Finding the Courage to Witness for Jesus

Acts 4:1-22

You will find the courage to witness for Jesus when you are…

• Being filled with the Spirit (v. 8) “We need repeated fillings because we leak!”
• Acts 2:4 – disciples filled with the Spirit at Pentecost
• Acts 4:8 – Peter and John filled with the Spirit
• Acts 4:31 – disciples filled with the Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly
• As a Spirit-filled witness, you are controlled by the Spirit moment by moment.
• Acts 5:17 – Sadducees filled with jealousy to the point of it determining their actions
• Ephesians 5:18 – Just as a drunk is under the influence or control of alcohol, so a Spirit-filled person is under the control of the Holy Spirit.
• Galatians 5:25 – being filled with the Spirit implies a moment-by-moment dependence on the Spirit.
• As a Spirit-filled witness, you are passionate about obeying God above men (v. 1).
• Myth #1 – If I am faithful to the Lord, he will protect me from persecution. 2 Timothy 3:12
• Faithful Old Testament prophets were persecuted and killed.
• John the Baptist was beheaded.
• The 12 disciples were killed.
• Jesus himself was crucified.
• Myth #2 –Persecution comes mainly from those outside of religion or the church.
• The religious establishment opposed the prophets.
• The religious leaders opposed and crucified our Lord and Christ’s followers.
• Spending time with Jesus, learning from Him (v. 13)
• Matthew 23 – Jesus confronted the Scribes and Pharisees, calling them hypocrites.
• Luke 11:37ff; Luke 6:1ff; Luke 13:10ff; Luke 14:1ff – Jesus confronted.
• Testifying about what you have seen and heard (v. 20)
• Testify that Jesus has risen from the dead. (vv.10-11). 1 Corinthians 15:17-19
• Testify to the power of Jesus (v. 14-17). Hebrews 2:4
• Testify to the truth that Jesus has saved you through faith in Him. John 6:37b
• Insisting on Jesus as the only way of salvation (v. 12). John 14:6; Ephesians 6:19-20

Just What I Needed

Acts 3:1-10

• We often come to God with our wants. (vvs. 1-3)
• Request was timely .
• Request was appropriate .
• Request was reasonable .
• God is willing to give us the desires of our hearts. Psalm 37:4
• God responds by giving us what we need (vs. 6). Matthew 6:25-32
• Worry versus contentment
• Trusting self versus trusting God .
• Question: How big is your God?
• Developing a more contented mindset. Matt. 6:33
• Focus on what God wants to show you. (vvs. 4 & 5)
• Recognize and limit distractions .
• Look to God expectantly .
• Be flexible to God’s plans (vv. 6-7) Jeremiah 29:11; James 1:2-4
• Acknowledge God’s fingerprints on your life. (vs. 8)
• Questions to ponder…
• What keeps me from being more content, trusting God to meet my needs?
• What do others see in me? (i.e. Are others drawn to “wonder” or curiosity because of God’s fingerprints on my life?)