How can we apply Acts 5:39 to support church ministries today? Setting the Scene of Acts 5:39 “ ‘But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.’ ” (Acts 5:39) Gamaliel’s counsel to the Sanhedrin came after the apostles were arrested for preaching Christ. His warning still rings true: divine initiatives cannot be overthrown without resisting God Himself. Key Principle: Ministry Must Originate with God • God-breathed work carries divine authority (2 Timothy 3:16). • What God begins, He sustains (Philippians 1:6). • Human schemes fade; God’s purposes stand (Psalm 33:11). Recognizing God’s Hand in Modern Ministries • Alignment with clear biblical teaching—never contradicting Scripture (Isaiah 8:20). • Evident fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and the rest (Galatians 5:22-23). • Genuine life transformation and growth in holiness (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Humble, Christ-exalting leadership (1 Peter 5:2-4). • Testimony from the broader body of believers, confirming God’s work (1 Corinthians 12:7). Encouragement to Persevere When Opposition Arises • Opposition often validates that the gospel is advancing (2 Timothy 3:12). • Remember Jesus’ promise: “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). • Keep preaching and serving; the outcome rests with God (1 Corinthians 15:58). Guarding Against Fighting Against God • Test every new initiative by Scripture before criticizing (Acts 17:11). • Seek unity, not rivalry; God detests divisive spirits (Proverbs 6:16-19). • Pray for discernment rather than defaulting to skepticism (James 1:5). • If something is truly from God, support it; if not, He will expose it (Matthew 15:13). Practical Ways to Support God-Initiated Ministries Today • Pray consistently for leaders, workers, and those being reached. • Invest resources—time, finances, skills—to strengthen gospel efforts (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Speak encouragement; words can fuel perseverance (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Volunteer where your spiritual gifts meet ministry needs (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Defend biblical ministries when they face unjust criticism, remembering Acts 5:39. Scriptural Reinforcements • 1 Corinthians 3:9: “For we are God’s fellow workers…” • Ephesians 4:12: “…to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ.” • Isaiah 55:11: “So My word… will not return to Me void, but will accomplish what I please.” • Psalm 127:1: “Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.” Standing behind ministries that clearly bear God’s fingerprint honors Him, strengthens His church, and keeps us from working against the very purposes He is determined to fulfill. |
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