Biblical Confidence

Introduction

Hook: There once was a time, and I can remember it distinctly. I was sitting in my dorm room in Bible college. And it dawned upon me that at one time I believe that if God elects sinners unconditionally, then I would never evangelize—but suddenly it flipped entirely for me—as I confessed that if God doesn’t elect unconditionally, then I would never evangelize. I went from believing that if God was sovereign in salvation, that evangelism was vain and impossible, to believing that unless God was sovereign in salvation, that evangelism was vain and impossible. So what changed my mind? The words of Jesus Christ our Lord. From the lips of our Saviour—I found biblical confidence to evangelize in the doctrines of God’s sweet and sovereign grace. And I hope that you can find the same thing this morning, that we might be more faithful, fervent, and zealous in biblical evangelism.

Title: Biblical Confidence: Presence, Protection, and Promise

Need: We need to know how we can be truly bold and courageous in the mission of the church and advancement of the Kingdom of Christ.

Purpose: To encourage the church on mission by Christ’s Divine Presence, Protection, and Promises to His People; to refute faulty notions regarding the relationship between evangelism and election; and to exhort the saints to be steadfast in sharing the Word of God with those around us.

Text: Acts 18:9-11 ESV

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(I) The Lord Jesus Appeared to Paul at Night in a Vision - v. 9a.

Acts 18:9 (ESV)

And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision.

(I) The Lord Jesus Appeared to Paul at Night in a Vision - v. 9a.

As you know, Paul has been labouring in the city of Thessalonica, in Berea, in Athens, and now he is in Corinth. Paul has gone through a lot, from beatings to floggings, to shipwrecks, to riots and mobs, and persecution…

And I’m pretty sure that if you or I had gone through that list of suffering: that we’d be throwing up our hands, and raising the white flag of surrender… but not Paul. He knew that God was true, he knew that Christ was Lord, he knew the power of the Spirit—he knew that the kingdom was advancing, and so, taking up his cross, he persevered in the work of the Christian ministry, in the work of the Great Commission. However, I think it’s fair to suppose that Paul must have been a bit weary, a bit tired, a bit overwhelmed, and a bit anxious. And that’s what’s so beautiful about the start of verse 9. In the face of persecution and suffering, danger and harm—the Lord Jesus Christ comes to personally comfort, assure, and strengthen Paul.

What did Paul need to keep on witnessing to the Gospel? He needed to be reminded that Christ is Risen from the Dead, that death has lost its sting, that Jesus is Reigning from heaven, and that nothing can separate Paul from the love of Christ. And so, graciously, Jesus meets Paul at night in a vision.

Are you ever weary in the task that the Lord has called you to? Are you ever growing fainthearted or tired in your vocations? What do you need? You need to be with Jesus. You need to seek His face in prayer. You need to abide with Him through Scripture. You need to praise Him through Psalms. You need to dwell in the shelter of His wings—and be refreshed in His presence.

John 15:5 ESV

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Every so often, when we feel discouragement or fear swelling up within—we need to get alone and be with the Lord—and we need to reorient ourselves in the light of His beauty and glory. And this is exactly what Christ Jesus does for Paul in our text. The risen Christ—shines his glory upon the Apostle—that glory that grants strength upon strength, day by day.

(I) The Lord Jesus Appeared to Paul at Night in a Vision - v. 9a.

So what did Jesus say to Paul? Let’s look at his words together:

(1) Paul Found Confidence in Christ’s Divine Presence - v. 9b & 10a.

Acts 18:9–10 (ESV)

“Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you.”

(1) Paul Found Confidence in Christ’s Divine Presence - v. 9b & 10a.

Wait, the mighty Apostle Paul was afraid? Are you sure you got the right guy? Yes—even the Apostle himself, struggled with fear—for he too carried the weight of the flesh and the sin that dwells therein:

HDK: Paul is discouraged and fearful … The Jews want him to stop teaching the people about Jesus, and the threat to his personal safety is always present. The seemingly endless opposition to Paul’s ministry begins to have a depressing effect on his spiritual life.

So what does our Saviour do? He speaks peace. Isn’t that just like our Saviour? He comes as the Prince of Peace, the King of Grace, our Great High Priest, and he comes to calm our fears and anxieties. In the midst of the storm—Jesus speaks peace. And he says to Paul: do not be afraid. Sound familiar?

God says to Moses in Num. 21:34: “Do not fear him”.

God says to Israel in Deut. 1:21: “Do not fear or be dismayed”.

God says to Joshua in Josh. 8:1: “Do not fear and do not be dismayed”.

God says to Gideon in Judges 6:23: “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die”.

God says to Isaiah in Isa. 8:12: “Do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread”.

And here, Immanuel, God in the flesh—says to Paul: “Do not be afraid”.

How can this be? Because the love of Christ casts out all fear (1 Jn. 4).

Jesus is the divine Son of God, risen and ascending into heaven, with all authority in heaven and on earth, seated on the throne of God and of the Lamb, reigning and ruling over all things—with all powers and principalities subjected unto Him—and so if anyone has the ability to calm our fears, it’s Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 26:3 ESV

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

And this word of peace is followed by a divine commander from the Ruler of the Lord’s Armies: go on speaking! and do not be silent!

Open your lips to proclaim the law and gospel of God! Keep on keeping on! March onward into battle! Proclaim the Scriptures, exhort all men to repent, call all men to believe, reason persuasively and glorify my holy name! I am worthy, Paul, so open your lips to declare my praise among the peoples!

Matthew Henry says that it’s as though Jesus says the following to Paul:

Henry: “Be not afraid of the Jews; though they are very outrageous, and perhaps the more enraged by the conversion of the chief ruler of their synagogue. Be not afraid of the magistrates of the city, for they have no power against thee but what is given them from above. It is the cause of heaven thou art pleading, so do it boldly.

Paul was first and foremast a slave of Christ, and an apostle of Jesus. And the apostles were given this charge:

Acts 1:8 ESV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Paul was not a free man—he was a minister of the Gospel. He had a commission. He had marching orders. And so here comes to King of Zion, the Head of the Church—and he exhorts Paul to fulfill the ministry that had been entrusted to him, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God, proclaiming the whole counsel of God (Acts 20).

Are you ever afraid to share the Gospel? Are you ever afraid of how people will think of you? Or how they will look at you? Or what they will do to you? Is that what’s keeping you back from evangelism day? Jesus says: do not be afraid, but go on speaking! For you are mine, and I have called you to be a light to the nations—salt and light—to proclaim the excellencies of him who has called you out of darkness. So do not be silent.

Have you ever heard the phrase: preach the gospel, and use words if necessary? Hogwash. Jesus didn’t tell Paul to embark on a humanitarian campaign. He didn’t tell Paul to open a not-for-profit-organiziation—he told Paul to preach! To speak! To teach! To proclaim! For there is divine power in the Word of God to save sinners, from the least to the greatest! Faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of Christ! Yes live worthy of the Gospel—yes love your neighbour as yourself—yes live in pure religion that is undefiled before God the Father—but Paul knew: woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel, for the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, first to the Jew and then to the Greek. Do you believe that Calvary? Do you believe? Then do not fear—and open your lips to proclaim Jesus Christ with those around you, for God’s glory!

But wait, that’s not all that Jesus said: he added one more phrase: for I am with you. Wow. That’s what we need to remember in times of fear. I am with you. I will never leave you nor forsake you. I will not abandon you. With God we shall do valiantly! He shall fight for us! He is with us, and He is for us! Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises of God: one of the chiefest being that God shall dwell in the midst of His people!

Leviticus 26:11–12 ESV

I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.

Joshua 1:5 ESV

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.

Matthew 1:23 ESV

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Matthew 16:18 ESV

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

God in Christ, dwells with His people, through the Spirit. Though Jesus is bodily in heaven—by His Holy Spirit he is spiritually with us. He is advancing His Kingdom—and he dwells in our hearts through faith, hope, and love. This is what Paul needed to remember, and this is what we need to remember—that Christ the Head, is with His Body, the Church.

(1) Paul Found Confidence in Christ’s Divine Presence - v. 9b & 10a.

That would have been sufficient if it’s all Jesus said: I am with You! That promise alone is all we need. And yet Jesus gave even more assurance to Paul:

(2) Paul Found Confidence in Christ’s Kingly Protection - v. 9b & 10b.

Acts 18:9–10 (ESV)

“Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, … [for] no one will attack you to harm you”

(2) Paul Found Confidence in Christ’s Kingly Protection - v. 9b & 10b.

Paul needed to remember that His King was a King of almighty power, authority, and dominion. That King Jesus isn’t on the sideline. That King Jesus isn’t waiting for throne. That King Jesus isn’t semi-in-control. No. King Jesus is on His throne, he is reigning, and he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet (Acts 2; 1 Cor. 15). And because of this—Jesus could assure Paul that no one will attack you to harm you. Because all authority belongs to Jesus Christ, the Lord could comfort Paul with divine protection. Why? Because Jesus upholds all things by the word of his power (Heb. 1). Nothing comes to pass apart from the counsel of his will (Eph. 1). In him all things hold together (Col. 1). And he is the ruler of kings of earth (Rev. 1). Therefore, Paul: no one will attack you to harm you.

Brothers and sisters, like Paul, we too need to remember that not a hair can fall from our heads apart from the will of our Father who is in heaven. Our God is sovereign. Our God reigns in Christ Jesus our Lord. All things are under his feet:

Ephesians 1:20–23 ESV

that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Revelation 12:10 ESV

And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.

And so as Paul went forth evangelizing, to advance the Kingdom of God—he could do so with confidence because He knew the King. And the King for fighting for Him, defending him, protecting him, surrounding him, saving his people, conquering his enemies, and advancing his cause. No one will attack you to harm you. And so too can we know, brothers and sisters, that whatsoever comes to pass comes according to his will. They though might hurt us—they cannot harm us—for we are more than conquerors through Him who has loved us!

Romans 8:37–39 ESV

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

And because of this, we need not retaliate. Christ has decreed the end from the beginning. We are safe and secure in his arms. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake—and no one can snatch us from the hand of our Father who is in heaven. Recompense is mine, says the Lord, he will repay—but we must go onward, knowing that nothing shall harm us. What’s the worse thing they can do to us? Kill us? That sends us into the presence of our Saviour. Gird your loins, brethren:

Psalm 118:6–7 ESV

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

How can we not sing, blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! He is our peace, he is our commander, he is with us, he is fighting for us, and he is protecting us. You prepare a table for me in the presence of mine enemies (Ps. 23)—for Christ rules in the midst of his enemies (Ps. 110).

(2) Paul Found Confidence in Christ’s Kingly Protection - v. 9b & 10b.

But there’s one more thing that Jesus says to Paul—dare I say that it was the thing that gave him the most zeal and confidence in his evangelism:

(3) Paul Found Confidence in Christ’s Electing Promise - v. 9b & 10c.

Acts 18:9–10 (ESV)

“Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent … for I have many in this city who are my people.”

(3) Paul Found Confidence in Christ’s Electing Promise - v. 9b & 10c.

Here’s what Matthew Henry had to say about this precious promise of divine election! It’s as though Jesus says:

Henry: “For I have much people in this city. Therefore no man shall prevail to obstruct thy work, therefore I will be with thee to own thy work, and therefore do thou go on vigorously and cheerfully in it; for there are many in this city that are to be effectually called by thy ministry, in whom thou shalt see of the travail of thy soul.” … “I have them, though they yet know me not, though yet they are led captive by Satan at his will; for the Father has given them to me, to be a seed to serve me; I have them written in the book of life; I have their names down, and of all that were given me I will lose none; I have them, for I am sure to have them;” for whom he did predestine, he also called.”

This goes back to my opening remarks about evangelism and election. At one point I thought unconditional election made evangelism of no purpose. But now that the Lord has opened my eyes, I see that it is exactly the opposite! And this is what Jesus said to Paul: do not be afraid, for I have many in this city who are my people. What do you mean, Jesus? They haven’t believed yet? How are they your people? Because they are his elect people. Is that not what his very name signifies? Behold you shall call him Jesus, for he wills save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:23). This is a divine assurance—this brings biblical confidence in evangelism.

We evangelize because God has his elect. We evangelize to bring in God’s elect. We evangelize in order that Christ would gather his chosen people from the ends of the earth! Far from being a restraint to evangelism—it’s the divine confidence that we need. As we proclaim the free offer of the Gospel—we know that there shall be success, for his word does not return unto Him void—and as it has already been stated in the Book of Acts:

Acts 13:48 ESV

And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

They did not believe in order to be appointed to eternal life—election is not conditional upon God’s foreseeing your faith; no. They were appointed to eternal life and they therefore believed. This is how Jesus could say that he had a people in the city of Corinth, because they are God’s chosen people, from eternity past.

John 6:37 ESV

All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

John 10:15–16 ESV

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

John 17:1–2 ESV

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.

Ephesians 1:4–6 ESV

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

Romans 8:30 ESV

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

Romans 9:11–13 ESV

though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Jesus proclaimed unconditional election in the Gospels, he assured Paul of divine election in his vision in the night, and Paul proclaimed unconditional election in his epistles. The greatest missionary-evangelist to walk this earth found his confidence in the fact that God has an elect, and those elect must be saved! And this by no means hindered evangelism or the free offer of the gospel—for such things are the divinely appointed means of gathering in the ransomed saints from every nation, tribe, and tongue. And so after Romans 9, comes Romans 10:

Romans 10:14–17 ESV

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Jesus told Paul: I have many in this city who are my people! Many! Not a few. Many. For the elect of God are a great multitude which no man can number, from every nation, tribe, and tongue—God’s grace is greater than our sin. And so Jesus said to Paul: Go get them! Go disciple the city of Corinth, gather in my people into the church, and teach them to love and serve me for all their days. And as you do so, as you proclaim the Word of Christ—they shall be granted faith to come to Jesus.

And if we know the depravity of our own hearts, and of all men, then we will know that the doctrine of election is not one to fuss over—but to humbly praise God for—why me, oh Lord? To which there is only one answer: to the praise of his glorious grace (Eph. 1). And so we sing:

My Lord I did not choose thee, for that could never be—my heart would still refuse thee, had thou not chosen me.

So brothers and sisters, instead of answering back to God with charges of injustice, crying out as the molded against the molder, as the pot against the potter—rejoice in the God of sovereign grace, and let us find full assurance of faith and hope in the salvation of our God, and let us live out his very words:

John 15:16 (ESV)

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide!

Let us go and bear fruit, for the glory of the God who has chosen us, called us, and saved us—and I wonder if we have faith, that perhaps it is true of Kingston also: that Jesus has many in this city who are his people? I’m sure of it: for in Christ shall all the families of the earth be blessed. What strength this brings!

(3) Paul Found Confidence in Christ’s Electing Promise - v. 9b & 10c.

And so this leads to Luke’s words that tell us how Paul responded, which is also our conclusion:

(C) Biblical Confidence for Evangelism led Paul to Boldly Proclaim the Word of God - v. 11

Brothers and sisters, Christ must reign, and he reigns to save—for his people will offer themselves freely on the day of his power—and so with divine confidence we can be bold and courageous, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom in Christ Jesus our Lord! there once was a time when I thought evangelism was foolish if election was true—now I know that evangelism can only be successful if election is true. This is where true courage is found!

And this is how the book of Acts ends, showing Paul’s boldness:

Acts 28:30–31 ESV

He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

And so my charge to you all is this, as soldiers of the Cross:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before! Christ the royal Master, leads against the foe; forward into battle, see his banner go!

(C) Biblical Confidence for Evangelism led Paul to Boldly Proclaim the Word of God- v. 11

Amen? Let’s pray.

Discussion Questions:

(1) Can you think of a time when you were afraid to evangelize but the Lord gave you confidence to do it anyways?

(2) How do the words: “I am with you” still our nervous fears, and help us to be confidence in evangelism?

(3) What do the words: “no one will attack you to harm you” remind us about our Reigning King?

(4) How does this assurance of election: “for I have many in this city who are my people” empower us to evangelize?

(5) How can you remember these truths in times of evangelistic-fear, so that you have have biblical confidence?