How can we speak boldly about Jesus despite threats, as in Acts 4:17? Boldness Threatened, Not Silenced “But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” (Acts 4:17) • The religious leaders wanted to choke the gospel by intimidation. • Peter and John answered with unflinching courage (vv. 19–20). • Their confidence shows how believers today can respond when ordered to stay quiet about Jesus. Ground Your Courage in God’s Sovereignty • Acts 4:24–28—The church prayed, affirming that God “made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them.” Nothing happens outside His plan. • Proverbs 29:25—“The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” • Matthew 10:28—Fear God, not people; He alone controls soul and body. Be Filled With the Holy Spirit • Acts 4:31—“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” • Acts 1:8—Power to witness comes when the Spirit fills us. Practical steps: – Daily surrender and confession keep us usable (Ephesians 5:18). – Ask specifically for Spirit-empowered boldness (Ephesians 6:19). Spend Time With Jesus • Acts 4:13—Opponents “recognized that they had been with Jesus.” • Intimacy with Christ produces unmistakable courage. Ways to “be with Jesus”: – Consistent Scripture intake (Psalm 119:46). – Meditation on His finished work (Hebrews 12:2). – Regular fellowship in a gospel-centered community (Hebrews 10:24-25). Pray in Community • Acts 4:29—The whole church prayed, “Enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness.” • Corporate prayer fuels individual courage; isolation drains it (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Tips: – Share specific threats or fears with trusted believers. – Pray Scripture promises back to God (2 Corinthians 1:20). Obey God Rather Than Men • Acts 4:19—“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God.” • When civil or cultural commands collide with God’s command to witness (Matthew 28:19-20), obedience to God must prevail (Daniel 3:16-18). • 2 Timothy 1:7—“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” Proclaim What You Have Seen and Heard • Acts 4:20—“For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” • Boldness grows when we speak from personal experience with the risen Christ (1 John 1:1-3). Practical helps: – Share your testimony in ordinary conversation. – Keep the gospel clear and simple (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). – Memorize a few key verses (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). Expect Resistance, Anticipate Reward • 2 Timothy 3:12—“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” • 2 Corinthians 4:17—“Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory.” • Joy set before us outweighs any threat (Hebrews 12:2). Summary Action Steps 1. Adore God’s sovereignty; remember who truly rules. 2. Seek continual filling by the Holy Spirit. 3. Cultivate closeness with Jesus through Word, prayer, fellowship. 4. Pray for boldness together with other believers. 5. Choose obedience to God over compliance with intimidation. 6. Tell your story and the gospel plainly. 7. Anchor hope in eternal reward, not present approval. |
    |