What authority or power do we rely on when facing challenges today? An Unavoidable Question: Whose Power? “ ‘By what power or by what name have you done this?’ ” (Acts 4:7) • First–century religious leaders sensed a real, supernatural power behind the healing of the lame man (Acts 3). • Their question spotlights the decisive issue every generation faces when opposition rises: on whose authority do we act and speak? Peter’s Inspired Response (vv. 8-12) • Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter declares the miracle was done “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” (v. 10). • He anchors that authority in three literal, historical facts: – Jesus was crucified. – God raised Him from the dead. – This risen Jesus healed the man and offers salvation to all (v. 12). • The apostles rely on a Person, not a program; on a name, not a novelty. The Same Name for Us Today • Matthew 28:18—“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” • Philippians 2:9-11—every knee will bow at His name. • Acts 4:12—“there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Because Scripture is accurate and literal, the authority Jesus held then is the authority He still holds now. The Power of His Indwelling Spirit • Acts 1:8—“you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” • Ephesians 1:19-23—the same power that raised Christ works in believers today. • 1 John 4:4—“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” The Spirit does not merely accompany us; He empowers us to speak and act under Jesus’ authority. Living Out That Authority During Challenges 1. Stand on the Word – Ephesians 6:17 calls Scripture “the sword of the Spirit.” – Because God’s Word is truth (John 17:17), we confidently quote and obey it. 2. Invoke the Name of Jesus – Colossians 3:17—“whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” 3. Yield to the Spirit’s Leading – Galatians 5:25—“keep in step with the Spirit.” 4. Stay Bold, Not Belligerent – Acts 4:13 notes the Sanhedrin saw the apostles’ courage and recognized they had been with Jesus. 5. Expect God to Act – Ephesians 3:20—He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Encouraging Snapshots • David vs. Goliath—1 Samuel 17:45: “I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty.” • Jehoshaphat’s crisis—2 Chronicles 20:15: “the battle is not yours, but God’s.” • Paul before Agrippa—Acts 26:22: “I have had God’s help to this very day.” Each account underscores the consistent, literal truth: God’s people triumph by relying on His authority, never their own. Summary: Where We Rest Our Confidence • Authority: the exalted name of Jesus Christ. • Power: the indwelling Holy Spirit. • Foundation: the inerrant, literal Word of God. Facing any challenge, we stand exactly where Peter and John stood—secure in the matchless name that heaven endorses and hell cannot withstand. |
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