The Expedience of Obedience

Acts 5:27-32

Adrian Rogers


Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Acts 5:27-32

Being a Christian is a joyous thing; the reason we are not filled with joy in this Christian life could be a matter of disobedience.

Adrian Rogers says, “Obedience is the missing ingredient in so many Christians’ lives.”

What does it mean to truly obey Christ? What is the expedience of obedience?

In Acts 5, Peter and the other apostles have caused quite a stir by preaching about Jesus Christ. The religious authorities are trying to stop a revival the apostles began. They command the apostles to stop preaching.

“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, ‘We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him’” (Acts 5:29-32).

In this text, we are first given the reason for obedience.

When God tells us to do something, our obedience is our duty and delight. We are indebted to God, our Lord and Savior, so we must decide to obey Him over men. Just as God cannot fail, act unjustly or deny Himself, He cannot force our loving obedience. It is not because His power is limited—it’s because of His very nature; He gives us a choice.

We can’t obey God unless we first know what it is that He wants us to do.

Once we know God’s will, we must be intentional about obeying it, and do so immediately. We will be held accountable for what we know, no matter what the cost. When He speaks, we must answer Him, regardless of circumstances. Only then can we see the supernatural rewards of our obedience:

  • We receive the Holy Spirit.
  • There is joy in our hearts.
  • The Gospel is shared and believed.

When we obey God rather than men, we will see great multitudes of people come to Jesus Christ.

Apply it to your life

Would you like to have victory in your life? Know the will of God for your life and do it immediately, inflexible, and passionately.