How can we cultivate a relationship with Jesus like Peter and John? Acts 4:13: A Window into Intimacy “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13) The difference-maker was simple: they had been with Jesus. Everything that follows flows from that fact. Recognize Our Starting Point: Ordinary Yet Chosen • Peter and John were “unschooled, ordinary men,” yet God used them mightily. • 1 Corinthians 1:27 echoes the pattern: God chooses the weak to shame the strong. • Admit inadequacy, embrace calling, expect God to work through weakness. Spend Unhurried Time “With Jesus” • Mark 3:14: “He appointed twelve… to accompany Him.” Relationship before ministry. • John 15:4-5: “Remain in Me… apart from Me you can do nothing.” Practical steps – Guard daily Scripture intake; read meditatively, not mechanically. – Linger in prayer: speak, listen, worship. – Schedule silence: let His words settle deep. Rely on the Spirit’s Power • Acts 1:8: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” • Ephesians 5:18: “Be filled with the Spirit.” How to stay filled – Begin each day surrendering control. – Confess sin quickly; don’t grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). – Act on Spirit-promptings; obedience invites fresh filling. Obey Promptly and Courageously • John 14:21: Love proves itself in obedience—and Jesus “reveals” Himself to the obedient. • Peter stepped onto stormy water at one word (Matthew 14:29). Keys – Replace delayed obedience with immediate responsiveness. – Expect Jesus to meet you in the step of faith, not before it. Speak About Jesus Naturally and Boldly • Acts 4:20: “For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Ordinary conversation becomes testimony when Jesus is real to you. Suggestions – Share today’s fresh lesson from the Word. – Give credit to Christ for answered prayer. – Let boldness rise from relationship, not personality. Live in Gospel-Centered Community • Acts 2:42: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship…” Benefits – Sharpening (Proverbs 27:17). – Corporate worship fuels private devotion. – Mutual accountability keeps zeal alive. Embrace Refinement Through Trials • 1 Peter 4:13: share Christ’s sufferings; joy follows revelation. • James 1:2-4: trials mature and complete us. Mindset – View hardship as an invitation to know Jesus more deeply (Philippians 3:10). – Let setbacks drive you back to the Upper Room, not away from it. Keep First-Love Devotion Burning • John 21:15-17: three times Jesus asked, “Do you love Me?” Love fuels service. • Revelation 2:4-5 warns against losing first love. Practices – Regularly recount the gospel to your own heart. – Celebrate Communion often; remember His sacrifice. – Guard against routine; vary spiritual disciplines to keep wonder fresh. Putting It All Together Time with Jesus, dependence on His Spirit, obedient boldness, shared life with believers, and steadfast love—these form the pathway to the kind of relationship Peter and John enjoyed. Walk it, and others will likewise “take note that you have been with Jesus.” |
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