How can we overcome fear when witnessing, as Saul did in Acts 9:29? Stepping Into Saul’s Shoes Acts 9:29: “He was speaking and debating with the Hellenistic Jews, but they were trying to kill him.” Why This Moment Matters • Saul is fresh out of conversion, yet he walks into the very synagogues that once applauded his persecution of believers. • Threatened with death, he still “speaks and debates.” Fear has a real target on his back, but it does not muzzle him. Seeing Fear for What It Is • Fear is not merely an emotion; it is a spiritual hurdle the enemy uses to mute testimony (1 Peter 5:8). • Scripture calls it a “spirit” that God has NOT given (2 Timothy 1:7). • Labeling fear as foreign helps dislodge its assumed right to stay. Grounding Confidence in Christ • Acts 9:27 reminds us that Barnabas “took him and brought him to the apostles.” Saul’s acceptance rests on Christ’s work, not his résumé. • Our standing is equally secured: “In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12). • Witnessing begins with resting—knowing we speak from union with the risen Lord, who promised, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18). Drawing on the Spirit’s Power • Before Saul preaches, Acts 9:17 reports he is “filled with the Holy Spirit.” • Witnessing is Spirit-empowered speech (Acts 1:8). • When fear whispers “You can’t,” recall Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.” Standing on the Word • Saul “debated,” meaning he reasoned from Scripture (cf. Acts 17:2). • Confidence grows as Scripture saturates conversation and prayer life (Jeremiah 15:16). • Practical help: memorize one gospel verse each week; let the sword stay sharp (Ephesians 6:17). Expecting Resistance, Trusting God’s Protection • Opposition is normal (John 15:18–20). • Yet Psalm 56:3–4 keeps perspective: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You… what can man do to me?” • Romans 8:31 seals it: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Leaning on the Body of Christ • Believers lower Saul in a basket to spare his life (Acts 9:25). • Community supplies courage: “Encourage one another daily” (Hebrews 3:13). • Practical step: share witnessing opportunities with trusted believers; ask them to pray specifically for boldness (Ephesians 6:19–20). Moving From Talk to Action • Joshua 1:9 pairs courage with obedience: “Be strong and courageous… for the LORD your God is with you.” • Action itself weakens fear’s grip. Start a conversation, hand out a tract, invite a neighbor to study—small steps grow capacity for larger ones. Taking Today’s Next Step • Identify one person to approach this week. • Pray Acts 4:29: “Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness.” • Go, knowing the same God who steadied Saul stands beside you: “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). |
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