Can They Tell You Know Jesus?

Acts 4

Acts 4 — “They perceived they had been with Jesus”

Theme: recognizable Christlikeness

Acts 4:13 says:

They perceived that they had been with Jesus.

This is not about a miracle done to Peter and John — it’s about a life shaped by Jesus:

• Their boldness resembled Jesus.

• Their speech resembled Jesus.

• Their fearlessness resembled Jesus.

• Their authority resembled Jesus.

The point is:

Being with Jesus changes who you are.

This is the fruit of discipleship, sanctification, and union with Christ.

Tying in last week

I. The Change Jesus Makes in You (John 9)

• Salvation is a miracle.

• You cannot meet Jesus and stay the same.

• Even before you understand everything, the work is real.

• “I was blind, now I see” is the testimony of every believer.

II. The Character Jesus Forms in You (Acts 4)

• Time with Jesus produces boldness.

• Time with Jesus produces obedience.

• Time with Jesus produces recognizable Christlikeness.

• People should be able to “perceive” you’ve been with Him.

III. The Witness Jesus Sends You Out With

• The blind man’s testimony: “He changed me.”

• The apostles’ testimony: “We walk with Him.”

• The church’s testimony: “We look like Him.”

A non obvious insight

The blind man’s transformation was visible, but his understanding was partial. The apostles’ transformation was internal, but their understanding was full.

Both are true of believers:

• You are changed instantly at salvation.

• You are changed continually through discipleship.

So the question becomes:

Has Jesus changed you? And is He still changing you?

Application

1. Examine the Evidence of Your Conversion

John 9 — “I was blind, now I see.”

Application: Ask yourself: Has Jesus truly changed me? Not “Do I know the right verses?” or “Do I attend church?” but Has the miracle of new birth happened?

• Is there a before-and-after story in your life?

• Is there spiritual sight where there used to be blindness?

• Is there a God-given desire for holiness, truth, and obedience?

This challenges the believer to consider whether their faith is alive, not merely inherited or assumed.

Pastoral aim: You must discern between religious familiarity and genuine regeneration.

2. Evaluate the Marks of Christlikeness in Your Daily Life

Acts 4 — “They perceived they had been with Jesus.”

Application: Does your character make Christ believable to others?

• Do your words sound like someone who has been with Jesus?

• Do your decisions reflect His priorities?

• Do your reactions show His peace, courage, and compassion?

• Would your coworkers, family, or neighbors say, “There’s something different about them”?

This should move the believer from salvation experience to sanctification evidence.

Pastoral aim: Call believers to intentional, daily communion with Christ that produces visible fruit.

3. Embrace Your Responsibility to Bear Witness to Christ

Acts 4 + John 9 — “He changed me” / “We walk with Him.”

Application: Your life is meant to be a testimony.

• The blind man’s witness was simple: “He changed me.”

• The apostles’ witness was bold: “We walk with Him.”

• The church’s witness should be consistent: “We look like Him.”

Ask:

• Who around me needs to hear what Christ has done?

• Who needs to see Christ in my conduct, courage, and compassion?

• Where is God calling me to speak, serve, or stand for Him this week?

Pastoral aim: you must move from inward reflection to outward mission.

A final synthesis you can preach

Conversion gives you a story. Sanctification gives you a character. Being a witness gives you a purpose.

And all three ask the same searching question:

Can they tell you know Jesus?