trust in God’s authority above all else.
It invites us believers to a life where obedience is not a burden but a joyful, powerful, and communal journey. We invite you to remain connected with our community and look forward to our next time together.
May we be strengthened to be courageously obedient to our calling and faith. Be blessed.
