Seek God, Not Man.

Seek God, Not Man

Acts 4

1 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. (even the supposed religious leaders sometimes oppose the will of God)

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,^[b] the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Peter answers them with the Word and the help of the Holy Spirit)13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. 15 So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber^[d] and conferred among themselves. 16 “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. (despite the evidence and fruit that Peter and John are acting according to God’s will, the religious leaders order them to stop)19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” (Seek God, not man. Know for yourself what God’s will is for your life, and follow Him.) 21 The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God 22 for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years. 23 As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. 24 When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God:

29 And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

In spite of their threats:

1. Give us boldness
2. Use us to heal others
3. Perform signs and wonders

Instead of cowering in the face of opposition, they stepped up their intensity and God blessed them for it

31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

God answers their prayers and shows his approval by filling them ALL with the Holy Spirit.

See Acts 26 for a similar story about Paul going before King Agrippa. Instead of pleading his own case, Paul actually witnesses to the King and shares his testimony.

How to Know God’s Will and Follow Him

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight

Psalms 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way.

Psalms 119:104-106 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.

False Evidence Appearing Real

Types of Fear
**** REVERENT.

PSA 34:4 "I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fear"
Fear (Fear of the Lord) is often used to describe reverence. "Let the Lord's people show him reverence, for those who honor him will have all they need". PSA 34:9 NLT

The scriptures reveal several things about the "FEAR OF THE LORD"
1). It is CLEAN "Enduring Forever "The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether" . PSA 19:9 NKJV

2). It can be LEARNED "Come, ye children, hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD" PSA 34:11

3). It is the beginning of WISDOM "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do His commandments. His praise endureth for ever" PSA 111:10

4). It is the beginning of KNOWLEDGE " The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Prov. 1:7

Psalm 25:12-15 reveals promises to those who fear the Lord
1. Guidance: "What man is he that feareth the LORD? Him shall He teach in the way that He shall choose" v. 12

2. Spiritual Prosperity: "His soul shall dwell at ease, " v. 13

3. Future Prosperity: "and his seed shall inherit the earth" v. 13

4. Divine Confidant: "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him, " v. 14

5. Covenant: "and He will show them His covenant" v. 14

6. Deliverance: "My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies" v. 15 N.L.T.

**** CAUTIONARY.

An awareness or warning to save us and/or others from hazards in this world. This type of fear preserves lives so that they are available to fulfill their individual purpose.

**** PANIC & ANXIETY.

"Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up". Prov. 12:25 TNIV
This type of fear is not just a human "trait" it is NOT of God. It can immobilize and torment individuals, making them feel powerless and alone. "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. " 1 John 4:18. TNIV Indecision or wrong decisions are then made that could give place to bondage and great suffering .

**** FEAR OF MAN.

Fear of any man is a trap, keeping you from fulfilling a purpose. Pray and ask God for wisdom on how to deal with a particular individual and trust God that he will keep you safe. "To fear anyone will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe". Prov. 29:25 TNIV

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Satan's plan is to steal, kill and destroy John 10:10.
In the face of fear we are to remember our calling from God. We have within us

1) The power of God through the holy spirit, enabling us to no longer be victims. "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" 2 Tim 1:6-7 TNIV.

2) The perfect love of God, poured into our lives through Jesus Christ and his abiding presence. "And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us" Romans 5:5 TNIV.

3) The mind of Christ by which we can apply the ways of God in making "sound" choices. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" 2 Tim 1:7 TNIV

Applying this truth determines whether we overcome fear or are overcome by it. " for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith" 1 John 5:4 TNIV