Seeds of Persecution Acts 4 Pt4

November 18th, 2025

Summary

This sermon examines Acts 4:18-21, focusing on the apostles' response when religious leaders commanded them to stop preaching in Jesus' name. The message explores the concept of personal commitment to Christ and civil disobedience when human authority conflicts with God's commands. The pastor emphasizes that while Christians should generally obey governing authorities, when those authorities forbid the preaching of the gospel, believers must choose obedience to God over man. The sermon also highlights the importance of Christian community during times of persecution, showing how the apostles returned to their own people for support and prayer after their confrontation with the religious leaders.

Daily Devional - https://devotion.woodlakebaptistchurch.org/seeds-of-persecution-acts-4-pt4-nov-16-2025-restream

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to receive what You have for us in this time together. We ask that You would speak to each of us individually and as a group. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with You about our level of commitment to Your kingdom. Open our minds to understand Your Word and our hearts to apply it to our lives. Give us the courage to stand firm in our faith, even when it's difficult. We pray that our time together would draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's the coldest weather you've ever experienced, and how did you handle it?

Key Verses

  • Acts 4:18-20
  • Romans 13:1-4
  • Acts 22:14-15
  • Malachi 3:6

Questions

  • The apostles said they were 'unable' to stop speaking about Jesus rather than saying they 'wouldn't' obey. What's the difference, and why is this significant?
  • How do we balance obeying governing authorities (Romans 13) with obeying God when the two conflict?
  • The pastor mentioned that persecution reveals who is truly saved. What do you think he meant by this?
  • Why do you think the apostles immediately went to 'their own people' after being released? What does this teach us about the importance of Christian community?
  • The sermon emphasized that commitment to Christ varies among believers. What factors do you think contribute to someone having strong commitment versus weak commitment?
  • How can we prepare ourselves and our church community for potential persecution or pressure to compromise our faith?
  • The apostles had 'been with Jesus' (verse 13) and were 'filled with the Holy Spirit' (verse 8). How do these two things relate to our ability to stand firm in difficult times?
  • What are some ways that Christians today might face pressure to compromise their faith or stop sharing the gospel?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you may be compromising your Christian witness due to fear of what others might think or say. Commit to taking one specific step to be more bold in sharing your faith or living out your Christian values in that situation. Also, reach out to at least one person in your church community to encourage them or offer support, strengthening the bonds of Christian fellowship.

Key Takeaways

  • When human authority conflicts with God's commands, we must choose obedience to God over man
  • True commitment to Christ is demonstrated by our willingness to stand firm even under pressure
  • Christian community is essential for support and encouragement during times of persecution or difficulty
  • Being 'with Jesus' and being 'filled with the Holy Spirit' are the sources of our courage and commitment
  • God's laws and standards never change, regardless of cultural pressures to compromise

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Peter and John who chose to obey You rather than man. Give us that same courage and commitment in our daily lives. Help us to be people who have truly 'been with Jesus' and are filled with Your Holy Spirit. Strengthen the bonds of fellowship in our church family so that we can support one another through whatever challenges may come. When we face pressure to compromise our faith, remind us that You are watching and that our first allegiance is to You. Help us to be bold witnesses for Your name this week. We commit ourselves afresh to You and ask for Your strength to live out this commitment. In Jesus' name, Amen.