10/4/19

Satanic conspiracy against God can't stop God's Word (Acts 5-6:7)

Key verses:
"...Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit...You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”Acts 5:3-4 NIV

“How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” Acts 5:9 NIV

"apostles performed many signs and wonders... sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed." Acts 5:12-16

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. - Acts 6:7

Unity, generosity, and bold witness motivated by love not compulsion - Acts 4:32-37
Satan fills their hearts, having them lie to God - yet they were responsible because they agreed and conspire against God. Acts 5:1-10
   - Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy John 10:10
   - God is consistent: Deut 17:7,12, 1 Cor 5:2,13
   - Jesus taught about this, the parable of the barn builder who's life was demanded that very day.
Personal Application: God has numbered our days. How do you want to be remembered?

Fear spreads, yet the gospel is preached and miracles continue. 5:11-16
 - Effective ministry is highly regarded by people, healing and delivering people from evil spirits
 - Evil spirits = impure, tormenting

When folks come against a Spirit-filled group of believers there's rejoicing, not resentment. This is Christ working in and through us. Acts 5:12-42
 - Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Heb 12:3-4
 - Phil 2:8, wisdom and humility as we're remembering God's faithfulness in our past Heb 10:32-33.
 - God exalted Christ to bring us to repentance - Acts 5:31

Complaints bring dangers of disunity, discontent, and distraction (6:1), but God gives his Spirit and wisdom enabling loving leadership - Acts 6:2-7



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