Study Guide: Do not be mere reflectors of other men's thought. | Pastor Ron Kelly

Study Guide

AMI DONATE
← All Sermons
Study Guide

Do not be mere reflectors of other men's thought. | Pastor Ron Kelly

Sermon Study Guide: "Standing in Your Lot"

Sermon Text: Acts 5:12-42 Speaker: Pastor Ron Kelly Key Themes: Spiritual Authority, Humility, Courage, The Cost of Discipleship, Institutional vs. Divine Guidance.

Opening Reflection

Pastor Kelly began with a powerful statement: "We are not to be mere reflectors of other men's thoughts."

  • What does this phrase mean to you?

  • In your spiritual journey, how do you balance learning from others with developing your own convictions?

Section 1: The Scene in Jerusalem (Acts 5:12-16)

The early church was growing dramatically, but it created a mixed reaction: awe and respect from some, but a refusal to commit from others.

Key Points:

  • The apostles performed miracles and taught with power, creating a sense of "awe."

  • A distinct line was drawn: some joined despite the risks (Ananias and Sapphira), while others "dared not associate with them" but held them in "high esteem."

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does it mean that the people held the apostles in high esteem but refused to join them? Have you ever seen this dynamic in modern church life?

  2. Pastor Kelly stated, "This is not club SDA... there are no grandchildren in the economy of God." How does this perspective challenge a cultural or inherited faith?

Section 2: The Institutional Backlash (Acts 5:17-28)

The religious leaders, filled with jealousy, used their institutional power to silence the apostles.

Key Points:

  • The motive was jealousy and an existential threat to their authority and doctrines.

  • When arguments fail, raw power is used to silence opposition.

  • God supernaturally intervenes, freeing the apostles and commanding them to go right back to the source of the conflict and preach.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Pastor Kelly asked, "When you don't have the truth, what do you have left?" How have you seen this principle—resorting to power instead of reason—play out in the world, or even in the church?

  2. The apostles were told by an angel to disobey a direct order from the human authorities. What is the biblical principle for when it is right to "obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29)? When is it right to challenge institutional authority?

Section 3: The Apostles' Response and Gamaliel's Wisdom (Acts 5:29-42)

The apostles stand trial and present a bold defense, leading to Gamaliel's famous counsel.

Key Points:

  • The Apostles' Courage: The same Peter who denied Christ now stands fearlessly before the council. His transformation was fueled by the Holy Spirit.

  • Gamaliel's Counsel: A voice of reason advises the council to leave the apostles alone. His logic: if this is of men, it will fail; if it is of God, you cannot stop it.

  • Rejoicing in Suffering: After being flogged, the apostles rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name" (Acts 5:41).

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was the difference between the "righteous indignation" of the Pharisees and the righteous courage of the apostles?

  2. Gamaliel's advice is often cited as a model of wisdom. How can we apply the "Gamaliel principle" when dealing with controversial new ideas or movements within the church today?

  3. The apostles rejoiced in suffering. Why is suffering for Christ considered an honor? When was the last time you faced a cost—large or small—for your faith?

Key Quotes for Deeper Discussion

"The doctrine that's on the table right now is the theology of the church. Who holds the authority in the church?"

  • How does the headship of Christ (Ephesians 5:23) practically work itself out in the structure and decision-making of the local church and the global denomination?

"We're going to have to be the kind of mature people who... are able to hold two ideas in tension while you're pursuing a journey of truth."

  • Why is this intellectual and spiritual maturity so difficult? What is the difference between holding ideas in tension and compromising on core truth?

"We've purchased peace at just about any price, and we're not the better off for it."

  • In our desire for unity and harmony, what truths or principles might we be tempted to silence or ignore? How can we pursue peace without sacrificing conviction?

Personal Application & Reflection

  1. "Don't be a mere reflector": Identify one area of your faith or a doctrinal point you've simply accepted from others. Commit to a personal, Bible-based study of that topic this week.

  2. The Cost of Courage: Is there a situation in your life—at work, in your family, or in your church—where you feel God is calling you to speak up or take a stand? Pray for the "holy boldness" the apostles had.

  3. The Spirit of Gamaliel: Is there someone you disagree with, perhaps strongly? This week, make a conscious effort to ask them questions and listen to their perspective with the goal of understanding, not debating.

Closing Prayer

Use this prayer to conclude your study:

"Lord, grant us the courage of Peter to speak your truth, the humility of Gamaliel to recognize your hand, and the wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen. Deliver us from the pride that refuses to learn and the fear that refuses to obey. Help us to stand in our lot, faithful to you above all else. In Jesus' name, Amen."

⇧