GO TO GOD FIRST
Acts 4:23,24
GETTING STARTED:
● Earlier in this chapter – Peter and John stared down the religious leaders – led by
Anas the high priest. These were the same leaders who organized the trials that
led to Pilate sentencing Jesus to the Cross. Peter doesn’t blink – there will be no
other name under heaven whereby people can be saved – only through Jesus.
● This council of religious leaders – take note that they have been with Jesus – they
then threaten them not to speak in Jesus name anymore. By the way – this was
more about doing miracles in Jesus name than it was preaching the gospel.
● Peter and John – answer directly. We will obey God – not man. And they go back
and report the threat – and then the first response of the church is amazing – they
pray. We want to look at that prayer and the result.
- THE PRAYER OF THE THREATENED CHURCH. Acts 4:24-30.
● They acknowledge that God is moving by His Spirit and that what is happening
was foretold by David and is in agreement with God’s will. In other words – Jesus
was not crucified because of evil men – He gave his life on Calvary as a sacrifice
for our sin. It was a plan God had before He created this earth.
● They also acknowledge the threats. It has the feel of a Jehoshophat standing
before the people – crying out to God has they are under the threat of
surrounding nations – the Moabites – Ammonites – and some Meunites. The Lord
answered him clearly – the battle is not yours – it is God’s
● The early church asked for boldness – not just boldness – GREAT BOLDNESS
TO PREACH THE WORD.
● They also asked for more miracles – by the way – that’s what got them in this
predicament. Let’s read again verses 29 & 30.
- THE LORD HEARD THEIR PRAYER AND ANSWERED. Acts 4:31
● They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. A fresh outpouring for the challenge
ahead. As Ephesians 5:18 teaches – Being filled with the Spirit is an ongoing
experience. BE being filled.
● The place was shaken – they were all filled – they preached the word of God with
boldness.
● We know that as they go forward -the miracles and the healings also continue.
SO – GOD ANSWERED THEIR PRAYER.
THE LESSON: TAKE IT TO GOD FIRST. LOOK FOR THE ANSWER FROM HEAVEN – DON’T MAKE PRAYER A LAST RESORT – BUT A FIRST RESPONSE.