Brave

Intro

The Sanhedrin's weapons. In these verses we see the weapons used by the Sanhedrin against the disciples Peter and John:

Intimidation: Use authority to strike fear into the hearts of those holding opposing views (Acts 4:1-6). Let's remember: for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7 - ESV);

Tradition: Invoke the long history of believing something and doing something a certain way. Don't conduct a genuine investigation, and refuse to hear opposing arguments (Acts 4:7). Laban used the tradition argument to justify his behaviour against Jacob: When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?” 26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one (Genesis 29:25-26 - NIV);

Coercion: Manipulate the behaviour of opponents using any means necessary: threats, bribes, blackmail, flattery... and if necessary, eliminate them altogether (Acts 4:13-18). Nehemiah suffered all these threats while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

Sermon's outline. When we faced opposition there is just one way to win our battle: be brave. Let's see 3 qualities of the disciples' courage:

Their Confidence;

Their Authority;

Their Effectiveness.

N.1 - Their Confidence

Acts 4:13 NIV

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Confidence. Confidence is not arrogance. When the Holy Spirit fills someone, humility replaces arrogance.

Arrogance comes from insecurity.

The 2 disciples spoke with confidence because they found security in the Lord Jesus, not in themselves.

True or false confidence? The Bible presents 2 types of confidence:

Psalm 20:7 NIV

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

false confidence relies on one's own strengths and abilities:

Genesis 11:4 NIV

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

True confidence, the confidence that allows you to resist in the face of the greatest adversity, is based on God's faithfulness:

Job 19:25 NIV

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.

Our true security is in God, not in God plus anything else. Both this confidence and the threat to it are now spelt out.

Derek Kidner

N.2 - Their Authority

Acts 4:13 NIV

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Authority. Peter and John never received formal training to debate theology and philosophy like the powerful and intelligent religious leaders.

The Sadducees were trained to defend their views in public forums called "challenge and riposte".

The disciples had only the basic education given to all Jewish children in Galilee.

The apostles stood on Christ's authority, not their own.

They possessed a direct line to absolute truth: Jesus Christ, the living Word of God.

The source of authority is knowing the truth.

The highest expression of authority is over yourself and not over others:

When you know the truth of Christ, this knowledge will produce power to lead your life in holiness, courage and honor.

John 8:32 NIV

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

N. 3 - Their Effectiveness

Acts 4:14 NIV

But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

Effectiveness. By yielding to the control of the Holy Spirit, the men became instruments of God's will.

Doing what is right in the face of intimidation and coercion produces results.

The price might be high, even the sacrifice of one's life.

But the Lord will always honour obedience.

The undeniable effect of the apostles obedience stood beside them, a formerly paralyzed man restored to perfect health.

Conclusion

Walk withouth fear. Don’t let the enemy intimidate you, inhibit your desire to see God at work in your life.

Walk with confidence and, through the authority that comes from God, your life will produce results, tangible evidence that will precede your testimony of faith. Amen!