How can we rely on God to "confirm the message" in our ministry? Setting the Scene Acts 14:3: “So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.” What God Did in Lystra • Paul and Barnabas preached courageously in a hostile environment. • The Lord Himself “confirmed the message”—He put His own seal on their words. • The confirmation came through “signs and wonders,” tangible demonstrations that the gospel is true. • The result: the Word advanced despite opposition. Why Divine Confirmation Matters • Validates the gospel before listening hearts. • Encourages the messengers that God truly is “working with them” (Mark 16:20). • Silences critics who rely only on human reasoning (1 Corinthians 2:4). • Builds faith in new believers, anchoring them to God’s power, not personality. Foundational Truths to Rest On • God is faithful and cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). • His Word never returns empty (Isaiah 55:11). • The Spirit still testifies with “signs, wonders, and various miracles” (Hebrews 2:4). How to Rely on God to Confirm the Message Today Stay Saturated in Scripture – Keep the message pure; God confirms His own truth, not human invention. – Let every sermon, lesson, or conversation flow from the written Word. Speak Boldly, Not Brashly – Boldness arises from confidence in God, not pride in self. – The apostles “spoke boldly for the Lord”; the focus remained on Him. Depend on the Spirit’s Power – Pray for Him to accompany the Word with conviction, healing, deliverance, or timely providence. – Welcome whatever form of confirmation He chooses; it may be inward assurance, transformed lives, or overt miracles. Maintain Humble Expectation – Expect God to act, yet refuse to script how He must do it. – Celebrate small evidences of grace as eagerly as dramatic interventions. Persevere Through Opposition – Resistance often precedes the clearest confirmations. – Continue steadfastly; God’s timing perfects His witness. Cultivate Accountability and Integrity – A pure vessel enhances the credibility of the message. – Live transparently so confirmations point unmistakably to God, not to personal charisma. Practical Ministry Steps 1. Prepare the message prayerfully, rooted in Acts 14:3’s confidence. 2. Step out in obedience—share, teach, counsel, serve. 3. Ask the Lord for His confirming work; trust Him to choose the method. 4. Record testimonies of answered prayer, changed lives, or supernatural interventions. 5. Publicly give God the glory, strengthening the faith of others. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Mark 16:20 — “The Lord worked with them and confirmed the word by the signs that accompanied it.” • Hebrews 2:4 — “God also testified to it by signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.” • 1 Corinthians 2:4 — “My message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.” A Vision Going Forward Stay faithful to the gospel, lean on the Spirit, and expect the living God to authenticate His truth. As He confirmed the message of grace in Lystra, He will confirm it in our day—so that all glory resounds to Him and many come to saving faith. |
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