SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:13-22
OBSERVATION:
The Jewish leaders were stuck. Even they noted that these men were radically changed – unschooled, ordinary men who had been with Jesus. This is the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of those who humbly surrender to Jesus. He takes charge and transforms them from the inside out. That Peter could now boldly face possible suffering (whereas before he denied Christ when pressed) shows the truth of what he was saying: “we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (v.20)
APPLICATION:
This is the heart of true witnessing, not sharing “information” about God, but witnessing to what we have seen and heard. As long as our message is only “information”, it lacks power. We need to speak honestly from our own experience of the inward and outward work of the Spirit – this is our testimony. And we will only experience this life-changing work if we sincerely repent and surrender our hearts and lives to Him, so that He can do His work. The key to doing evangelism is not taking a course, it is surrendering to Him and telling others what happens in our lives as a result.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to focus less on producing sermons and convincing others, and allow You to do Your work in me, and tell others about it! May my witness not be information about You, but a personal testimony about Your amazing power and grace in my life! Amen.
God is the Potter and He uses His people His wonders to perform – whether schooled or unschooled. Christ Jesus was alive in the apostles. They were His living testimony not only by their head knowledge (knowing), but also by their hearts (loving) and hands (doing). Who can agrue when they proclaim the Gospel? Not even the religious leaders because they were in their positions for prestege and honour and self recognition, but not of service – serving their Creator God. Lord help me to be alive in Christ Jesus so that I too can not help but speak about You. Help me to share my stories of faith. Help me to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks me to give the reason for the hope that I have.”
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.