Empowered Witness Week 11. "Boldness in Prayer and Witness: Lessons from Acts 4:23-31"

Notes: MR HOOVER 88 BIRTHDAY

Bold prayer of a 5 year old

Introduction:

Briefly introduce the context of Acts 4:23-31.

Peter an ordinary fisherman has been called by Jesus Himself to be the first pastor, church, planter and preacher. Peter was far from perfect, he had many problems and at one point even denied knowing Jesus. After the Crucifixion of Jesus Perter and the Apostles were empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue the work of Christ, these are the actions of the first church.

We learned that Peter had healed a lame man at Gate beautiful. This was not recieved well by the religious leaders and teachers. They came against Peter and John, threw them in jail and demanded that they not preach the Crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

In our text today Peter and John have been released from Jail but not before making a bold statement considering their situation. Let’s look at Acts 4:16-20

Acts 4:16–20 ESV

16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Acts 4:21 ESV

21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.

Today, I want us as the church to see the early churches responce to opposition and learn from it.

Highlight the importance of prayer, unity, and boldness in the early church.

Point 1: The Power of Unified Prayer (Acts 4:23-31)

Scripture:

Acts 4:23–31 ESV

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Scripture verse by verse

Acts 4:23–24 (ESV)

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God...

Explanation:

First: there is comfort in unity. What did they do when they were released? They went to their friends, the people of the church to tell them what happened. This is a beautiful picture of what the church should be. We as the Church have been divinely put together to become the Church of Christ. The church should be a place of refuge and safety for all. The apostles immediately turned to their fellow believers for support.

Secondly: They lifted their voices together, showing a collective reliance on God. They prayed together. This cleanly shows the power of cooperate prayer.

Listen to their prayer:

Acts 4:24–30 ESV

24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, “ ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed’— 27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

When God’s people pray together God moves!

Acts 4:31 ESV

31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Church should be a safe place to be, a place where you know that those brothers and sisters around you have your back. The church should pray cooperatively fully understanding that united cooperate prayer is powerful and calls God to action. This church needs a prayer life that shakes the ground we are standing on.

Illustration:

There was a small church in a rural town facing severe drought. The crops were failing, and the community was on the brink of despair. The entire congregation decided to meet at the church every evening to pray for rain. For weeks, they lifted their voices together, petitioning God for relief. One evening, after another fervent prayer session, the sky darkened, and rain began to fall. The unity and faith of the congregation in their collective prayer brought about a miraculous change, showing the power of unified prayer.

Point 2: Recognizing God's Sovereignty (Verses 24-28)

Scripture:

Acts 4:24 ESV

24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,

Explanation:

Acknowledgment of God's Authority:

The early church begins their prayer by acknowledging God as the "Sovereign Lord." This title emphasizes God’s ultimate authority and control over all things.They affirm that God is the Creator of heaven, earth, and sea, reinforcing His supreme power and authority over all creation.

Historical Perspective:

By referencing God as the Creator, the believers root their prayer in the history of God's mighty works. This provides a sense of continuity and faithfulness in God's character.They recall the scriptural prophecies, specifically quoting Psalm 2:1-2, which speaks of the nations raging and the peoples plotting in vain. This prophecy is seen as being fulfilled in the opposition they are facing.

Understanding Opposition in Light of God’s Plan:

The early church recognizes that Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel conspired against Jesus, fulfilling what God’s power and will had decided beforehand should happen.This acknowledgment shows their deep understanding that even opposition and suffering are within God’s sovereign plan and serve His purposes.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty Brings Peace:

By affirming God's control over their situation, the believers find peace and confidence. They understand that their struggles and challenges are not outside of God’s control but are part of His divine plan.This trust in God's sovereignty allows them to face threats and opposition without fear, knowing that God is with them and for them.

Application:

Personal Reflection:

We all should reflect on areas of our lives where we struggle to trust God’s sovereignty. Are there situations causing anxiety or fear? Bring these concerns to God, acknowledging His control and trusting in His plan.

Corporate Trust:

As a church, recognize and affirm God's sovereignty in all church matters, especially in times of difficulty or decision-making. Encourage a collective mindset that seeks God's will and trusts His plan, even when it is not immediately clear.

Facing Challenges:

Equip the congregation to face personal and communal challenges with a perspective rooted in God’s sovereignty. Remind them that no matter what they face, God is in control and can use even the most difficult circumstances for His glory and their growth.

Illustration:

Illustration: Consider the story of Corrie ten Boom during World War II. Despite being imprisoned in a concentration camp for hiding Jews, she continued to trust in God's sovereignty. She believed that even in the darkest of places, God was in control. Her faith in God's ultimate authority brought her peace and hope, allowing her to minister to fellow prisoners. This unwavering trust in God's sovereignty became a powerful testimony to others.

Detailed Example: Corrie and her sister Betsie were sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp. Despite the horrific conditions, they managed to smuggle a Bible and held worship services in their barracks. Corrie often recalled how Betsie would remind her that they were in the center of God's will, despite the suffering around them. Betsie’s unwavering faith and recognition of God’s sovereignty even in such dire circumstances inspired Corrie and many others to trust in God’s ultimate plan. After the war, Corrie shared their story worldwide, illustrating the profound impact of trusting in God's sovereignty.

"Explanation:

The early church recognized God's ultimate authority and control over all creation. They acknowledged God's hand in their circumstances, even the opposition they faced. This recognition brought them confidence and peace.

Application:

We learn form this to trust in God's sovereignty in our lives. We need to see challenges as opportunities to rely more on God.

Illustration:

Consider the story of Corrie ten Boom during World War II. Despite being imprisoned in a concentration camp for hiding Jews, she continued to trust in God's sovereignty. She believed that even in the darkest of places, God was in control. Her faith in God's ultimate authority brought her peace and hope, allowing her to minister to fellow prisoners. This unwavering trust in God's sovereignty became a powerful testimony to others.

Point 3: Boldness in Witness (Verses 29-30)

Scripture: "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness..."

Context of the Prayer:

The apostles had just been released from custody after being threatened by the Sanhedrin. Despite these threats, they did not ask for protection or the removal of obstacles but for boldness to continue their mission.This highlights their commitment to the Great Commission and their understanding of the necessity of proclaiming the gospel regardless of the circumstances.

Nature of Boldness:

Biblical boldness is not mere bravery or recklessness. It is a confident reliance on God that enables one to speak and act according to His will, despite fear or opposition.This boldness comes from knowing that God is with us, empowering us through His Spirit.

Source of Boldness:

The apostles' boldness was rooted in their prayer life and their dependence on God. They acknowledged their need for divine empowerment to continue their work.They recognized that true boldness comes from the Holy Spirit, who gives courage and clarity in proclaiming the truth.

Application:

Personal Boldness:

Encourage the congregation to reflect on areas where they need more boldness in their witness. Are there situations where fear holds them back from sharing their faith?Challenge them to pray specifically for boldness, just as the early church did, trusting that God will grant it.

Boldness in Community:

Highlight the importance of supporting one another in prayer for boldness. As a church community, we can encourage and uplift each other to stand firm in our witness.Organize prayer groups or partnerships focused on praying for boldness in sharing the gospel.

Facing Modern-Day Threats:

Discuss contemporary forms of opposition that believers might face, such as social ostracism, workplace challenges, or cultural push-back. Equip the congregation with practical ways to respond to these threats with grace and courage, relying on God’s strength.

Illustration:

During the apartheid era in South Africa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu consistently spoke out against racial injustice despite severe opposition and threats. His boldness in witnessing for truth and justice inspired many and brought international attention to the cause. His courage was rooted in his faith and his trust in God's justice. Tutu's example shows how boldness in witness can make a significant impact, even in the face of great danger.

Point 4: The Spirit's Empowerment (Verse 31)

Scripture: "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Explanation:

The Holy Spirit empowered the believers, resulting in a renewed courage and effectiveness in their witness.The physical shaking of the place signified God's powerful presence and response to their prayer.

Application:

Emphasize the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit for effective ministry.Encourage the congregation to seek the Spirit's empowerment in their daily lives.

Illustration:

Illustration: At a revival meeting in Wales in the early 20th century, the Holy Spirit's presence was so palpable that the entire community was transformed. People who had never been to church were drawn in, and lives were changed dramatically. Crime rates dropped, and taverns closed due to lack of business. The revival's impact was profound, showing how the Holy Spirit's empowerment can lead to widespread transformation and bold proclamation of the gospel.

Conclusion:

Summarize the key points: Unified prayer, recognizing God's sovereignty, boldness in witness, and the Spirit's empowerment.Encourage the congregation to apply these lessons in their lives and in the church community.Close with a prayer asking God to grant the same boldness and empowerment to the congregation as He did to the early church.

zimmerman Family joining

Closing Prayer:

Pray for unity in the church, recognition of God's sovereignty, boldness in witness, and the Spirit's empowerment.