Boldness Through Christ: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage
Summary
Today’s focus is on the courage and boldness that comes from following Jesus, as seen in Acts chapter 4. The early church was made up of ordinary people, yet they did extraordinary things because they had been with Jesus and were filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter and John, once fearful and unsure, now stood before powerful leaders and spoke with confidence about Jesus, even when threatened. Their courage wasn’t rooted in their own abilities or education, but in their relationship with Christ and their conviction in God’s mission.
We explored how courage and boldness are not reserved for the naturally brave or the highly educated. Instead, they are available to anyone who spends time with Jesus, knows the Scriptures, and is willing to step out in faith. The early believers were emboldened by their strong belief in God’s sovereign mission, their knowledge of the Word, their admiration for Christ as their hero, and their unity and generosity as a community. They experienced God’s power firsthand, which fueled their desire to speak and act boldly.
Practical steps were given for those who feel like beginners in faith or in sharing it. Sometimes, the most important thing is simply to say something—share your story, pray with someone, or create opportunities to serve and love others. Boldness grows as we take small steps of obedience, trust God with the results, and rely on the Holy Spirit’s power rather than our own strength. The challenge is to choose courage over comfort, to be willing to stand out for Christ, and to live in such a way that others notice we have been with Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- True courage and boldness come from being with Jesus, not from personal qualifications or education. The transformation in Peter and John’s lives was so evident that even their opponents recognized they had been with Christ. Time spent in God’s presence changes us and equips us for whatever He calls us to do. [33:32]
- Belief in God’s sovereign mission gives us the strength to endure challenges and opposition. When we understand that God’s plan is bigger than our individual stories, we find the motivation to persevere, even when it costs us something. Our courage is rooted in the assurance that God is in control and His purposes will prevail. [40:49]
- Knowing and internalizing Scripture is essential for boldness. The Word of God is not just information; it is a living source of power that prepares us to speak truth, share our faith, and stand firm in difficult moments. Memorizing and meditating on Scripture arms us for spiritual conversations and strengthens our resolve. [42:59]
- Community and generosity multiply courage. When believers are united in heart and purpose, sharing resources and supporting one another, it emboldens everyone to step out in faith. The early church’s radical generosity and togetherness were a powerful testimony and a source of strength for their mission. [48:44]
- Boldness grows through experience and obedience. Each time we step out, whether it’s sharing our story, praying with someone, or serving in a new way, we experience God’s faithfulness and our confidence increases. Even small acts of obedience can lead to greater courage, and as we bring others along, the impact multiplies. [52:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Children’s Worship & Guest Connection
[05:00] - Introduction: Journey Together
[07:30] - Series Overview: Acts and the Early Church
[10:45] - Would You Rather? Courage in the Bible
[24:01] - Biblical Examples of Courage
[28:18] - Defining Boldness and Courage
[29:35] - Prayer for Courage
[32:08] - Acts 4: Peter and John’s Boldness
[33:32] - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage
[35:56] - Facing Opposition and Speaking Truth
[39:42] - The Source of Boldness: God’s Mission
[42:59] - The Power of Scripture
[46:57] - Admiring Christ, Our Hero
[48:44] - The Strength of Community and Generosity
[52:10] - Experiencing God and Growing in Boldness
[53:16] - Practical Steps for Beginners
[55:32] - Creating Opportunities to Share
[57:06] - Finding Your Place to Serve
[58:36] - The Ultimate “Would You Rather?”
[59:30] - Invitation and Prayer for Boldness
[01:03:21] - Closing Blessing and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage (Acts 4)
---
### Bible Reading
- Acts 4:1-37
(Focus on verses 8-13, 19-20, 23-31, 32-35)
---
### Observation Questions
1. When Peter and John were brought before the religious leaders, what was it that surprised the leaders about them? (see Acts 4:13)
[[33:32]]
2. According to Acts 4, what did Peter and John say was the reason for the healing of the lame man? (see Acts 4:10-12)
[[32:08]]
3. After being threatened and released, what did the early believers do together as a group? (see Acts 4:24, 31-32)
[[39:42]]
4. What did the early church do with their possessions, and how did this affect their community? (see Acts 4:32-35)
[[48:44]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The leaders noticed that Peter and John were “unschooled, ordinary men” but had been with Jesus. What does this suggest about the source of their courage and boldness?
[[33:32]]
2. Why do you think the believers’ strong belief in God’s mission helped them endure threats and opposition?
[[40:49]]
3. How did knowing and quoting Scripture help Peter and John in their boldness? Why might this be important for us today?
[[42:59]]
4. The early church’s unity and generosity were highlighted as a source of strength. How might sharing resources and supporting each other increase courage in a group?
[[48:44]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon said that courage and boldness are not just for the naturally brave or highly educated, but for anyone who spends time with Jesus. What is one way you could intentionally spend more time with Jesus this week?
[[33:32]]
2. When was the last time you felt nervous or afraid to share your faith or stand up for what you believe? What held you back, and what might help you take a small step of courage next time?
[[53:16]]
3. The early believers prayed together for boldness after facing threats. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to pray for courage? Would you be willing to share it with the group and let others pray with you?
[[39:42]]
4. The sermon encouraged memorizing and meditating on Scripture as a way to prepare for boldness. Is there a verse you want to memorize this week? How could you remind yourself to practice it?
[[42:59]]
5. The early church was marked by radical generosity and unity. Is there a need in our group, church, or community that you could help meet this week? What would it look like to step out in generosity, even if it feels uncomfortable?
[[48:44]]
6. Sometimes, the most important thing is just to “say something”—share your story, pray with someone, or serve. What is one small act of obedience you could take this week to grow in boldness?
[[53:16]]
7. The sermon ended with a “Would you rather?”—Would you rather stand before God having played it safe, or having chosen courage for Christ? What is one area of your life where you want to choose courage over comfort this month?
[[58:36]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God for boldness and courage to live out what you’ve discussed.
Devotional
Day 1: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage
God delights in using ordinary, unschooled people to accomplish extraordinary things when they have been with Jesus. The courage and boldness of Peter and John amazed the religious leaders, not because of their education or status, but because it was clear they had spent time with Jesus. When you draw near to Christ, He transforms you, giving you the strength to stand firm and speak boldly, even in intimidating situations. Your background or qualifications do not limit what God can do through you; what matters most is your relationship with Jesus and your willingness to let Him work through you. [33:32]
Acts 4:13 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel “too ordinary” to make a difference for God? How can you intentionally spend time with Jesus this week to let Him shape your courage?
Day 2: Boldness Rooted in God’s Sovereign Mission
True courage comes from believing in God’s sovereign purpose and trusting that His mission is bigger than any challenge or pain you may face. The early church prayed together, acknowledging God as the Creator and Sovereign Lord, and found strength in knowing that nothing happens outside of His will. When you anchor your life in God’s greater plan, you can face opposition, uncertainty, or even sacrifice with a boldness that is not your own, knowing that you are part of something eternal and unstoppable. [40:49]
Acts 4:24-28 (ESV)
"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, 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? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed"—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, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.'"
Reflection: What is one challenge you are facing right now that feels overwhelming? How can remembering God’s sovereignty and mission help you face it with courage today?
Day 3: The Power of Knowing and Sharing Scripture
Knowing God’s Word equips you with the courage to step forward in faith and share the hope you have in Christ. Peter’s boldness was fueled by his knowledge of Scripture, allowing him to speak truth even in the face of opposition. Memorizing and meditating on the Bible gives you spiritual strength and confidence, enabling you to share your faith naturally and effectively, even when you don’t have a Bible in hand. The Word of God is your sword—learn it, treasure it, and let it embolden you to live and speak for Jesus. [44:39]
Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)
"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
Reflection: What is one Bible verse you can commit to memory this week that would help you share your faith or encourage your own heart in moments of fear?
Day 4: Strength in Community and Generosity
There is power in standing together with other believers, sharing resources, and living with a generous spirit. The early church was united in heart and mind, giving sacrificially to meet needs and support the mission, which emboldened everyone to testify to the resurrection of Jesus. When you link arms with others in faith, your courage grows, and together you can accomplish far more than you could alone. Generosity—of time, resources, and encouragement—creates a culture of boldness and joy that impacts lives and communities for Christ. [48:44]
Acts 4:32-35 (ESV)
"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Reflection: Who in your church or community could you encourage or support this week through a generous act—whether with your time, resources, or words?
Day 5: Creating and Seizing Opportunities to Be Bold
Boldness grows as you step out in faith, share your story, and look for opportunities to serve and speak for Christ. You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment—sometimes you need to create it, whether by praying with a neighbor, serving in a ministry, or simply telling someone what God has done in your life. Ask God for boldness, and trust that He will give you the words and courage you need. Even small steps of faith can lead to life-changing conversations and ripple effects in the lives of others. [58:04]
Ephesians 6:19-20 (ESV)
"and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can create or seize an opportunity to share your faith or serve someone today? Will you ask God for boldness and take that step?
Quotes
Would you rather stand before God and he looks at you and he says, well done. Or you stand before God and you played it safe and he doesn't have anything to commend you on or to praise you for or to say, well done, good and faithful servant. I think I'd much rather be like Peter and John. Bring me in front of the rulers. Question me. Ask me. Tell me you're going to do something to me if I don't stop sharing. Right? Than to have played it safe and to have thought that I did absolutely nothing. [00:58:30] (45 seconds)
It doesn't take someone in your mind that you believe is much better at you, much bolder than you, someone who is just like a type A driven personality that's going to just like run into the fire or run into whatever to be a witness for Christ. They noted that they were unschooled, ordinary, men, but they had been with Jesus. [00:34:46] (33 seconds)
Boldness to say I'm going to break chains that are in my family that have been there forever. But I'm not going to live like that anymore. We're going to change and we're going to do something different in our time and in our family and with our children. The boldness to stand up for something that you believe in. To speak your mind, all right? And I know all of you are pretty good at that. But I'm not talking about the social media rants, okay? I'm not talking about that kind of stuff. What I'm talking about is the boldness to speak up and to even share your faith. And sometimes that can be a really scary thing that happens for us. [00:28:12] (38 seconds)
When they saw the courage they have and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Normally, we think those around us that are courageous and that are bold, that can get up and stand on a stage and speak or something, they must be well -educated. They must have had years and years of teaching. They must be someone that has grown up and been raised up and discipled to be in this mode, like us, the leaders and the Pharisees are saying. They must be like us, but the more they looked at them, they went, God, these guys are so ordinary. Like, I don't get it. [00:33:55] (44 seconds)
Acts 431, they prayed and the place where they were meeting was shaken. They experienced God in an amazing way. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God boldly. Every time they experienced God, they got more bold. They got more driven. [00:52:31] (22 seconds)
Courage, boldness to step out in faith to do things that you normally wouldn't do because it doesn't make sense in our mind. The world says hold on to things. Don't give it away, especially don't give it to a church. Give it to something else perhaps, maybe to your kids or to their kids, but don't do crazy stuff. Don't be that courageous and bold that you take your stuff and you give it to ministry. I mean, what's the point in that? Together, we accomplish so much more and it emboldens us to be able to do things that we wouldn't be able to. [00:50:11] (41 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 18, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?