The Cost of Obedience

Following Jesus has always come at a cost. In Acts 5, we see a church experiencing power, persecution, courage, and joy all at the same time. When faith feels pressured or attacked, this passage shows us how to respond—with obedience, trust, and boldness.

REVIEW: God’s power attracts some but repels others.

READ: Acts 5:14, 17 –
“Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number… Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.”

DISCUSS: Why does God’s work draw some people while provoking resistance in others? How can we stay focused on making disciples instead of reacting to cultural or political pressure?

REVIEW: God is present in persecution and suffering.

READ: Acts 5:19–20 –
“But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. ‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people all about this new life.’”

DISCUSS: What does it reveal about God that He freed the apostles to preach—not escape? How should God’s presence shape our response to hardship?

REVIEW: Obedience is not optional.

READ: Acts 5:29 –
“Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’”

DISCUSS: Where is obedience most challenging for you—especially when it costs something? What is the difference between short-term comfort and long-term faithfulness?

REVIEW: God is sovereign over our persecution and suffering.

READ: Acts 5:38–39 –
“For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

DISCUSS: How does trusting God’s sovereignty free us from fear? What would change if you truly believed that nothing can stop what God is building?

REVIEW: Persecution is reason to rejoice.

READ: Acts 5:41 –
“The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.”

DISCUSS: Why would the apostles rejoice in suffering? What does their response reveal about how closely they identified with Jesus?

ASK

Where is God asking you to obey—even if it costs you comfort, approval, or convenience?

PRAY

Lord, give us grace and courage to obey You no matter the cost. Help us stay focused on Jesus, trust Your sovereignty, and remain faithful whether we are celebrated or opposed. Fill us with boldness rooted in love, and keep our hearts steady in every season. Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, take a concrete step toward costly obedience:

• Refocus: Commit to making disciples first—not winning arguments.
• Stand firm: Identify one area where you’ve been hesitant to obey and choose faithfulness.
• Trust deeply: Surrender a fear about culture, politics, or opposition to God’s sovereignty.
• Rejoice intentionally: Thank God for one hardship that is shaping your character.
• Pray boldly: Ask God for courage to follow Christ publicly and faithfully.

The price of obedience is real—but so is the power, presence, and joy of walking closely with Jesus.

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