I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed,
but will have sufficient courage so that now as always
Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:20 (NIV)
Series: Hands and Feet
It’s not always easy to share the gospel, live by it, or boldly go and make disciples. Many barricades come between us and sharing our faith with others. But scripture makes it clear: We must share and proclaim God’s goodness, His gospel message, and His love from the rooftops. If we aren’t doing this, we miss so many opportunities to be His hands and feet. This week we continue our dive into the book of Acts so that the fire that burns inside us can be let loose courageously.
When you think of sharing your faith, speaking the truth of the Bible with others, what stops you? A few thoughts came to mind as I reflected upon this question. Will I offend someone? Will I be able to back up what I share? Will I lose a friend? Will I be able to explain the scriptures and convince someone to follow Jesus? “Will I, will I, will I?” Do you see the error here? My thoughts went to what “I” can do instead of what only Jesus can do. Simply put, it is God’s power and grace that saves people; not our efforts. His truth is for all of us, and it is He who opens the eyes and hearts of unbelievers. My conviction here was that I could be the roadblock.
Speaking of a roadblock, there is a scripture in Acts 22:6-11 in which Saul (later to be named Paul), was confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus. Jesus spoke the truth of who He was, and Saul, a persecutor of Christians, went from killing those who believed in Jesus as Messiah to being one of the boldest speakers of the truth of God.
“But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus at about noon, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting. ’And those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything that has been appointed for you to do.’ But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I came into Damascus being led by the hand by those who were with me. (NASB)
If anyone had a reason to put on the brakes, it was Paul. In Chapters 7 and 8 of Acts, Stephen, a disciple of Jesus, courageously preached about the risen Christ and condemned the acts of the religious leaders who put Jesus to death. And now, Saul (Paul), who approved of the stoning of Stephen was going to begin preaching this same good news? What a miraculously transformed life. A life that would be spent sharing the truth of God’s word to many—even from behind prison bars!
We, too, are miraculously changed once we receive Christ as our Savior. The same power Paul was given, is given to us. When we speak truth and allow God to use us even with our imperfections, lives change. The challenge is getting over our own part in this process and remembering it is God who brings the increase to His kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-8 (NIV), Paul writes:
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.
We are called to plant and water the seeds of truth in the lives of those around us. God strengthens us and equips us, and it is only He who makes the way. May God bless you as you boldly speak His truth.
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (1 Peter 3:15 ESV)
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: Philippians 1:20; Acts 4:1-31, 6:8-15, 7, 8, 13:9-12; 17:16-34, 22:6-11; 1 Corinthians 3:6-8; 1 Peter 3:15-16