The Apostles Stand With God

Introduction (Acts 5:17–33):
When the apostles were commanded to stop preaching Jesus, they chose instead to obey God. Their courage and obedience teach us how to stand firm when faith is tested.

Obedience Despite Consequences
The apostles knew their obedience would bring persecution. This was their second arrest in just two days. Yet they did not allow fear of punishment to silence them. Jesus warned that some would hear the word with joy but fall away when tribulation arose (Matthew 13:21). True disciples understand that following Christ will sometimes bring suffering. Like the apostles, we must obey regardless of the consequences.

Obeying God Over Man
When ordered to stop preaching, the apostles declared, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Scripture teaches us to submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1), but never when obedience to man contradicts obedience to God. When civil law collides with divine law, the Christian must stand with God. The apostles remind us that our ultimate allegiance is to the Lord.

Boldness in Speaking Truth
The apostles did not retreat in silence or hide their convictions. They spoke openly and boldly about their intention to keep proclaiming Christ. This boldness led to beatings, but it also received God’s approval, as He continued to bless their work. Boldness in faith is not arrogance—it is courage rooted in truth. God calls us to speak His word without fear, trusting that He will sustain us.

Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ
After being beaten, the apostles rejoiced. They did not rejoice in pain but in the honor of suffering for Christ’s name (Acts 5:40–41). Paul longed to share in Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 3:10). Peter taught that believers should rejoice when they share in Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 4:13). Paul told Timothy that all who live godly lives will face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Opposition to truth can serve as evidence that we are truly living for Christ.

Conclusion
The apostles stood with God despite threats, persecution, and suffering. Their example reminds us that obedience must come before comfort, loyalty to God before loyalty to men, and rejoicing in suffering before shrinking in fear.

The Apostles Stand With God Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (Acts 5:17–33)

  • Apostles arrested for preaching Christ.

  • God commanded them to continue preaching.

• Obedience Despite Consequences

  • Apostles obeyed though facing arrest and punishment.

  • Jesus’ warning about shallow faith (Matthew 13:21).

  • Lesson: Obey no matter the cost.

• Obeying God Over Man

  • Apostles declared obedience to God above man (Acts 5:29).

  • General command to obey rulers (Romans 13:1).

  • Exception: when man’s law contradicts God’s law.

  • Ultimate allegiance belongs to God.

• Boldness in Speaking Truth

  • Apostles openly proclaimed Christ.

  • Their boldness led to beatings but also God’s support.

  • Lesson: speak truth courageously.

• Rejoicing in Suffering for Christ

  • Apostles rejoiced to suffer for His name (Acts 5:40–41).

  • Fellowship in Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 3:10).

  • Rejoicing in persecution (1 Peter 4:13).

  • All who live godly will face persecution (2 Timothy 3:12).

• Conclusion

  • Apostles stood with God despite threats.

  • Christians must stand with God whatever the cost.

Call to Action
The apostles’ example compels us to examine our own faith. Will we obey God even when it costs us friends, family approval, or freedom? Will we speak truth boldly in a hostile world? Will we rejoice when opposition comes? Let us determine, like the apostles, to stand with God no matter what.

Key Takeaways

• True obedience endures persecution (Matthew 13:21).

• God’s commands take precedence over man’s laws (Acts 5:29; Romans 13:1).

• Boldness is required to speak God’s truth (Acts 5:29–32).

• Rejoicing in suffering proves Christ-like faith (Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13).

• Persecution is promised to the godly (2 Timothy 3:12).

Scripture Reference List

• Acts 5:17–33 – Apostles arrested and commanded to stop preaching.

• Acts 5:29 – Obey God rather than men.

• Matthew 13:21 – Shallow faith withers under persecution.

• Romans 13:1 – Submit to governing authorities (except against God’s law).

• Acts 5:40–41 – Apostles rejoiced in suffering.

• Philippians 3:10 – Fellowship in Christ’s sufferings.

• 1 Peter 4:13 – Rejoice in persecution for Christ.

• 2 Timothy 3:12 – All who live godly will suffer persecution.

Prepared by Mike Glenn

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