The Obedience of the Church (The Book of Acts #9)

Eighteen years ago I made the best decision of my life: I put my faith in Jesus Christ and surrendered my life to Him.

At the time I was a freshman at UNI. I’d gone there thinking I would play football and become a dentist — I was a biology major. God clearly had different plans, since I’m in ministry now and I never did finish the dental track. I probably would have failed out anyway.

But I stuck with biology, because I’m a bit of a science nerd. And I want to tell you what those classes did to me, because it wasn’t what you might expect.

Anatomy and physiology. Genetics. Chemistry. I even took an astronomy class. And every one of those classes solidified my faith, because I kept thinking: there is no way all of this just happened. Not a chance.

I think about how vast the universe is and how much of it has yet to be discovered. I think about the earth sitting in the exact position it needs to occupy to sustain life. I think about how intricately the human body is assembled.

Did you know there’s a cell adhesion molecule in your skin called laminin, and the standard diagram of its structure is shaped like a cross? Look it up.

Or consider the human eye, which we still haven’t fully figured out.

That doesn’t just happen. That’s design. There is a Creator, and that Creator is God.

And here’s where that lands for me: if He can do all of that, then surely He’s capable of giving us Jesus. And surely He’s capable of giving us His word. The Bible continues to be the most well-attested book in all of history — prophecy alone makes the case. And if God is who He says He is, and if His words are tried and true, then what a blessing it is to open His word and hang on to every promise.

I start there because we get to open His word this morning — specifically, to join you in your journey through the book of Acts.

The Obedience of the Church

That’s our focus today: obedience. You’re going to hear me say that word a lot, and I’m hoping it sticks.

Here in Acts 5 we get to watch followers of Jesus choosing to walk in obedience. They’ve been called to go share the good news of Jesus Christ and make disciples — and that’s exactly what they’re doing. They aren’t perfect, any more than you or I are. But they are taking steps of obedience to follow the Jesus who gave His life for them.

A few weeks ago you were in chapter 4, where there’s a powerful prayer in verses 23 through 30. Look at verses 29 and 30:

And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand for healing, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Hold that prayer in your mind. Because chapter 5, verse 12 begins answering it.

Acts 5:12–42

Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared to join them, but the people spoke well of them. Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers — multitudes of both men and women. As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. In addition, a multitude came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

Then the high priest rose up. He and all who were with him, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. So they arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple, and tell the people all about this life.” Hearing this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin — the full council of the Israelites — and sent orders to the jail to have them brought. But when the servants got there, they did not find them in the jail. So they returned and reported, “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”

As the captain of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled, wondering what would come of this. Someone came and reported to them, “Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them.

After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree. God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while. He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re about to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and came to nothing. After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. He also perished, and all his followers were scattered. So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.”

They were persuaded by him. After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name. Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

That’s a lot of verses. If you’re looking for something to read this week, there it is.

First: This Is God’s Power

Go back to verses 12 through 19 and notice that we’re watching answered prayer. The signs, the wonders, the healings, the miracles — these are the very things they asked for.

Verse 12 mentions signs and wonders. Verse 15 says people were laid in the street hoping Peter’s shadow might fall on them. That’s wild. God was literally using Peter’s shadow to bring healing, because it was being done in the name of Jesus, and they knew it.

Then in verse 19 an angel of the Lord shows up, unlocks the door, and says: go preach.

And if you fast-forward to verse 38, even an outsider names it: if this is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it.

I love this section because it is God’s power on display. If He can create the universe, then surely He is capable of what happens in Acts 5.

This is not the strength of the disciples. They are not superheroes. We have plenty of superheroes in today’s world — these men aren’t among them. This is God’s power working through them.

And I have no doubt in my mind that miracles and healings still happen today, whether or not we see them or hear about them. Now, I wouldn’t necessarily expect people to be healed by standing in your shadow. But I suppose it’s possible.

The first thing to be reminded of is simply this: this is God’s power, and only He is capable of such signs and wonders.

Second: This Is Answered Prayer for Boldness

From verse 20 onward we’re watching prayers for boldness get answered. I know you’ve already talked about the boldness of the church, so I won’t camp here long.

But what an example. They teach and proclaim the good news in the name of Jesus without reservation. They just share it. They get persecuted — and they keep sharing Jesus. That’s remarkably bold.

But You Can’t Obey Jesus Unless You Know Jesus

Now to obedience. But before that, hear this: you cannot be obedient to Jesus unless you know Jesus.

Acts 4:12 says there is salvation in no one else — no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. If that’s who Jesus is, then we need Jesus first.

A man who discipled me in college — someone I’m still connected to — says often that we need to preach the gospel to ourselves daily. We need to remind ourselves what was done on the cross. And I’m a firm believer that we can never share the gospel too much.

Because as much as I’d like to assume everyone here today is a Christian, that’s most likely not the case. I’d bet there’s at least one person here who isn’t.

And if that’s you — that’s great. I’m genuinely glad you’re here. You’re here for a reason and a purpose, and God is already doing an incredible work in you. That’s a beautiful thing.

But before any of us can learn to walk in obedience, we have to put our faith in Jesus Christ.

So my prayer for you today is that you would understand the power of the cross — the depth and beauty of the gospel. The Creator of the universe loves you. He loves me. He loves us. And Jesus paid the full price for your sin and mine. On that cross He bled for us. And He didn’t stay dead. He rose again, and He is alive.

There has never been a greater sacrifice, and He did it willingly. We don’t deserve it. We can’t earn it. We are saved by grace through faith in Him.

So I pray that you put your faith in Jesus Christ — that you wouldn’t merely say you believe, but that He would be your Lord and Savior, your firm foundation, your everything, truly your breath of life. Part of that, of course, is recognizing your sin, repenting of it, and turning to Jesus.

You too can make the best decision of your life, like I did eighteen years ago. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe another day. But it will be the best decision you ever make — because when you put your faith in Jesus, you are made new. You’re filled with the Holy Spirit. That’s when you become a follower of Christ.

And then you take steps of obedience and grow bold in the faith.

Obedience Matters

Look at verse 29: We must obey God rather than people. And verse 32: We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.

And the very first step of obedience is putting your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

I’m aware that the word obedience carries a slightly negative tone for a lot of people. It sounds like submission. Like being under someone else’s authority.

But think it through. If we have a great and mighty God and King — the Creator of the universe, who is perfect, and who loves us — why wouldn’t I want to submit to that? I will gladly submit to a perfect God who is forever faithful and never fails.

There Is Blessing in Obedience

God blesses obedience.

Now hear me clearly: this is not the prosperity gospel. I am not saying everything becomes sunshine and rainbows when you choose obedience in Christ.

Obviously not — look at this very passage. These disciples are persecuted, thrown in prison, and flogged. That’s not sunshine and rainbows. That’s not exciting at all.

And yet there’s joy. They find joy because of who Jesus is. As they walked in obedience, God did amazing miracles and healings, and He gave them boldness.

You see this pattern throughout Scripture. I’ve been working through Exodus personally, and chapter 19 captures it — God tells the Israelites that if they will carefully listen to Him and keep His covenant, they will be His own possession out of all the peoples, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. He reminds them of that blessing again and again as they choose to follow Him.

And of course, if you’ve read much of the Bible, you know what happens: they follow their own desires, they choose disobedience, and things don’t go well. So we get both pictures — obedience and disobedience.

Jesus Himself gave us the great example, walking in obedience to the Father.

Luke 11 says, “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” John 15 is the famous one — abide in Him, remain in Him, and you will bear much fruit; apart from Him you can do nothing. Romans 1 speaks of calling the Gentiles — that’s you and me — to the obedience that comes from faith, for the sake of His name. And 2 Corinthians 10 says to take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.

There are many more. Those are some of my favorites.

So obedience matters. God clearly desires it. And ultimately it’s about the posture of our heart. He wants our heart before the action. It’s easy to put on a face. It’s easy to serve and show up. But if the heart isn’t in obedience with Him, there’s a disconnect.

So What Does Obedience Look Like?

Pray.

I know — this sounds like the Christian cliché. Hey, just go pray about it and everything will be fine.

But legitimately pray. If God could answer prayers back then for these disciples, I have no doubt He still answers prayers today. He does. We can’t doubt that.

So pray to walk in obedience. It isn’t going to happen just because you want it to, or because you heard a message about it on a Sunday. But if we go before the Lord, get on our knees, and ask Him to teach us — Lord, show me how to walk in obedience — because we know we fall short. I fall short every single day.

Hebrews 4 talks about our great high priest, who understands it all — the highest highs, the lowest lows, and everything between. And we’re encouraged to approach His throne of grace with confidence. We get to bring anything and everything to Him, boldly, knowing He hears us. That’s the God we get to serve.

I’m also aware that obedience to Jesus may not be popular in today’s world. But as you can see in Acts 5, it wasn’t popular back then either.

Galatians 1:10 says that if I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Romans 12 says don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That’s quite a call.

And I should say plainly: boldness does not include anger or arrogance. Watch these disciples — you never see them being ridiculous or treating people terribly. There’s a humility about them. It’s humble obedience.

First Peter 3 reminds us to be prepared to give an answer for the hope within us, yet with gentleness and reverence. These men do that remarkably well. I don’t know if I could manage it if I’d just been thrown in prison and flogged. But they do.

Open your Bible.

And actually read it.

All of us have excuses. I know you’re busy. I know you’re tired. I know there’s a lot going on — I make the same excuses.

But there is probably not a single person in this room who has been persecuted for opening a Bible. There are plenty of countries where people have to hide theirs. We have free access every single day. We get to know and understand who Jesus is and what He’s done simply by opening it.

Learn the word. Know the word. Teach the word. There are a lot of great resources out there — and nothing will ever replace your Bible. Nothing.

Grow deep roots in the faith. Stand firm even when others don’t, even when they choose differently, even when they speak against you because they know you read your Bible.

Because the reality is that if we’re following Jesus, our lives should look a little different. Not arrogant — humble. But we get to shine the light of Christ, and that should look different from the world.

Proclaim His name.

Pray, be in the word, and proclaim His name. Be bold and watch what God will do in you and through you.

So pray for obedience. Pray for boldness. Pray for courage. Seek the Lord.

There are far too many times when I’m guilty of I’ve got this — my own strength, my own wisdom. In ministry it’s easy to forget. I’m going from one thing to the next, meeting the next person, leading the next Bible study. But have I actually given it to the Lord? Am I really relying on Him, or on my own strength?

We can pray for boldness to share the gospel in a city, a country, a world that needs the name above every name. There are people we talk with every single day who need to hear the truth of the gospel — who need to hear, maybe for the first time, about the hope and peace and life found only in Jesus.

And remember what Paul says in 1 Corinthians: one plants, another waters, but God gives the growth. I might plant a seed. Someone else might water it. But who changes a heart? Not me. God does — and God is faithful.

I didn’t grow up in a Christian family. I have loved ones I want to know Jesus yesterday, and it hasn’t happened yet. It never moves as fast as we want. But keep planting seeds, and pray that God will transform their hearts in His time.

Let that encourage you. It is not on you to change a heart. God, by His grace, will do it.

And beyond that — this isn’t about our fame or recognition. It’s about putting His power and glory on display.

What the Blessing Actually Looks Like

I’m not going to stand here and promise you’ll experience miracles and healings. It’s possible. But even if you don’t, God is still at work doing incredible things.

What I am saying is that there are blessings when you choose obedience — and they may be things that sound simple.

The growth that happens in your faith when you pray, when you seek Him, when you read the word, when you keep proclaiming His name. That growth is an incredible blessing.

The joy found in Christ. The boldness to speak His name. The peace that surpasses understanding. The courage to serve and love well. Every one of those is a genuine blessing.

And with it, the reminder that it isn’t you and it isn’t me — it’s the power of the Holy Spirit working through you, once you’ve put your faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

One more encouragement: don’t do this alone. Do it with each other. We get to be a body of believers — we are not called to walk alone. There’s encouragement in that, and accountability. It’s a beautiful thing when Christians come together.

Obedience Can Be Scary

Let’s be honest about that too. Obedience can stir up genuine discomfort. I don’t know if I can do that. That seems really scary, so I’m just not going to.

But once again — we serve the God who created the universe. We serve the God we just watched answer prayer in this chapter. Can it be done? Yes. Because of Him, not because of me.

And sometimes we’ll feel convicted. I got convicted studying this. Watching the obedience of these disciples, I thought: I need to step up, Lord. What are You calling me to? Where am I not being obedient?

But the beautiful thing about obedience is that it forces us to rely on His power and grace. That’s what makes following Jesus exciting — it’s Him. He takes us on the adventure, by His grace and His power, not by anything I do.

Two Questions

Look at how the chapter ends. They’re flogged, ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released — and they go out rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name. And every day, in the temple and in homes, they keep teaching and proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah.

You’ve already read earlier in Acts that these men were considered uneducated. They’re not special. They don’t have gifts fundamentally different from yours if you follow Christ. They’re not pastors or ministry professionals or famous people. They’re ordinary.

And as they’re being flogged, there is joy — because of Christ. They choose obedience regardless of what everyone else says. They know their lives could be on the line, and they choose obedience anyway.

So here are the two questions I’d leave you with.

Where are you already seeing blessing in obedience? Rejoice in that. Where has there genuinely been blessing? Where do you feel the joy of the Lord? Where are you encouraged? Even showing up this morning is a small step of obedience — and being encouraged here is a real blessing.

And where are you not being obedient right now, in this season? What area of obedience is God calling you to?

Don’t ignore it. Confess the sin if it needs confessing. Allow God to refine you and grow you. And then begin the joyful journey of obedience to the God who will do far greater things than we could ever ask or imagine.

Step outside tonight and catch a small glimpse of the universe. The fact that we’re here at all, with breath in our lungs, is a miracle. This is the God we get to serve.

So let’s take steps of obedience — because of who He is, and because of what was done on the cross.