FROM TIMID TO BOLD IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT
- Key Verse
- "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
As followers of Christ, God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, has given us the privilege of sharing the Gospel.
Reflections
In this passage, we see Peter standing before the spiritual leaders of the Jewish nation who are demanding an explanation of this new gospel: that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah. Yes, this is the very same Peter who could not even stand the accusations and finger pointing of servant girls and curious onlookers at Jesus’ mock trial before these same Jewish leaders.
What had happened to Peter to turn him from a scared and timid follower of Christ to a bold witness ready to suffer anything for the amazing truth he dared to proclaim? Early in our passage, Luke tells us that Peter was “filled with the Holy Spirit." Here is the key to Peter’s newfound boldness. No longer is this Peter, the timid; it is Peter filled with the very Spirit of God!
Some years ago, I had the privilege of going on a missions trip to Romania with a group of people from the church I attended in Ponca City. On this trip, we were to go into the public schools in a certain city and stand before the teachers and students to give a short account of the Gospel. I was very nervous; public speaking, to say the least, is not my favorite thing to do. However, I had spent a lot of time praying and asking God to help me. When it came my turn to stand up and share, I felt a sense of boldness and purpose. I knew this was not from my great talents as an orator, but it was from the Holy Spirit giving me the words to speak. I knew then that God’s Holy Spirit was with me just as He was with Peter on that remarkable day so long ago.
Discussion Questions
- How has the Holy Spirit helped you when you've had an opportunity to share about Christ?
- How does knowing that God has given us the Holy Spirit help when it comes time to share the gospel?
- In what ways, other than public proclamation, can the power of the Holy Spirit help us in being witnesses for Christ?
- What can we learn from Peter and the other apostles that will help us to be witnesses for Christ?
Doug Quinn
January 12, 2010 07:50 AM
Lee, thanks for your powerful witness and how you have grown in the Spirit, an inspiration to all!
vickie walden
January 12, 2010 07:51 AM
I love this key verse: there is salvation in NO ONE ELSE! When we are confident of that in our hearts the Holy Spirit gives us more confidence to speak.
Denise
January 12, 2010 09:17 AM
Thank you for your encouraging words this morning! The Holy Spirit changes us! We can do things that we never thought possible. Denise
Rod MacIlvaine
January 12, 2010 09:23 AM
Lee, this was an encouraging devotional for me. I can remember being in both Russia and Cuba and experiencing the same thing. I would be asked (on the spur of the moment) to say things to people in great need. I would silently pray, "Lord, you've got to give me something." And God was always faithful to do it. I also love this verse because it testifies to the uniqueness of Jesus. Thanks. Rod
Susan Miner
January 14, 2010 10:52 AM
Thanks for sharing this awesome experience, Lee. It's an encouragement and a good reminder for those of us who aren't naturally bold. Susan Miner
Dorthie
January 26, 2010 09:05 PM
Excellent message, Lee!