Summary: In scripture God has made it clear that we will be persecuted for our faith. We see this in the life of Jesus, the apostles, and the early church. However, He has also promised that no weapon formed against us would prosper and that even the gates of hell would not prevail against His church. We see these two truths on display in Acts 5 when every attempt to stop the gospel ends up furthering it! But do these promises still apply to us today? If so, how should they impact our steadfastness in serving the Lord and sharing the gospel with those around us?

Main Point: “God’s amazing power was manifested to the point that this church became too strong to be defeated… as

they followed God’s will they became invincible!“ - Pastor Mike Wiggins

Discuss It: 1. Read Acts 5: 12-16:

In Acts 4:32-33 we saw that great power and great grace was connected to the reality that the church was of one accord. In verse 12 we see this again. Why do you think this connection is important? What can we learn from it and apply today? In verse 13 we see that “none of the rest dared join them”. Why do you think this is? Today, we also see people not wanting to join the church. What are some common reasons for this? How does that compare to the

reasons people didn’t join the early church? In a seeming contradiction to vs.13, verse 14 says “more than ever believers were added to the Lord”. What does this phrase mean? What can we learn from it for our church today? In verses 15-16 we see supernatural signs and wonders taking place. What was the purpose of these signs and wonders? What role might signs and wonders play in the church today? (See: Mark 16:15-18)

2. Read Acts 5: 17-26: What might have caused the Sadducees jealousy in verse 17? (See: vs.14) In John 3:22-30 we see another opportunity for jealousy. How is that account different than the Acts 5 account? What can we learn from these two accounts? In verse 18 the Apostles are arrested and in verse 19 they are supernaturally released by angels. What can you learn from this? How do these events encourage your faith?

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In verse 20, the angel commands them to “speak all the words of this life” to the people. What insight does this give us about the gospel of Jesus Christ? (See: Romans 6:4 ; 2 Peter 1:1-4)

In verse 26, why didn’t the captain of the officers “use force” when arresting the Apostles? What does this

teach us about walking in God’s will? (See: Isaiah 54:17)

3. Read Acts 5: 27-42: In verses 27-29 we see the Apostles were charged to stop preaching the name of Jesus. Why didn’t they obey this command from the religious leaders? What would you do if you were told to stop preaching the gospel by our government? Are you currently sharing the gospel in any way while you have the freedom to do so? In verse 42 we see that the gospel continued to spread despite efforts to stop it. Why is this? What can you personally learn from this and apply to your own life as you seek to share the gospel?

Apply It: Trust God’s promises and courageously share the gospel even in the face of persecution.

“If God has called you to do something, no one will be able to stop you, except yourself.“ - Pastor Mike Wiggins

In the summary, I said God has made it clear in scripture that we will be persecuted for our faith. But He has also promised that no weapon formed against us would prosper and the gates of hell would not prevail against His church. This reality is powerfully demonstrated in the life of Paul when He declares “to live is Christ and to die is gain”. Paul, along with the other Apostles, understood that though we will be persecuted, the persecution will not succeed in stoping the gospel because even death is a victory for blood bought believers! Therefore, even though most of the apostles were martyred, the purpose of the weapons formed against them did not succeed... their message still went forth just like God promised!

This should challenge and encourage us that we too can fulfill God's purpose for our life as we walk in His will and Spirit. If even death can not stop us, then what is holding us back? Like Pastor Mike said… the only thing that can stop you is you! Knowing this, are you willing to step out in faith and obey His purpose for our life so that the gospel can go forth and Christ can be exalted through you?

If so, then what steps can you take to walk in this truth today? If not, what is holding you back?

This Weeks Challenge: Identify one thing preventing you from being steadfast in your dedication to serving the Lord and take action to overcome it.

Weekly Challenge Review: Who followed through with last week’s challenge to Look for opportunities to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in your life through unity, testimony, or generosity? How did it go?

Memory Verse: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” - 1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)

Pray About It: As a group, try to spend at least 30 minutes praying together. Pray for: Boldness and steadfastness in serving the Lord. Ask Him to show you how and where you can serve Him and glorify Him!

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Answer Guide:

1. Read Acts 5: 12-16: In Acts 4:32-33 we saw that great power and great grace was connected to the reality that the church was of one accord. In verse 12 we see this again. Why do you think this connection is important? What can we learn from it and apply today? - When the church is pure and unified it allows the Spirit to move freely among us and to work powerfully

through us. - Satan seeks to create strife and disunity among believers because it hinders our effectiveness. We must

make every effort to love one another, bear with one another, and forgive one another. This will allow us to be more effective for Christ.

In verse 13 we see that “none of the rest dared join them”. Why do you think this is? Today, we also see people not wanting to join the church. What are some common reasons for this? How does that compare to the

reasons people didn’t join the early church? - Discuss possible reasons for this.

In a seeming contradiction to vs.13, verse 14 says “more than ever believers were added to the Lord”. What does this phrase mean? What can we learn from it for our church today? - It means God continued to grow His church despite the enemies efforts to stop it and some peoples refusal

to join it. - We can learn that it is God who ultimately grows His church. If we focus on walking in His will and obeying

His commands, He will grow His church.

In verses 15-16 we see supernatural signs and wonders taking place. What was the purpose of these signs and wonders? What role might signs and wonders play in the church today? (See: Mark 16:15-18) - The signs and wonders confirmed that the gospel was true, Jesus was Lord, and He has power to save! - Discuss this together in light of the above answer.

2. Read Acts 5: 17-26: What might have caused the Sadducees jealousy in verse 17? (See: vs.14) In John 3:22-30 we see another opportunity for jealousy. How is that account different than the Acts 5 account? What can we learn from these two accounts? - Discuss possible reasons for their jealousy, such as the fact multitudes were turning to Jesus and away from

them. - John understood all true ministry is about exalting Jesus. To that extent, people should see Him exalted

through our ministries, not us.

In verse 18 the Apostles are arrested and in verse 19 they are supernaturally released by angels. What can you learn from this? How do these events encourage your faith? - God, His gospel, and His servants can not be stopped. - Discuss how this encourages you.

In verse 20, the angel commands them to “speak all the words of this life” to the people. What insight does this give us about the gospel of Jesus Christ? (See: Romans 6:4 ; 2 Peter 1:1-4) - It teaches us that the gospel message is for today as much as it is for eternity! It is a message for this life

and it is meant to impact us and change us now!

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In verse 26, why didn’t the captain of the officers “use force” when arresting the Apostles? What does this

teach us about walking in God’s will? (See: Isaiah 54:17) - Because they feared being stoned by the people. - Again, it reveals that we cannot be stopped when we walk in God’s will and ways.

3. Read Acts 5: 27-42:

In verses 27-29 we see the Apostles were charged to stop preaching the name of Jesus. Why didn’t they obey this command from the religious leaders? What would you do if you were told to stop preaching the gospel by our government? Are you currently sharing the gospel in any way while you have the freedom to do so? - Because this command violated God’s clear command to preach the gospel. - Discuss this together… encourage honesty and transparency

In verse 42 we see that the gospel continued to spread despite efforts to stop it. Why is this? What can you personally learn from this and apply to your own life as you seek to share the gospel? - I’m reemphasizing the point I’ve made already… nothing can stop us if we walk in God’s will. - Discuss this together.

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