Scripture Reading: Acts 4:1–4

Introduction

A. If someone declares that you are stubborn, is that good or bad?

B. When we read of the healing of the lame mand, we see a lot of stubborn things that come together which are unwilling to move.

Discussion

I. There are plenty of stubborn things in this story.

A. Facts tend to be stubborn things (Acts 4:14–15).

B. The Scriptures are also unyielding (Acts 4:11).

C. The Sadducees and the apostles are equally unwilling to back down (Acts 4:15–20).

D. Thankfully there were many individuals who were willing to examine the evidence and change accordingly (Acts 4:4).

II. Is stubbornness bad or good?

A. Historically stubbornness has been a serious problem for the nation of Israel (Exodus 32:9; Deuteronomy 9:6; Jeremiah 17:23; Acts 7:51–53).

B. Stubbornness was a virtue on this occasion for Peter (Acts 4:19–20), although it had been a serious flaw in his past (Matthew 16:21–23; 26:35, 74).

C. In denying a bodily resurrection (Acts 4:2; 23:8), many Sadducees may have thought they were defending the Scriptures and conservative Jewish values (Luke 20:27–38).

D. Like the apostles, we must stand for truth with boldness, but always with a great measure of humility (2 Timothy 2:23–25).

Conclusion

A. No matter how strong or educated we may think we are, we must never think we are above instruction (Acts 18:24–28; Galatians 2:11–12).

B. As we strive to do the work God has given us to do, let us always endeavor to begin at the cornerstone that God Himself has set and never forget to temper our boldness with humility.