How can we prepare to speak when given opportunities like in Acts 13:15? Setting the Scene “After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them, saying, ‘Brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, please speak.’ ” (Acts 13:15) Paul and Barnabas were visitors, yet the leaders sensed they had something worth hearing. In a moment, the floor was theirs. Opportunities like that still come—at family gatherings, workplace conversations, church meetings, even on social media. Scripture shows how to be ready when the invitation comes. Recognizing God’s Invitations • Every unexpected opening to speak for Christ is a God-given door (1 Corinthians 16:9). • He prepares both the hearers and the messenger (Ephesians 2:10). • Seeing these moments as divine appointments creates urgency and joy, not pressure. Preparing the Reservoir: Filling Our Minds with Truth • Daily reading—so God’s words become our words (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Systematic study—whole-Bible familiarity lets us connect passages like Paul did in Acts 13 (Law, Prophets, Psalms, Gospel). • Memorization—truth stored in the heart surfaces when notes aren’t handy (Psalm 119:11). • Sound doctrine—knowing “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) guards against error. Cultivating the Heart: Walking in Fellowship with Christ • Ongoing prayer keeps motives pure and dependence clear (Colossians 4:2-4). • Confession and obedience maintain a clean conscience, freeing the tongue (Psalm 51:12-15). • Love for people fuels boldness; self-concern silences it (2 Corinthians 5:14). Sharpening the Message • The Gospel’s core: – God’s righteous standard (Romans 3:23). – Christ’s atoning death and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). – Call to repent and believe (Acts 17:30-31). • Personal testimony—what Christ has done in us (Acts 26:9-23). • Clear invitation—“Everyone who believes is justified” (Acts 13:39). Practical Habits for Everyday Readiness • Keep a simple outline in mind: Creation – Fall – Cross – Response. • Carry a small Bible or app, marked for quick reference. • Practice summarizing the Gospel in sixty seconds. • Listen first; tailor words to the hearer’s background (Colossians 4:5-6). • Use ordinary language; avoid jargon that confuses outsiders. • Depend on the Spirit’s illumination more than on polished delivery (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Paul’s Model in Acts 13 • Starts where the audience is—their shared history. • Traces God’s promises to their fulfillment in Jesus. • Quotes Scripture as decisive authority. • Honors God’s faithfulness, exposes unbelief, offers forgiveness. • Urges a response without manipulation. Trusting the Spirit’s Moment-by-Moment Help “Do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12) Readiness is not self-reliance; it is Spirit-saturated preparation. We study, pray, and practice, yet we rest in His promise to supply the right words. Final Encouragement “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you, in gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Living these verses positions us like Paul—ready when the invitation comes: “If you have a word… please speak.” |
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