March 17, 2019
Pastor Jeff Struecker
Sermon Notes
I. Let go of fame
Acts 5:21b-24
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. 22 But when the servants got there, they did not find them in the jail, so they returned and reported, 23 “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.” 24 As the captain of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, wondering what would come of this.
II. Let go of the games
Acts 5:25-28
Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. 27 After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, 28 “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.”
III. Let go of shame
Acts 5:29-32
Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. 30 The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”
Next Steps
• I have never totally surrendered to Jesus. Today, I turn it all over to him for the first time.
– I am struggling with control. Pray that I will surrender control to Jesus this week.
+ I will be bold for Jesus this week.
Discussion Questions
- Is there anything over which you will have total control tomorrow? Be specific.
- Can you trust someone totally if he or she has hurt you in the past? Explain your answer.
- Is it wrong to want other people to like you? At what point does the desire for approval become unhealthy?
- Can you point attention to yourself and to Jesus at the same time? Explain your answer.
- Read John 14:15:
a. Why does Jesus link obedience to love?
b. Can you say you love Jesus and knowingly disobey him at the same time? - Is there a difference between practicing a religion and following Jesus? If so, explain the difference.
- Pray for a deeper trust in Jesus through greater obedience this week.
