How should believers respond when truth conflicts with popular opinion, as in Luke 20:6? Setting the Scene: Luke 20:6 Luke 20:6: “But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, convinced John was a prophet.” • Religious leaders knew the truth about John and, by extension, Jesus. • Fear of the crowd kept them from admitting what they knew. • The collision: divine truth versus human approval. Why Popular Opinion Pulls So Hard • Safety instinct—nobody wants to be singled out or rejected. • Social capital—standing with the majority feels secure. • Pride—admitting error can damage reputation. • Spiritual battle—truth from God challenges the world’s system (John 15:18-19). What Scripture Teaches about Choosing Truth • Loyalty to Christ outranks public acceptance. – Matthew 10:32: “Everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father…” – Acts 5:29: “We must obey God rather than men.” • Refuse conformity. – Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” • Seek God’s approval first. – Galatians 1:10: “If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” • Beware the praise trap. – John 12:42-43: “They loved praise from men more than praise from God.” Practical Ways to Stand When the Crowd Pushes Back • Anchor your convictions in clear passages of Scripture; study them thoroughly. • Pray for courage daily, knowing the Spirit empowers bold witness (Acts 4:31). • Speak truth graciously—firm words, gentle tone (Ephesians 4:15). • Count the cost ahead of time; resolve that Christ is worth any loss (Luke 14:27-33). • Stay connected to believers who reinforce biblical convictions (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Remember the long view—eternal commendation outweighs momentary applause (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Encouragement from the Early Church • Stephen chose clarity over compromise and saw “the heavens opened” (Acts 7:56). • Peter and John rejoiced that they were “considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5:41). • Paul stood alone before Caesar’s court, yet declared, “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17). Key Takeaways to Hold onto This Week • Truth is never negotiable, even when it costs popularity. • Approval from God far outweighs applause from people. • The same Lord who gave boldness to first-century believers empowers His people today. |
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