WELCOME
“and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” —1 Thessalonians 3:12
Last week, we talked about being bold to GO SHOW our faith as we live our lives. This week, as part of BE READY, we will talk about sharing that faith with others.
WARM-UP
Today’s warm-up is simple. Everyone find a partner and share three facts about yourself with your partner. When we come back as a group each of you will share those three facts about your partner. (Coach share three facts about yourself afterwards).
WORKOUT
In Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested for healing the man who couldn’t walk and for using the miracle to publicly share their beliefs. Their boldness made a big impact.
“but many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” —Acts 4:4
Peter and John were able to be bold because of the new power they had received from the Holy Spirit. They also had the courage to face their opponents because they had fostered accountability and strength through refueling with community (Acts 1:12-14; 2:1).
GO SHARE
Things didn’t get any easier for Peter and John. The next day, the religious leaders questioned them and challenged their spiritual authority. Despite threat of further punishment, Peter boldly defended his faith and preached a powerful message.
“When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they really were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in opposition.” Acts 4:13–14
Peter and John were ready to go share because they had spent time refueling with Scripture and prayer.
BE READY
Like Peter and John, you can have your own stories of boldness in sharing the Gospel. You just have to be willing to obey the Holy Spirit when those moments come. Also, remember that God will never leave you alone. If you are following His lead in sharing with someone, He will guide your words.
WRAP-UP
“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “be reconciled to God.”—2 Corinthians 5:20
Two things can make sharing with others easier and more impactful.
- Knowing Scripture and praying. This is investing in our relationship with God, and refueling as we learned a few weeks ago. This is where truth will come from.
- Your testimony. If you talk about how God changed your life and share the truth of Scripture, that is powerful.
This week, think about what Jesus did for you, and even practice trying to share your own testimony. It will take boldness, but through you, God could help change a life.
Pray and break the huddle