A Prayer for Boldness

Key Takeaways

• Boldness is a priority for believers in sharing the gospel.

• Prayer is essential for gaining courage to speak about Christ.

• God's sovereignty provides comfort and strength in times of opposition.

• The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak God's word with boldness.

• Our boldness comes from Christ's love for us, not guilt or duty.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  What situations in your life make you hesitant to share your faith? How does this passage encourage you to overcome those fears?

• Question 2

  The early church's immediate response to opposition was prayer. How can you cultivate a similar habit of turning to God first in challenging situations?

• Question 3

  The believers prayed for boldness rather than for the removal of opposition. How might this approach change the way you pray about challenges in your life?

• Question 4

  Peter, who once denied Jesus, became bold in his witness. How does Jesus' grace and restoration of Peter encourage you in your own faith journey?

• Question 5

  In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit empowering you to speak about your faith?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : God's Sovereign Love

READING :

Psalm 2:1-12, Acts 4:23-28

DEVOTIONAL :

As we reflect on God's sovereignty, we're reminded that even in the face of opposition, his plan prevails. The early church found comfort in knowing that the persecution they faced was part of God's greater purpose. Today, consider the challenges in your life. How might viewing them through the lens of God's sovereignty change your perspective? Remember, just as God worked through Jesus' suffering for our salvation, he can work through our difficulties for his glory.

APPLICATION :

Take time to pray, acknowledging God's control over your circumstances and asking for eyes to see his hand at work. Commit to praying daily this week for boldness in sharing your faith.

Day 2 : Boldness in Faith Reading

READING :

Acts 4:29-31, 2 Timothy 1:7-8

DEVOTIONAL :

The apostles' prayer for boldness challenges us to examine our own courage in sharing the gospel. Often, we let fear of rejection or disapproval hold us back. But God promises to empower us through his Spirit. Reflect on a situation where you've hesitated to speak about your faith. What were your fears? How might remembering God's promise of spiritual empowerment change your approach?

APPLICATION :

Today, ask God to fill you with his Spirit and grant you boldness to share his love with someone in your life. Identify one person with whom you can share the gospel this week.

Day 3 : The Transforming Love of Christ

READING :

John 21:15-19, Romans 8:31-39

DEVOTIONAL :

Peter's transformation from denying Christ to boldly proclaiming him reminds us of the power of Jesus' love and grace. Like Peter, we all have moments of failure, but Christ's love is greater than our shortcomings. Remember, your relationship with God is secured not by your perfection, but by Christ's unwavering commitment to you. Rest in the assurance of God's unfailing love and let it motivate you to love others boldly.

APPLICATION :

Meditate on a time when you felt you failed God. How does Christ's forgiveness and restoration of Peter speak to your situation?

Day 4 : Community in Christ

READING :

Acts 4:23-24, Hebrews 10:24-25

DEVOTIONAL :

When faced with opposition, the apostles immediately engaged a community of believers for support and prayer. This highlights the importance of Christian fellowship in our spiritual journey. Consider your own faith community. How has it supported you in times of trial? In what ways could you deepen your involvement or support others?

APPLICATION :

Today, reach out to a fellow believer to offer encouragement or seek prayer. Remember, we're not meant to walk this journey alone.

Day 5 : God's Presence in Suffering

READING :

Isaiah 53:3-5, Romans 8:18-25

DEVOTIONAL :

The sermon reminds us that Jesus was "despised and rejected by men" for our sake. This profound truth assures us that God understands our suffering intimately. Reflect on a time when you felt alone or misunderstood because of your beliefs. How does knowing that Christ experienced similar rejection comfort you? Today, if you're facing a difficult situation, invite God's presence into it. Remember his promise: "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Let this assurance give you strength and hope to persevere.

APPLICATION :

Reflect on how Christ's love has transformed your life, and write down specific ways this motivates you to share your faith.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

People: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever.

Psalm 146:1, 5-6

Confession of Faith

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic* church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

*catholic here means the universal church

Confession of Sin

Sovereign Father, you rule over all things, yet we are slow to trust you. When trials come, we seek safety instead of the boldness your Spirit gives. We fear opposition more than we rest in your power. Forgive our weak faith and hesitant hearts. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may proclaim your Word with courage, trusting that you are at work for your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Romans 8:34

Looking Ahead

Next week: Guest preacher, Robert Cunningham