God's Options

You have Filled the City

Acts 5: 28

The early church faced threats from without and within but did not stop testifying of Christ. Acts 5:17-42 we read of persecution from outside. We need to understand that there are forces that oppose God’s wonderful plan for you and your church.

Enemy’s weapons

We are not ignorant of satan’s devices (2 Cor 2:11).   He brings into bondage to sin/curses (Gal 5:1) – sinful conditions you cant control, or get rid of. He blinds – keeps in ignorance (2 Cor 4:4). Especially truth about who God is and who you are in him.  He deceives – he lies, distorts the truth (Gen 3) and disguises himself. He discourages- through condemnation (Rom 8:1), causing fear to obey God and doubts in face of trouble. He tempts - trouble always precedes temptation.  The first temptation is to doubt God’s word by asking ‘did he really say’, does it really mean’, ‘and does it really work’.

Believers armour

The weapons of our warfare are spiritual and mighty through God. Eph 6: 1-10. 2 Cor 10:4. Rev 12:11, Acts 4:12, and Mat 4:4-7. They include Jesus’ name, word of God, Jesus’ blood, faith, prayer, assurance of salvation, testimony, righteousness, truth, and sharing the gospel. We fight a fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12) to enforce a victory already attained by the Lord Jesus on the cross. We fight and win in our thoughts (2 Cor 10:5). Mat 16:18b, pictures believers storming the gates of hell. Gates are defensive, not offensive. We are to be the ones reclaiming what Christ has already provided for. The summary of all satan’s names and titles is LOSER.

God’s options

God has unlimited range of options when we apply our weapons. He can use anyone and anything for your favor anytime anywhere. In Acts, he favored Peter and John in four ways.

1) During the night – God used An Angel to open doors of prison and set them free (Acts 5:20; Ps 91:11, 12). In spite of the guard, the locks and bars.  There is no prison so dark, no situation so strong, that God cannot visit you. Your night increases the visibility of God’s hand.

2) In public – God used the people to instill fear in their tormentors (Acts 5:26). As a result, they did not use force but requested that they go with them. They received uncommon treatment even though they had been thrown into a common prison. When you use your spiritual weapons, God will put fear in the heart of your enemies. He will bring restrain to those who would harm you (Psalm 91:10).

3) In their absence – God used Gamaliel to advocate for them. They were accused of defying orders. We operate under orders - either slave to sin or to God (Romans 6).   They were asked ‘did we not order you.’ They replied - did we not reply you that God is superior to you (5:31-32). You killed Jesus but he is now Lord. Its not fiction we are witnesses (1 Jon 1:1). They had no new message. Their resolve and message had not degenerated with time.  They would have been killed (v. 33) but God raised a Gamaliel (v.40). The Lord is an advocate to his advocates.

Our vision scripture (Acts 5:28) – is born out of life yielding holy defiance against obstacles, challenges, mistreatment, hardships, and threats to obey God. That is what it takes a person to grow in Christ and a church to grow with much power.

4) In their hearts - God used suffering to revive and inspire them

They were beaten, and scourged but their suffering did not break them. It in fact revived them and strengthened their resolve.  (Acts 5:41; Phil 4:4; Mat_5:11, Mat_5:12). They never stopped proclaiming the good news (v. 40b, 42). 

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa