The Obedience of Faith

SUNDAY SERVICE: 5 JAN 2014 
SPEAKER: DAVID TAN 
TEXT: ACTS 5:33-42

This passage of scripture records the encounter between Jewish religious leaders and the apostles. Having been arrested and warned not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name these apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.” 

A Time for Courage OpenDoors USA placed Malaysia as #40 (moderately persecuted) out of 50 countries where Christians are persecuted. The situation is likely to get worse and God’s people are called to make a stand and take courage.

Courage is not an arrogant show of strength, but the strength of conviction. Our conviction must be derived from a conscience that is informed by God’s Word. Martin Luther on trial in 1521 for defying the Catholic Church’s unbiblical doctrines and practices said, “My conscience is captive to the Word of God. Thus I cannot and will not recant, because acting against one’s conscience is neither safe nor sound.” 

We obey because it is God’s command and because we love. “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) In the present controversy, we make a stand to affirm our constitutional rights as affirmed in Article 11. Thankfully we find strength by turning to God.(Psalm 56:3-4)

The Call to Trust Being obedient may bring danger, and therefore we need to trust that whatever happens, God’s work will never be hindered. Trusting God means taking the long view and believing in God’s final victory over his enemies.

Like Abraham we may not have a map (Hebrews 8:11), but our confidence comes from having Jesus as our guide. He is the good shepherd who has promised to be with us: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

The Witness of Faith While challenges increase, God’s people must continue doing what’s right faithfully. This includes loving our enemies as well as carrying on with bridge-building services in our community – such as our Sri Semarak and Orang Asli ministries.

For the Apostles in Acts 4:29, being released from detention did not discourage their mission. Instead they prayed for boldness to continue, and even counted it a joy to suffer for Jesus’ sake.

Focusing on the Unseen Obeying God rather than men means to keep our eyes on eternal things that we cannot see.  "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."(2 Cor 4:16-18)

We will endure and not lose heart when we pay attention to the unseen and eternal glory of Jesus. Get to know the Bible; understand God’s big story; keep in step with the Spirit; and keep an eye on the work of God throughout the world. There is encouragement that while persecution of God’s church has increased in our day, more and more people are also turning to Christ in large numbers like in China and Africa, as well as parts of the Middle East.

May God be glorified by our faithfulness and obedience.