ernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
May 4, 2025
FORWARD: Effective Witness
Acts 4:13-31
Acts 4:13-31
[13] Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. [14] 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.
The Believers Pray for Boldness
[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.
1. To be an effective witness for Christ, we must be convinced that Jesus is better.
If we are convinced that something is really awesome, it will easily come up in our conversations with people. What are some things you have found to bring you joy that you have been eager to tell people about?
Why do we tell others about these things?
Of course, we would all verbally say, “Jesus is better”, but how do our lifestyles not back this up sometimes?
So how can we show the people we associate with that Jesus is better?
2. To be an effective witness for Christ, we must be dependent on God through prayer.
When a difficult trial or challenge comes up in your daily life, what is usually your first response or reaction?
The response of these first Christians to this threat of persecution was to pray. But what is unique about the content of their prayer?
Look below at the example (model) prayer Jesus used to teach his disciples how to pray. How does this mirror the prayer in Acts 4?
Matthew 6:9–13
[9] Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. [10] Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread, [12] and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
What is typically the content of most people’s prayers?
If we begin our prayers by praising and thanking God for who he is and what he’s done, how do you think this will affect your perspective on the challenges you face each day?
How do you think praying like this will affect your efforts to share Jesus with others?
3. To be an effective witness for Christ, we must be determined in the face of opposition.
Where does spiritual opposition come from?
Why does Satan bring opposition to where the Holy Spirit is working?
There are real physical threats against Christians in some parts of the world today. However, in our culture in America, he tries to keep us from being effective witnesses through much more subtle means. What are some of those ways?
How can we keep a solid determination in the face of such obstacles of sin and opposition?
What’s one practical step you can take this week to engage with a non-Christian in your life?
For help with engaging with non-Christians, check out these resources:
