Audio Sermons

Have Your Suffered for Christ? (I)

Sunday, 12 February 2023

Building up the Church of Christ:

Have You Suffered for Christ?

Life B-P Church Worship Service, 12th February 2023

Text: Acts 4:1-23

Anyone who takes his commitment to Christ seriously is bound to face some difficulty with the world. (cf. James 4:4)
There are at least three ways in which Christians may have to suffer:

1. Suffering for Preaching the Word of Christ (vv.1-4)

Peter and John were arrested after they healed a lame man and led about 5,000 souls to Christ by preaching the Word. (3:1-8)
In the eyes of the world, it is not worthwhile to have one’s goodness rewarded with mistreatment.
But we are called to suffer for the message we proclaim. (cf. Matthew 5:10,11; John 15:18-21)

Question: Are you making good use of your freedom to witness for Christ?

2. Suffering for Bearing the Name of Christ (4:5-17)

Peter and John were asked by the religious council: “By what power or by what name, have ye done this?” (v.7)
Peter’s reply: “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth… for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (v.10,12).
The term ‘Christian’ reminds us of the world’s hostility toward the name of Jesus Christ. (Cf. Acts 11:26)

Question: Are you afraid or ashamed to be called a Christian?

The council could see that the lives of Peter and John had been changed through being with Jesus.
A changed life that points to Christ is a powerful tool in God’s hands to bring sinners to Christ. (Cf. Acts 9:21)

Question: How different is your life now from what it was before you were saved?

3. Suffering for Being Obedient to Christ (4:18-22)

The Council commanded Peter and John to stop preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ.
Despite the strong pressure placed upon them, the disciples chose to obey God rather than men.
Question: Will you choose to obey God even though you may have to suffer for it?

Application:

Questions for Reflection:

What has your commitment to Christ cost you thus far?
If you are arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Which is the most difficult command of Christ for you to obey?