Preschool
All things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).
Do Not Fight Against God
Memory Verses
Primary
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).
Junior
Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth (Mark 9:23).
Background Scripture: Acts 5:12-42
Lesson Scripture: Acts 5:33-42; 8:1-3
Introduction
Most of us recoil at the thought of opposing God and understand the foolishness and danger of even attempting such, but what about resisting some of the teachings of Scripture that interfere with our selfish desires? And what is it when we wish for different circumstances in life or when we have a hard time accepting decisions that differ from our own light? Does envy make it hard to love someone?
If we find it difficult to follow scriptural direction, we are fighting against God. We must first be willing to open our eyes to recognize what God would have us to see.
Key Verse
There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand (Prov. 19:21).
Lesson Scripture
Acts 5:33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
36 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Studying the Lesson
The Jewish government in the time directly after Jesus’s ascension was troubled by the new way of serving God that was taking hold in their country. Jesus had come and was rejected by most of the people. He had been crucified by them, but now his followers were saying He had risen from the dead and were actively introducing the Christian church. This brought about much controversy, as the established religion that God had given to Israel was expiring and being replaced by a “new and living way” (Heb. 10:20).
These religious officials, seeing that this new dispensation could overthrow their power and influence, cast the apostles in prison, intending to deal with them the next day. However, God had a different plan, and in the night an angel opened the prison and sent the apostles back to the temple to preach the gospel to the people. When the officers came and called for the apostles the next morning, they found the prison securely locked but no sign of the prisoners. Soon, it was reported that the prisoners were in the temple preaching again. Now it was these official’s turn to be at a loss to know what to do, and they realized something was not working as they were used to. Still, they continued trying to put a stop to this new way. They apprehended the apostles and brought them before the council and demanded an answer why they continued to teach about Jesus after they had been instructed not to. Peter boldly answered that they were obeying God rather than men. He then continued to explain what had happened to Jesus, revealing how they had rejected God and his plan for redeeming mankind.
Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, gave the leaders some good advice that would have solved their problem if only they would have given heed to it. He was correct about first discerning whether this newfound way was of God or man. These religious officials did temper their actions toward the apostles, although they still beat them and commanded them to stop preaching about Jesus to the people before letting them go.
The gospel has blessed mankind until the present time and will continue to do so until the Lord returns to claim his bride. It is impossible to succeed by trying to oppose God’s will.
Practical Truths for Today
True Christians continue to serve God, doing their best to discern his will for their time. The gospel that was delivered to the saints remains as an anchor and guide to the church of God today. Our challenge is to remain true to God in the face of a world that is in opposition to Him and the tenets of the Christian faith.
Since the beginning of the Christian church, many believers have endured persecution. The most serious times of test have come about through the religious zeal of others claiming to be followers of God. Persecution has failed to annihilate the true faith for the same reason that Gamaliel put forth: “If it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it.”
The Scriptures warn of false teachers coming in the last times. False teaching can take the unwary down a road to the point of eventually fighting against God. There have been times when individuals or groups of God’s people have deviated from the true faith and, claiming the leading of the Holy Spirit, have taken a different path.
We need to learn to accept the things that happen in life though they may seem unfair. Sometimes we feel subjected to more troubles than others and feel that God is not treating us fairly. Sometimes we do experience more difficulties than others. We may undergo the loss of a loved one or face a serious financial setback or sickness. When these things happen, what can we do? The Serenity Prayer states that we are to change the things we can, accept the things we cannot change, and pray for the wisdom to know the difference. We can choose to blame God for our lot in life and question Him, but doing so will not change Him. He says that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Rom. 8:28). This does not mean that all things work good for all. It speaks only to the one who submits and trusts God because of devotion to Him. It is the only way to avoid inner turmoil and conflict with God and turn adversity into profit. Let us also remember that time and chance happen to all (Eccl. 9:11). We will not always be able to know why some things happen in this life that are hard to accept, but God has promised “strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love.” 1 Fighting or rebelling at the circumstances we find ourselves in will only estrange us from God and will leave us empty and disillusioned with life. Having a thankful attitude regardless of our circumstances will help us to avail ourselves of God’s grace; He promised it will be sufficient for our need (2 Cor. 12:8-10).
Sometimes we find ourselves with a different conviction or practice from other brethren. Satan will try to take advantage of even small differences and magnify them to the point that serious feelings can build up that cause divisions and offenses to occur. How can we resolve issues of this nature? First, we must remember that when we are offended we should look into our own heart. Is there some pride that hinders me from being open to others’ convictions and discerning God’s will? We should not think of our own way more highly than our spiritual brethren’s insight and understanding (Phil. 2:3). If we are not able to do this, we may well find ourselves fighting against God while still thinking we are right. When controversies come and I find my spirit at odds with my brethren, I need to remember that only my own sins will separate me from God. If we can be calm and listen to the still, small voice of the Spirit, it will quiet our own heart so God’s will can be made clear to us (1 Kings 19:11-12).
Questions
- Is difficulty in accepting reproof a form of fighting against God?
- Is an objection to filling a congregational appointed position in the church a form of fighting God?
- 1 Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932), “What God Hath Promised,” Christian Hymnal
- Unsubscribe
Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).