Courage Under Fire | Acts 4:1-31

Obedience to the Lord leads to opposition from the World. It isn’t an obstacle to our mission, but the very arena where it thrives.

The Church thrives under opposition when it…

I. Boldly confronts the World’s lies (Acts 4:1-4).
     a. The Sadducees rejected the truth of the resurrection.
     b. Jesus was an “ideal” to them.
     c. The truth is always persecuted by the lies.

II. Fully depends on the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:5-22).
     a. “Filled with the Holy Spirit”, as Jesus had promised (Luke 21:12-15, 5-8)
     b. Peter BEFORE/AFTER the resurrection (Luke 22:54-62, 5-12)
     c. Opposition turns to violence, but the resolve remains (13-22).

III. Unwaveringly obeys (Acts 4:23-31).
     a. The disciples BEFORE/AFTER the resurrection (Luke 22:39-46, 23-30)
     b. Speaking the word of God with boldness (31)

Because of Jesus’ victory over death,
the Holy Spirit dwells in us and
reshapes us into the witnesses
we are called to be.

As forceful opposition comes your way,
the Holy Spirit empowers us to respond with
fearless proclamation.

1. When opposition comes because of my faith, do I view it as a sign that something is wrong—or as an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to make my witness clearer and stronger?
2. What specific area of my life is God calling me to obey more boldly this week, trusting the Holy Spirit to help me not only speak the truth but also live it consistently?