BUT IF IT IS OF GOD
ACTS 5:37-39
ACTS 5:37-39 NKJ
37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God."
OBSERVATION:
The apostles are at it again. They are a big part of what can be accurately called a move of God in Jerusalem. People are turning to Jesus as their Lord and Savior. People are getting healed, bonafide miracles are taking place, and the religious leaders are not happy.
The apostles were thrown in jail, but the Lord sent angels and let them out. Now, before the Jewish council again, the apostles are clearly letting the leadership know that they have no plans to stop preaching and teaching Jesus.
As the council debated what course of action to take, one of their leaders, Gamaliel, stood up and offered some great advice. He reminded them of men who had led various movements in the past. Their organizations had died when the leader died. And if this plan that the apostles were leading was a plan of man, it would not last. It would amount to nothing.
But if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it, for you will be found fighting against God.
What great wisdom. God's plan or man's plan? That is the question. Evidently, the council agreed and beat the apostles and let them go. And over 2000 years later, their plan, their movement is still going and growing strong.
APPLICATION:
I have borrowed Gamaliel's advice over the years in regards to churches. When people have come complaining about another church, I advise them to leave it alone. If it is a work of God, it will stand. If it is all man's ideas and plans, it will come to nothing.
I have also encouraged people who have left our church to go quietly. Don't try to take us down. If this church is my idea, it will go down on its own. But if it is of God, you will not overthrow it, and you don't want to fight against Him.
Gamaliel's advice has also helped me stay quiet. Over the years, I have observed things in other churches and ministries that I do not agree with, so I just leave them alone. I wish I could say that I have been perfect in this area, but I have not. I have misspoken. So I have had to repent and remind myself that I am not the judge, and I am for whatever God is doing, even if it's not my style.
Gamaliel's advice is still good today. If it is of God, He can make it work.