Demands of Conviction How strong are your convictions?

Convictions Dictionary – “A fixed belief” Sometimes demands are placed on us that are in conflict with our convictions How should we handle the situation? What if man demands what violates the will or command of God?

Peter – Acts 4: So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”

Peter – Acts 4:18-20 Peter was commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus – vs. 18 Jesus had already command him to preach everywhere – Matthew 28:18; Mark 16:15 His response: –You are in authority to make such a request –You will be accountable if it was a right or wrong decision –I must be true to my convictions

Peter – Acts 5 Acts 5:19-20Acts 5:19-20 – 19 But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:28aActs 5:28a – saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? Acts 5:28bActs 5:28b – And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!”

Peter – Acts 5 Acts 5:29Acts 5:29 – But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:41-42Acts 5: So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

Paul – Galatians 2 Galatians 2:3 –Galatians 2:3 – Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. Galatians 2:5Galatians 2:5 - to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. The issue wasThe issue was – Do they have the right to “compel” him to be circumcised?

Modern Examples My nephew –My nephew – Josh Luscombe just returned from a year in China. –He is teaching English at a university –He is teaching and baptizing many –They are an “underground church” Communist RussiaCommunist Russia – I met many who read and studied their Bibles when owning a Bible would send you to prison.

Modern Examples Some preachers are hindered / prevented from:Some preachers are hindered / prevented from: –Preaching certain topics / issues / doctrines –Teaching to correct error –Discussing “hot button” issues Not preach abortion – nurse at abortion clinic Not preach alcohol – workers at Jack Daniels

Our Convictions Our convictions must be stronger than man’s requests of usOur convictions must be stronger than man’s requests of us Teach the whole counsel of God – Acts 20:27Teach the whole counsel of God – Acts 20:27 Teach what is profitable – Acts 20:20Teach what is profitable – Acts 20:20 Preach in season and out of season – 2 Timothy 4:2Preach in season and out of season – 2 Timothy 4:2

Our Convictions Preach the word – 2 Timothy 4:2Preach the word – 2 Timothy 4:2 Speak what is sound doctrine – Titus 2:1Speak what is sound doctrine – Titus 2:1 Speak, exhort, rebuke with all authority – Titus 2:15Speak, exhort, rebuke with all authority – Titus 2:15 Good ministers instruct the brethren – 1 Timothy 4:6Good ministers instruct the brethren – 1 Timothy 4:6

Our Convictions How strong are your convictions?How strong are your convictions? What are your “fixed beliefs?”What are your “fixed beliefs?” What would you do if others tried to have you violate your convictions?What would you do if others tried to have you violate your convictions?