May 14, 2023
Acts 4:23-31
Why You Should Pray For Boldness
1. Boldness answers the questions beforehand, v. 23
“Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason, my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience would be neither right nor safe. God help me. Here I stand, I can do no other.”
-Martin Luther
“But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 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.” 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. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.”
-Acts 4:14-22
2. Boldness comes from right doctrine, v. 24-28
“The conviction that Christian doctrine matters for Christian living is one of the most important growth points of the Christian life.”
-Sinclair Ferguson
Four biblical doctrines from the text...
a) sovereignty of God, v. 24
b) creation, v. 24
c) inspiration of Scripture, v. 25
God….Holy Spirit…David…Psalm 2
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
-2 Timothy 3:16
d) prophecy, v. 25-27
3. Boldness is about continuing not starting, v. 29-31
Mental worship…
If you continue living as you are right now will more people be in heaven as a result of your life?
What question, if answered, would produce more boldness in you?
What is one biblical doctrine you want to better understand?
Would you rather be popular or bold?
What are the five most life shaping things you believe right now?