The Gift of Faith and Evangelism
Acts 5:12-20
Introduction:
As your read through the Bible, you will find just a few occasions in which God employed signs and wonders. These were used as an attention getter. They were tools by which God would signify to humanity that He was working in a specific way. These signs and wonders were His personal stamp of approval or certificate of authenticity. It is very important to note that in each case, the use of signs and wonders were time limited. We do not find them in the book of Genesis, but they are present in the book of Exodus with Moses and the induction of the Law. Signs and wonders are also found with Elijah and Elisha during the era of the prophets. Of course as you enter into the New Testament, we see the Lord Jesus, who also came with signs and wonders signifying that He was the Christ, the Promised Messiah. Keep in mind all of these signs were specifically for the Jew (1 Corinthians 1:22).
In Acts 2, we see the empowerment of the church and the concentrated ministry of the Holy Spirit. During this period we also see signs and wonders –a sign to the Jew and a testimony that God was working through this new institution called the local church. Again, it is important to note that these signs and wonders were time limited and specific to the apostles.
Consider what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 12:12
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
Signs and wonders were the distinguishing marks of an apostle. But exactly who were these apostles? As we have made our way through this series, we have tried to use men and women who, for the most part, would be considered insignificant or minor characters in the book of Acts. The individuals possessed and utilized an assortment of gifts in the work of the Lord. We have seen Tabitha and the gifts of ministry, helps and giving. We have considered Aquila and Priscilla and their gifts of exhortation and discernment. We have purposely tried to avoid the more distinguished members of the cast, because we have a tendency to place them on a pedestal. We automatically assume they were immensely superior in their walk with God and therefore we could never aspire to be used like they were used. Somehow it is easier for us to identify with the nameless, faceless multitude than with James, John, Peter or Paul.
But as we consider this passage this morning, we will take a closer look at Peter and the apostles because there are important lessons we must learn from them. There are three things I want us to give attention to this morning. The first thing I call your attention to is:
1. Their Participation: The participated in the work of God
Like every believer, God had given to these men spiritual gifts. The simple fact is, we must never forget, these men were ordinary men. The apostles were fisherman and tentmakers by trade. Apart from Paul and Apollos, all the recognized characters were not well educated or trained in the Scriptures. As we have already pointed out, they were ‘ignorant and unlearned men’ who did not have either ‘silver or gold.’ When we see them in that light, it is easier for me to identify with them! The apostles were not super-saints. They were not an elite force of uniquely qualified individuals. They were ordinary men empowered and gifted by the Holy Spirit for a unique ministry. That is the point that we must lay hold of: the only thing unique about the Apostles was the ministry God called them to and equipped them for.
Consider this passage in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.
There are Christians here this morning who hesitate to serve and get involved because you feel you are not intelligent enough, or winsome enough, or outgoing enough or whatever it may be that genders feelings of inadequacy. But the shocking truth is –your sense of inability is the greatest qualification for service you have!
God is looking for ordinary people who will yield themselves as instruments of righteousness. God is looking for willing vessels through whom He can work. As it has been said, “The greatest ability is availability.” Our sense of inadequacy forces us to rely upon God in a greater way, so that God receives the glory.
These men were actively participating in the work of the Lord. The key to any effective ministry is to find where God is working and get involved. That is what these men did. They refused to stand on the side lines, they participated in the work. Ladies and gentlemen, it is not enough to have spiritual gifts, you must put them to use for God’s glory! Service unto the Lord is one of the distinguishing characteristics of those Christians who are pleasing to God.
Consider Matthew 25:34-40.
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
All around us are opportunities to get involved and serve. But far too often we are we are less like Matthew 25:34-40 and more like Charles Allen’s satirical piece based on that passage when he wrote:
“I was hungry, and you formed a humanities club and discussed my hunger. I was imprisoned, and you crept off quietly to your chapel in the cellar and prayed for my release. I was naked, and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance. I was sick, and you knelt and thanked God for your health. I was homeless, and you preached to me the spiritual shelter of the love of God. I was lonely, and you left me alone to pray for me. You seem so holy, so close to God, but I’m still very hungry and lonely and cold.”
Convicting isn’t it? Dear Christian, God has specifically gifted you for service but your gifts will be of no effect until you, like the Apostles, Tabitha, Priscilla and Aquila, put them to use.
Note these men’s Participation, and secondly consider their
2. Persuasion: They were Persuaded to Trust God
Another gift that these men had was the gift of faith. The Gift of Faith is the God-given ability to trust God no matter what the situation dictates. It is an unwavering dependence on the ability and promises of God. Those who have this gift are not easily discouraged or quick to give up. They dream big and have a large vision of what God could do in their local church, ministry or life.
God has given to every man a measure of faith. Every Christian has faith that grows and strengthens, but the gift of faith is a supernatural gift to trust God no matter what. Notice the context in which we find Peter and the apostles (verses 17-18). Hostilities are escalating within the religious establishment. They are facing growing opposition. They are arrested and put in prison because of their preaching.
Read verses 19-25. They quickly go to retrieve their prisoners. Pick up in verse 27-33. A compromise is suggested by Gamaliel, and spares their life. But note the end of the chapter in verses 40-42. What a tremendous example of faith in the face of immense opposition. They had an absolute reliance upon God. Nothing would stop them from doing what God had called them to. They knew whom they had believed in and were persuaded that He was able to keep them! That is the gift of faith and the Bible is full of examples of it.
Moses at the Red Sea
Joshua at Jericho
Daniel and the Lion’s Den
Shadrach Meshach and Abednego at the fiery furnace
And the list could go and on.
These men were under great pressure and they responded in faith. How do you respond when you are in an uncomfortable situation? You may not realize this but we are like sponges. A sponge always reveals what is on the inside when a little pressure is applied. Some folks find themselves in a trying situation, the pressure is put on us and all kinds of filth gushes out –murmuring, complaining, backbiting, and in some cases unsavory speech. But not so with those of a stable faith, their response is different. When great pressure is placed on those with the gift of faith –faith gushes out. When circumstances squeezes in on them a relentless determination and reliance upon God flows forth. That is the gift of faith! They had an enlarged vision of what God could do and they would not quit until God had accomplished it.
See these men and their Participation, their Persuasion and then thirdly, consider their
3. Proclamation: They Proclaimed the Gospel
The mission of the early church was simple. They sought to glorify God, preach the Gospel and minster to the saved. Everything they did was in support of that simple mission statement. The central message that they preached was the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These men were gifted. They had the gift of faith as well as the gift of evangelism.
The Gift of Evangelism – is the God-given ability to share the Gospel clearly and effectively so that people respond in faith. Those with this gift have an intense desire to win the lost to Christ. They enjoy sharing their faith and talking to others about the Lord. In the New Testament this gift was closely associated with church planting.
Both of the gifts we are considering today are not limited to only those with these particular gifts. What I mean is you are not excused from the responsibility of evangelism because you do not have that spiritual gift. Every Christian has been entrusted with the Gospel. Each person who names the name of Christ is obligated to share his/her faith with a lost and dying world. Paul said in Romans 1:14-16
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to ever one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
We are debtors. Jesus said, ‘to whom much is given, much is required.’ We live in such a sin-sick world an often times we hear people ask, “Where is God?” The answer is simple. Paul tells us in
2 Corinthians 2:18, 19:
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
You and I have the grand privilege of partnering with God in the greatest of all miracles!
Quote, “The greatest miracle of all is the transformation of a lost sinner into a child of God by the grace of God. That is the miracle that meets the greatest need, lasts the longest and costs the greatest price – the blood of God’s Son.” - Warren Wiersbe
These men sought every opportunity to share their faith. The end result was a church that was growing by leaps and bounds. Multitudes of men and women came to know Christ as their Saviour. Friend, the Gospel is just as powerful today as it ever was. People are not being saved and added to church because of a flaw in the Gospel. Our churches are aging and facing the reality of closing their doors because God’s people refuse to share their faith. May God help us to be men and women of faith who will resolve that no matter what we will trust God and endeavor to reach the lost.
Conclusion:
Every child of God has been given a spiritual gift. These gifts were not given so that we can store them a display case to be admired. God gave us gifts to be activated and put to use. The child of God is called to serve, to follow the example of the Saviour and to pour our lives out as an offering to God. You will never be the Christian God saved you to be as long as you refuse to yield yourself to be an instrument of righteousness. Piney Grove Baptist Church will never reach her full potential and influence, unless we put to use the gifts God has given to us.
Illustration of the Statue of Jesus Without Hands
Outside of Christ the King Church in San Diego, California stood a statue of Jesus. His arms were outstretched as if to say to those who passed by, “Come unto Me.” But some years ago the statue was damaged by vandals and the hands where broken off. Instead of repairing the statue, the decision was made to leave it as it was and add a plaque at the base. The inscription simply reads, “Christ has no hands but ours.”
How true this is. The church is called upon to continue what Jesus began to do and to teach. The book of Acts is the record of the early church fulfilling that noble calling. But the book Acts does not have a definitive ending like the other New Testament books. It just stops abruptly because the record of the church is still being written. What will the chapters that speak of Piney Grove Baptist Church say? What will the record of your life testify of? May God help us to continue what Christ Jesus began. May God help us to use our gifts and to be His hands, His feet, His voice and His Body.
Like the early church, may the Lord help us to be participating in the work, persuaded in our faith and proclaiming the Gospel.
