What steps can we take to ensure others are "amazed" by our witness? Setting the Scene: Acts 4:13 “When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Why This Moment Matters • Peter and John have just healed a crippled man (Acts 3) and preached Christ. • Religious authorities, not friends of the gospel, are left “astonished.” • Three traits leap off the page—boldness, ordinariness, and unmistakable companionship with Jesus. These same traits chart a path for our own witness today. Step 1: Abide With Jesus Until It Marks You • Peter and John spent three years hearing, watching, and imitating Christ (Mark 3:14). • Jesus promised, “Remain in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4). Time with Him always leaves evidence. • Practical take-aways – Guard daily, unhurried Scripture intake. – Let worship, not worry, shape your inner life (Philippians 4:6-7). – Invite the Spirit to expose any area that doesn’t look like Christ (Psalm 139:23-24). Step 2: Depend on the Spirit for Holy Boldness • The same council had condemned Jesus; still Peter speaks fearlessly. The key? “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8). • Boldness is not brashness. It is Spirit-enabled clarity and courage. • Cultivate it by – Praying specifically for boldness (Acts 4:29-31). – Stepping out when the prompting comes; courage grows through obedience. Step 3: Embrace Your Ordinary • “Unschooled, ordinary men” were the Spirit’s chosen instruments. • God loves to “use the foolish things of the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27). • Don’t wait for perfect qualifications; let your normal life showcase His extraordinary grace. Step 4: Speak a Simple, Unmixed Gospel • Peter’s message: “Jesus Christ of Nazareth… there is salvation in no one else” (Acts 4:10-12). • People are amazed when truth is delivered without dilution. • Practical rhythms – Memorize a clear gospel outline (e.g., Romans 3:23; 6:23; 10:9). – Use everyday conversations to pivot gently toward Christ (Colossians 4:5-6). Step 5: Match Words With Tangible Love • A healed beggar stood as living proof (Acts 3:8-10). • James 2:15-17 reminds us that faith without deeds is dead; compassion authenticates confession. • Serve needs around you—meals, rides, listening ears—and connect the blessing back to Jesus. Step 6: Guard Visible Integrity • Peter and John could not be bribed, intimidated, or discredited (Acts 4:18-20). • 1 Peter 2:12: “Conduct yourselves honorably… that they may see your good deeds and glorify God.” • Establish accountability, flee every hint of dishonesty, keep short accounts with God and people. Step 7: Persevere With Joy Under Fire • Amazement often spikes when believers suffer well (Acts 5:40-42). • Matthew 5:11-12 calls us “blessed” when reviled for Christ. • Refuse bitterness; sing like Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16:25). Putting It All Together 1. Linger with Jesus daily. 2. Ask and act in Spirit-given boldness. 3. Let God magnify Himself through your ordinary. 4. Proclaim a clear, uncompromised gospel. 5. Back words with compassionate deeds. 6. Walk in blameless integrity. 7. Endure hardship with praise. When these seven threads weave through our lives, observers—friends, skeptics, even opponents—cannot help but be "amazed", and the spotlight lands exactly where it belongs: on the risen Christ. |
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