Two Sets of Believers
John 12:42-43; Acts 6:7
Two texts that need to be considered side by side (Mark and cross reference).
First notice that there are two sets of believers (Chief rulers and priests)
a. Really not much difference in who they were.
b. Now notice "many" and "great company" (not an isolated instance, typical of a great many people). This is what makes their case so significant because each group is representative of believers today.
I am sure you realize that even though both groups believed, there is a vast difference between the chief rulers who believed but would not confess Christ and the priests who were obedient to the faith. What happen as a result of their believing were exact opposites.
Constantly amazed by the word of God; two separate seemingly unrelated texts teach so many lessons.
Lesson #:
The difference between faith only and obedient faith is the difference between being saved and being lost.
Some hold a church doctrine that says one is saved by faith only.
They object to baptism, which is an act of obedient faith (Mk. 16:16).
This error is answered in Jas. 2:14-26
Jesus tells us in Jn. 6:28-29 that even faith is a work.
But the truth could hardly be demonstrated more clearly than the passages before us.
a. Which group would you want to be in?
b. Rom. 1:5; 16:26; 6:17-18
Next time having a discussion about faith only ask, "Which group here was saved?"
Now, before we get too smug, understand there is a way we are guilty of faith only.
Too often we just "stand for the truth" in mind and words but don’t do anything with it.
We must also live the truth (Jas. 1:22)
One does not really confess Christ unless he is willing to take a stand for Christ and His teaching.
Confession is a necessity (Mt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:10)
But more is involved in confessing than just saying we believe in Him.
Believing in Christ means accepting His teaching.
a. Can’t separate the man from the plan.
b. Jn. 12:48; Lk. 6:46
But more especially notice the chief rulers would not confess Him because they knew such meant taking a stand in the face of opposition.
They were not overt enemies. If enough other prominent people had sided with Jesus, no doubt they would have too.
a. But knowing it was not popular they kept quiet.
b. In their heart of hearts – deep down inside – they knew what was right.
c. Pressure may not keep one from believing, but it can keep one from confessing.
This is a coward’s faith.
a. Such is quiet when something ought to be said; it compromises in worldly company.
b. Rev. 21:8
c. Two men working illus.
They were willing to be secret disciples. "Either the secrecy kills the discipleship or the discipleship kills the secrecy."
Their denomination was more important to them than was their Christ.
"Synagogue" – the local congregation of the mainline Pharisee denomination.
They feared being kicked out (Jn. 9:22).
Why? Because the truth was not compatible with their denomination.
There is always a temptation to stay with what is familiar and where one feels connected. Some hold onto a denomination because;
Of their parents, but Jesus… Mt. 10:37
It is more popular, more mainstream or more normal but … Mt. 7:13-15.
In the first place, one ought to get out of anything that does not teach and practice the truth. But even if one tries to stay connected, he will soon find that the truth is not welcome (Ai Morris).
They knew a choice had to be made, but they made the wrong choice.
They placed the praise of God and the praise of men side by side and decided that acceptance among men was of greater value.
They could not stand the thought of being ridiculed, laughed at, reviled or thought unsophisticated.
On the other hand, they enjoyed being accepted, slapped on the back, being with the "in crowd."
Now, notice this word "love"; "They loved… (Mk. 12:30).
For some the weightier thing is money, for others it is pleasure, something they can’t give up, maybe it’s parents, or children or spouse and for others it is what other people think.
In this town and every other town there are people who know the truth but will not follow it because of their standing with family and friends or because of position or prestige.
Likewise people have left the church for the same reason.
The voice of friends and family is often louder than the voice of God.
For every person a choice must be made.
Mt. 6:24
To be undecided is to have already decided (Mt. 12:30).
We have before us two sets of believers. Everyone who has heard the gospel falls into one group or the other.
Which group do you belong?