How can we courageously stand for Jesus in a hostile environment today? Scripture focus: John 11:46 “But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.” The setting then—and what it shows us now • Lazarus has just walked out of the tomb. • Crowds are split: some believe, others rush to hostile leaders. • Reporting Jesus’ miracle to the Pharisees risked backlash. Those eyewitnesses model the first step of courage: simply telling the truth about what Jesus did. Why courage matters • Jesus warned, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” (John 15:18–19) • Paul affirms, “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) • Hostility is not an exception; it is the battlefield of normal Christian living. Practical ways to stand today 1. Speak the facts of what Jesus has done in your life – Like the eyewitnesses in John 11, state plainly how Christ saved you and what He is doing now. 2. Know the message you’re proclaiming – Ground yourself in Scripture. Memorize key texts such as Romans 1:16, Acts 4:12, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. 3. Live an unmistakably different life – “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) 4. Practice gentle boldness – “Always be prepared to give a defense…yet with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) 5. Lean on fellowship – Early believers gathered for strength (Acts 4:23-31). Find or form small groups that pray and strategize for witness. 6. Wear the full armor of God daily – Ephesians 6:10-18 lists truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and the Word as non-negotiables. 7. Accept the cost—and the reward – Jesus promises blessing for those insulted for His name (Matthew 5:11-12). – Remember the resurrection guarantee: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast…knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) Guardrails for wise boldness • Pray before speaking; listen for the Spirit’s prompting (Acts 4:31). • Combine truth with love—never sacrifice one for the other (Ephesians 4:15). • Avoid needless offense; let the gospel itself be the stumbling block, not our attitude (1 Corinthians 1:23). Encouragement from other witnesses • Peter and John: “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) • Stephen: fearless under lethal opposition, yet forgiving (Acts 7:54-60). • Paul: surrendered comforts, confident that “to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Fuel for courage: fixed eyes on Jesus • He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25-26). • He goes with us always (Matthew 28:20). • He will acknowledge before the Father those who acknowledge Him before men (Matthew 10:32). Stand firm. Speak clearly. Love deeply. The same Lord who emboldened eyewitnesses at Lazarus’s tomb empowers us today. |
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