Law and Grace in Action

Rev. Paul J. Miller – Sermon Outline – September 19, 2021

Series Title: “The Church is Persecuted”

Today’s Title: “If it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men”

Today’s Text: Acts 5:17-42

 

Acts 5:17-42

Factors and aspects about this story:

 

LAW IMPRISONS US AND LEADS TO DEATH

Peter lays responsibility for Jesus’ death on the people of Jerusalem

• Acts 2:23 and you, … put him to death by nailing him to the cross.”
• Acts 2:36 …this Jesus, whom you crucified,
• Acts 3:13-15 …You handed him over to be killed,… ¹⁵ You killed the author of life,
• Acts 4:10 …whom you crucified
• Acts 5:30 …whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.

 

THE GRACE OF CHRIST SETS US FREE AND LEADS TO LIFE!

¹⁹ But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” – Acts 5:19

 

Angelic appearances and messages are rare. Just 6x in Acts

 

What the angel didn’t say…

• Attack the Sanhedrin, they are the problem
• Outwit them, outsmart them, say clever things to discredit them
• Get the people on your side thru political means, show them your wounds to raise anger & fear

 

The angel DID say to TELL THEM ALL ABOUT THIS NEW LIFE!

• John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.