Return to 2005 Sermons

TITLE: Demands of Conviction
TEXT: Acts 4:18-20
PROPOSITION: Our convictions must not wavier.
QUESTION: How?
KEY WORD: Examples
SCRIPTURE READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Sometimes demands are placed on us that are in conflict with our convictions.

2. How should we handle the situation were man demands what violates God?

Peter – text

1. Commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus

2. His response -

   1. You have are in authority to make such a request

   2. You will be accountable if it was right or wrong

   3. I must be true to my convictions

Peter – again

1. Acts 5:20 – God commands him to preach in the temple

2. Acts 5:28 – Council command NOT to preach in the temple

3. Acts 5:29 – Obey God rather than men

4. Acts 5:41-42 – Daily in the temple, preach and teach Jesus

Paul

1. Galatians 2:5 – not yield for an hour

2. Galatians 2:3 – compelled Titus to be circumcised

Modern Examples

1. Josh (my nephew) in China – teaching, baptizing (underground churches)

2. Many in communist Russia – secretly hiding

3. Some preachers are hindered / prevented

   1. Preaching certain topics / issues / doctrines

   2. Teaching to correct error

   3. Discussing “hot button” topics and questions

      1. Not preach abortion – nurse at abortion clinic

      2. Not preach alcohol – workers at Jack Daniel Distillery

   4. Current needs and moral issues that affect the souls of men

4. But our convictions must be stronger than man's requests

   1. Teach the whole council of God – Acts 20:27

   2. Teach what is profitable – Acts 20:20

   3. Preach “in season, out of season” - 2 Timothy 4:2

   4. Preach the Word – 2 Timothy 4:2

   5. Speak what is sound doctrine – Titus 2:1

   6. Speak, exhort, rebuke with all authority – Titus 2:15

   7. Good ministers instruct the brethren – 1 Timothy 4:6

Return to 2005 Sermons