God’s Sovereignty & Christian Suffering
Acts 4:23-28
For the weak believer or perhaps a new Christian, it may be disconcerting to hear that God not only allows His children to suffer, in many cases He causes suffering. But as you grow in wisdom and knowledge and as your faith in Him increases, you will learn that suffering is part of His divine plan to make you a vessel that can be used for His glory. This reality is explained to us in - Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…
Before we go any farther it is important for you to understand that when I speak of Christian suffering, I am referring to suffering for the cause of Christ. Much of the suffering that we experience in this life has nothing to do with our faith in Jesus. Many times we suffer the consequences of sinful choices in our lives; that is another message for another day. Today I want to talk to you about the fact that Christians who refuse to compromise their faith will suffer opposition and persecution.
It is important for us to know that when these times of suffering come, we serve a sovereign Lord who can use these times to “conform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ”. God can use suffering to teach us, mature us, strengthen our faith in Him and as a result He will be glorified by our lives. Without a doubt there are some trying times for the faithful Christian. We are blessed to live in a country with great religious freedom, but in recent years we have seen those freedoms begin to erode. It is very likely that there may come a day when we face intense persecution for our faith in Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Bible, saints are called to exhibit patience and trust in the midst of persecution. (1 Peter 4:19 So then, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.) The Lord’s Apostles endured much persecution for the cause of Christ. Paul described this in:
1 Corinthians 4:9 For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; 12 we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.
- Christians are not only able to endure persecution; we can even rejoice when we are persecuted.
Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. 11 “You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.13 Instead, rejoice as you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may also rejoice with great joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.
Peter goes on to say “But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him glorify God in having that name.” (I Peter 4:16)
When Peter wrote these words, he was writing from first-hand experience. His bold preaching of the Gospel was the spark that ignited the fire of Christian persecution; that fire has been burning ever since, (and it will continue until the Lord returns.) The message that he preached at Solomon’s Colonnade infuriated the Jewish religious rulers and they arrested Peter and John and kept them in jail overnight. The following morning they stood before the Sanhedrin and defended their faith and the message that they preached. The Jewish High court threatened them and commanded them to cease preaching in Jesus’ name. Peter and John responded by saying “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)
In response to this, the rulers threatened them further and then released them. Verse 20 says that “They found no way to punish them because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done.” After this, Peter and John returned to the assembly of Believers and reported what had happened. This resulted in a beautiful and power time of prayer, praise, and worship. Notice:
v23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.
This passage highlights the genuineness of the faith of those in the early church. The opposition and the threats of the religious leaders were intended to silence the followers of Christ and to suppress the message of the Gospel. However, the church did not respond in fear, they did not compromise, they did not run and hide; Instead, they began to worship the Lord. They sang praises to Him and they entered into a time of prayer.
v24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,
These verses paint a beautiful picture of the fellowship and unity among those believers who were a part of the early church. They joined together in unison and praised God for His sovereignty. Furthermore, they asked Him to give them boldness as they sought to serve Christ.
The rulers hoped to intimidate and discourage not only Peter & John, but any who would proclaim salvation in Christ. But their opposition had the opposite effect, rather than discouraging them, they emboldened them. The Church knew that God was in complete control, and they trusted in His sovereignty.
- I would like to look at the Church’s response to the first occasion of persecution and preach on “God’s Sovereignty & Christian Suffering”. I hope that you will be encouraged to learn that even when we suffer for Christ, God is sovereign!
This passage shows us that the Apostles were well versed in the scriptures and they knew that the opposition they were facing had been predicted in the Old Testament. They referenced this in:
v25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: 'Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ.'
The saints praised God as the Creator of all things. They knew that He was far superior to those men who were opposing Christ and His followers. In their prayer they referenced the words of King David in Psalm 2. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, David spoke about the government authorities and their opposition concerning God’s Messiah. It must have been comforting and even exciting for these Believers to know that they were seeing prophecy fulfilled right before their eyes.
It is interesting to note that the followers of Christ did not ask God to remove their problems or destroy their enemies. They simply asked Him to help them as they sought to carry out their mission of reaching others with the Gospel. It is natural for us to ask God to remove our troubles, and there are times when He does that. But often, rather than removing our troubles or destroying our enemies, God gives us the grace and strength to endure.
- The Apostle Paul speaks of this reality in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9. There he tells us about a “thorn in the flesh” that he had begged God to remove several times.
2 Corinthians 12:7 …so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
There is no guarantee that God will remove your troubles or deliver you from your enemies. Therefore it is important for you to look to the many examples of God’s faithfulness that are recorded in scripture. When you look to His Word, you will find much motivation to remain faithful to Him in spite of your circumstances. It is also important to look for opportunities to minister even when you are facing the most difficult circumstances of your life.
On another occasion, Paul was in prison because of his service to the Lord. Rather than complaining or being disheartened because of his situation, he rejoiced because through that period of persecution he had the opportunity to reach others with the Gospel. Paul rejoiced because his troubles had served to further the Gospel and to even embolden other Christians.
He said in - Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.
Verses 27-28 show us that those saints in Jerusalem had confidence that no matter how much their persecution may intensify, they served the God who was in control of it all! Notice v27 "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.
Right there in Jerusalem, the Romans & Jews and conspired together against “God’s holy Servant, Jesus”. Jesus had stood before Herod (a Jew) and He had been questioned by Pilate (a gentile). Those men thought that they were doing their own will and carrying out their own plan with the intention of benefitting themselves and those whom they represented. But the Believers knew better, they even recognized God’s sovereignty in the death of Christ. They declared that the Jews & Gentiles “were gathered together to do whatever God’s hand and purpose determined before to be done.”
Herod and Pilate were used by God to fulfill His divine plan. Their intention was to destroy Christ; instead they were used to promote His glory! John MacArthur says “God has written all of history according to His eternal plan. The crucifixion of Jesus was no exception”. Everything that the enemies of Christ had done to Him was part of God’s plan. This is clear evidence of His sovereignty.
It was not Judas Iscariot who handed Jesus over to His enemies, it was God. Pilate, Herod and the Sanhedrin were not the ones who saw to it that Jesus was crucified, it was God the Father. Jesus was handed over to death by God Himself and we must never forget that He did this on our behalf. (2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.)
The rejection of the Jews, being betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter and abandoned by the Disciples; the unjust trial, the mocking, beating, scourging and the crucifixion itself were all predestined by God. Scripture declares that Jesus is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8).
With that being said, those who were guilty of the death of Christ will still be held responsible for their rebellious acts. The fact that Jesus was delivered to death by the Sovereign Lord does not absolve Christ’s enemies of their responsibility concerning His death. This is why Peter continuously confronts their evil deeds and pleads with them to repent.
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;) (Acts 3:15 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
Because of their rejection of the Promised One, it was necessary for the people in Jerusalem to hear the message of the Gospel. They needed to know the eternal importance of repenting and believing in Jesus Christ. Each time that Peter confronted their guilt, he called on them to respond in repentance.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."
Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord
The necessity of repentance is a message that must be proclaimed today. There are many people who reject Christ just as those who were guilty of executing Him. In fact, they too are responsible for His death. But there is another similarity that modern day people have with the Jews in Christ’ day. I am referring to the fact that the grace, mercy, love and forgiveness of Jesus is available to them if they will humble themselves and repent and believe in Him.
Like those in the early church, we find much hope in the sovereignty of God. We belong to the ultimate authority and no government, leader or counsel can thwart his divine will! With this in mind we can have great boldness and courage as we set out to be His witnesses on the earth.
It is important that we follow the example of the first century Christians and pray for boldness in this process. Notice their request in:
v29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word,
Christ’s followers didn’t attempt to tell God what to do (it would have been foolish of them to try), rather, the trusted Him to deal with their enemies. The saints did not ask for comfort or deliverance, rather they asked God to enable them to be bold, courageous and obedient in their preaching of the Word. Their prayer for boldness is evidence that they had no intention of compromising and listening to the threats of the court.
Keep in mind, the events that had occurred in the very early days of Christ’s Church; By this time God had already performed many signs and wonders through the Apostles. Many amazing things happened on the day of Pentecost, and the healing of the lame man was a miracle that astonished many. Along with their prayer for boldness, the servants of God went on to ask Him to continue to work signs and wonders through the Apostles as they continued to preach the Gospel.
v29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus."
The Apostles recognized the source of these miracles and they trusted that God would continue to move in and through them. This prayer was not motivated by a desire for personal glory, but rather borne out of a desire for God to authenticate the Gospel message through these signs and wonders. After this time of worship and prayer, God made it clear that He heard and would answer their prayers. Notice:
v31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
The earth shook at the conclusion of this prayer; this was a physical manifestation of the spiritual power that was present among the Believers. Luke says that “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit”. This was evidence of their obedience and submissiveness to the Lord. In the following days, Christ’s servants continued to preach the word with boldness; this was the content of their prayer and their prayer was answered! God’s people certainly understood the principle of asking things according to God’s will. If they had improper motives, God would not have answered them, but they had pure motives, they sought God’s glory and He moved in a mighty way in response to their earnest request.
We can trust that God will move in and through us with great power if we are walking with Him and serving Him the way that we should. I think we would all agree that Christian suffering is a reality. Since this is the case, it is important for us to know how to endure these times of suffering.
- First of all:
WE MUST BE BOLD, COURAGEOUS AND PRESS ON IN OUR SERVICE TO THE LORD
Peter and John were standing before the very men who were responsible for the death of the Savior. They knew that they could hand down a verdict that would result in physical harm or even death. Yet, they planted their feet and remained faithful to the Lord.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. - When we suffer for the cause of Christ, we must resolve to be steadfast. We must have the same mindset as Peter & John, when we are confronted with a situation where the easiest thing to do would be to compromise, we must say “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20). We cannot allow fear to cause us to retreat, compromise or water down the message of the Gospel.
- Intertwined with the importance of courage and endurance is the fact that:
WE MUST TRUST IN THE LORD IN TIMES OF CHRISTIAN SUFFERING
Our only hope of victory in these troublesome times is to put our faith in the Lord. We must remember that He is sovereign and whatever the end result of our suffering may be, it will be in accordance with His perfect will. We should trust in the Lord in times of suffering and at the same time the Lord can use times of suffering to increase our faith in Him. In fact, this is one of the greatest benefits of suffering as a child of God!
- Let’s also consider the reality that:
TO PROPERLY ENDURE CHRISTIAN SUFFERING WE MUST IMMERSE OURSELVES IN GOD’S HOLY WORD
The only way that we can successfully serve the Lord is to do it in accordance with His will. The only way to be in His will is to know His Word. The only way to know His Word is to spend time in His Word! The Apostles were familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, this is apparent in their quoting of Psalm 2 in their prayer. Because of this they were confident that they were in the will of God. They were seeing prophecy fulfilled right before their eyes. This contributed to their aforementioned trust in the Lord. If we will spend time in Gods’ Word we will constantly be reminded that suffering is a part of the Christian life. We will also be equipped to properly endure that suffering.
- Intertwined with the importance of immersing ourselves in God’s Word is the reality that:
WE MUST RESPOND TO CHRISTIAN SUFFERING WITH MUCH PRAYER
When the Apostles returned to the rest of the church they knew that their troubles were not over; in fact, they were only beginning. So, they joined together and prayed that God would move in and through them and that they would be bold in their efforts to carry out the great commission. We must do the same! It is imperative that we spend time in individual and corporate prayer. This is an important element of our daily walk, and even more so in times of suffering.
- It is also true that:
WE MUST RESPOND TO CHRISTIAN SUFFERING WITH PRAISE AND WORSHIP
The apostles didn’t go home and begin to pout or complain about all they had endured at the hands of their enemies'. They returned to their brothers and sisters and praise the Lord for the opportunity to suffer. Together they worshipped Him for who He is and all that He has done! Again, we should do the same. Even in the most trying times of our lives, God is worthy of worship and praise. We should praise Him for the honor of being His and the privilege of suffering for the sake of Jesus Christ.
- Finally we will see that:
WHEN WE EXPERIENCE CHRISTIAN SUFFERING WE CAN DRAW STRENGTH AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST
Don’t overlook the importance of community in the Christian life. One of the reasons that these men were able to press on was the encouragement that they received from their brothers and sisters. After they worshiped, praised and prayed together “the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.” God heard and answered their prayer and He moved in a mighty way. Great blessings came to those who were gathered together in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Notice:
Acts 4:32 Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common. 33 With great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.
There are countless blessings that come from being a part of a unified body of believers. On the other hand, there is great danger in attempting to face the Christian life on your own. Not to mention the fact that those who forsake assembling with the Church are rebelling against God’s design for His church.
Those who do not see the importance of gathering with their brothers and sisters are headed for disaster. Throughout the book of Acts we see many amazing things that God did through His people, and over and over again we are told that they were TOGETHER and in ONE ACCORD! If you are suffering because of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, one of the best things you can do is to join together with your fellow believers.
- We will experience Christian suffering; when we do:
We Must Be Bold, Courageous And Press On In Our Service To The Lord
We Must Trust In The Lord
We Must Immerse Ourselves In God’s Holy Word
We Must Respond Spend Time In Prayer
We Must Never Cease Praising And Worshipping Our Savior
We Must Join Together With Our Brothers And Sisters In Christ
The Bible tells us that suffering is a reality, but it also tells us how to be victorious. No matter how fierce the opposition or intense the persecution, we can rest in the fact that God is with us, He has a perfect plan and He is sovereign, even in our suffering.
0112223
