How can we prepare to answer questions about our faith like in Acts 4:7? Framing the Moment Acts 4:7 records, “They had Peter and John brought in and began to question them: ‘By what power or name did you do this?’” The same challenge meets every believer. Preparation enables a clear, confident reply. Filled and Led by the Holy Spirit • Acts 4:8 shows Peter “filled with the Holy Spirit” before he spoke. • Continuous surrender invites the Spirit’s boldness (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 4:31). • Daily ask, listen, and obey, trusting the Spirit to supply wisdom and courage. Grounded in Scripture • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms that Scripture equips “for every good work.” • Study systematically: gospel narratives, doctrine in the epistles, and key Old-Testament promises fulfilled in Christ. • Memorize anchor texts for clarity under pressure (1 Peter 3:15; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6). Anchored in the Name of Jesus • Peter’s answer centers on “the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (Acts 4:10). • Recognize exclusive authority vested in that name (Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:9-11). • Speak of who Jesus is—Son of God, crucified, risen, reigning—and what He has done personally. Sharpening Personal Testimony • A concise story of life before Christ, meeting Christ, and life after Christ communicates reality (Acts 26:9-23 pattern). • Keep it Christ-focused and Scripture-laced. • Practice aloud so the flow is natural and sincere. Developing Biblical Reasoning Skills • 2 Timothy 2:15 urges accurate handling of the word of truth. • Compare passages, trace themes, and note original-context meaning. • Address common objections with biblical answers: the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15), salvation by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), God’s character (Exodus 34:6-7). Cultivating Christlike Character • Boldness and humility walk together (Colossians 4:5-6). • Integrity backs words with credibility, just as the healed man standing beside Peter and John validated their message (Acts 4:14). • Gentleness and respect draw hearers (Proverbs 15:1). Engaging in Prayer and Fellowship • The early believers prayed corporately for bold speech (Acts 4:29-31). • Pray for opportunities, clarity, and open hearts (Colossians 4:3-4). • Encourage and refine one another through small-group discussions and role-play conversations. Living Ready and Active • Keep “feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). • View everyday interactions as divine appointments. • Share truth in season and out of season, trusting God for results (2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7). Summary Pathway 1. Seek Spirit-fullness. 2. Saturate the mind with Scripture. 3. Center every answer on Jesus’ name and work. 4. Hone a clear, Scripture-anchored testimony. 5. Study to reason biblically. 6. Walk in consistent, winsome character. 7. Cover all with prayer and supportive fellowship. Following these steps readies believers to respond like Peter and John—calm, confident, and Christ-exalting—whenever faith is examined. |
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