Truth Momentum—Part 9 Acts 4:23-37

March 7/8, 2015

FOLLOWING THE MESSAGE 1) 4:24-29 The fellowship responded not with fear or anxiety, but with praise to God. Then they requested courage to continue their bold witness. 2) 4:25 Faced with opposition, the disciples took comfort in God’s sovereignty. 3) 4:27 The groups listed in Psalm 2:1-2 are equated with person(s) involved in the crucifixion:  the kings of the earth—King Herod  the rulers—Roman ruler Pontius Pilate  the nations—Gentile authorities  the people—the people of Israel 4) 4:28 Despite all the raging of humanity, God’s purposes always prevail.

11) 4:33 Even though Jesus' followers knew the emphasis on Jesus greatly offended the authorities, they never suppressed the truth. 12) 4:34-35 Since all belongs to God, when there is a need, we are obligated to use God’s resources to meet the need. A very practical test of a Christian’s love is how much he or she is willing to sacrifice financially (James 2:15–16; 1 John 3:17). 13) The name of Jesus has not lost its power, but many of God’s people have lost their power because they have stopped praying.

“Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men and women. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for power equal to your tasks.” ~Phillips Brooks GREEK WORDS Despota—Sovereign Lord; World Ruler; absolute master, a ruler exercises absolute power, either benevolently or abusively Proorizō—predestined; to determine beforehand

5) 4:29-30 The disciples did not permit their confidence in God’s sovereignty to take out human responsibility. 6) 4:29-30 They did not ask for fire from heaven to destroy the enemy, but for power from heaven to preach the Word and heal the sick (contrast with Luke 9:54). 7) 4:31 This was not a “second Pentecost.” It was a “filling.” 8) 4:24-30 We should pray not only in general ways for the outpouring of God's Spirit, but also in specific ways: for the gift of bold proclamation, for His hand to be stretched out to heal, and His Son's name to be honored. 9) 4:32 The unity of the church stems from focusing on Jesus’ priorities (cf. Philippians 2:3):  Completely surrendered to God  Focused beyond self  Occupied with serving others 10) 4:32-37 Experientially, spiritual oneness is expressed through caring for the physical needs of brothers and sisters in Christ.

TODAY'S SONGS “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” words and music by Robert Robinson and John Wyeth Public Domain “Cornerstone” words and music by Jonas Myrin, Reuben Morgan, Eric Liljero, Edward Mote, and William Batchelder Bradbury © 2011 Hillsong Music Publishing “Jesus We Love You” words and music by Paul McClure, Hannah McClure, and Kalley Heiligenthal © 2014 Bethel Music Publishing “Like Incense/Sometimes By Step” words and music by Brooke Ligertwood, David (Beaker) Strasser, and Rich Mullins © 2009 BMG Songs, Inc. | Hillsong Music Publishing CCLI #431630