Embracing Selflessness: Boldness Through Christ's Resurrection
Summary
Today’s gathering was a celebration of new beginnings, both for our graduates and for all of us as we step into a new season. We took time to honor our graduates, their families, and the journey that has brought them to this point, praying God’s blessing over their next steps. But as we celebrated, we also turned our attention to a deeper calling: the invitation from Jesus to live selflessly in a world that constantly tells us to focus on ourselves. This is the heart of our new series, “Selfless,” which challenges us to shift our focus from our own desires to the life God is calling us to—a life marked by boldness, generosity, service, and gratitude.
We explored Acts 4, where Peter and John, once fearful and hiding after Jesus’ crucifixion, are transformed by the resurrection. No longer locked away in fear, they boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus, even in the face of opposition. Their courage didn’t come from their education or status—they were ordinary, unschooled men—but from having been with Jesus. The resurrection changed everything for them, turning fear into boldness and self-preservation into selfless witness.
We reflected on how easy it is to approach faith and church with a consumer mindset, making it about what we want or what we get out of it. But faith isn’t a product to consume; it’s a call to do God’s will, to deny ourselves daily, and to let Jesus transform us from the inside out. The challenge is simple, but not easy: to want what God wants more than what we want. We speak boldly about what we believe deeply, and if we truly believe in the resurrection and the hope of eternal life, it should move us to share that hope with others.
We also acknowledged our struggles—our fears of rejection, our sense of inadequacy, and our failures to speak up when given the chance. Yet, the invitation remains: spend more time with Jesus, let Him change you, and ask God to make you bold. Our story is not about our perfection, but about the grace and transformation Jesus brings. Eternity is in the balance for everyone we meet, and our boldness is fueled by the reality that life—true, eternal life—is found only in Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- The resurrection of Jesus transforms fear into boldness. Peter and John, once paralyzed by fear, became courageous witnesses because they encountered the risen Christ. The presence of Jesus in our lives is what empowers us to move beyond self-preservation and boldly share the hope we have, even when it’s uncomfortable or risky. [58:32]
- Faith is not a product to consume, but a call to self-denial and obedience. When we approach church or faith with a consumer mindset, we miss the heart of following Jesus. True discipleship means daily denying ourselves, letting go of our preferences, and seeking God’s will above our own, even in the smallest choices of our lives. [54:32]
- God uses ordinary, unschooled people to accomplish extraordinary things. The courage and impact of Peter and John came not from their credentials, but from having been with Jesus. Our inadequacies and failures do not disqualify us; rather, it is the presence and grace of Jesus that makes our witness powerful and authentic. [01:04:51]
- Boldness in sharing our faith is fueled by a deep conviction about eternity. If we truly believe that eternal life is found only in Jesus, it will move us to speak up, even when it’s hard. Our motivation is not fear or guilt, but love for others and a desire for them to experience the life and hope we have found in Christ. [01:02:54]
- Transformation comes from spending time with Jesus and asking for boldness. If we want our lives to reflect the selfless love and courage of Christ, it starts with being with Him—through prayer, Scripture, and community. As we are changed by His presence, we can pray for the boldness to speak and act in ways that point others to Him, trusting that He will use our ordinary lives for His extraordinary purposes. [01:09:41]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[20:01] - Graduate Recognition and Prayer
[41:00] - God’s Love and Church Family
[45:21] - Personal Stories with Graduates
[47:33] - The Call to Selflessness
[49:06] - We Speak Boldly About What We Believe Deeply
[51:38] - The Consumer Mindset in Faith
[54:32] - Denying Ourselves to Follow Jesus
[55:43] - The Disciples’ Fear and Transformation
[57:30] - Locked Doors and Hidden Faith
[58:32] - The Resurrection Changes Everything
[59:51] - The Way of the Cross and Eternal Life
[01:02:02] - Peter’s Boldness and the Power of Testimony
[01:04:51] - God Uses Ordinary People
[01:09:41] - Takeaways: Time with Jesus and Boldness
[01:11:21] - Communion and Closing Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Selfless: Bold in Witness”
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 4:8-13, 19-20, 29-31
(Peter and John’s boldness before the religious leaders after Jesus’ resurrection)
- John 20:19-22
(The disciples hiding in fear after Jesus’ death, and Jesus appearing to them)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 4:13, what did the religious leaders notice about Peter and John, and what surprised them about these two men?
2. According to Acts 4:20, what reason do Peter and John give for speaking so boldly about Jesus?
3. In John 20:19, what were the disciples doing after Jesus’ crucifixion, and why?
4. The sermon mentioned that Peter and John were “ordinary, unschooled men.” What does this tell us about who God can use? [01:04:51]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the resurrection of Jesus changed Peter and John from fearful followers into bold witnesses? What does this transformation say about the power of encountering the risen Christ? [58:32]
2. The sermon talked about a “consumer mindset” in faith and church. What does it mean to approach faith as a consumer, and why is this a problem for following Jesus? [51:38]
3. The early church prayed for boldness in Acts 4:29-31. Why do you think they prayed for boldness instead of safety or comfort? What does this reveal about their priorities?
4. The sermon said, “We speak boldly about what we believe deeply.” How does this principle challenge the way we talk (or don’t talk) about our faith? [47:33]
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### Application Questions
1. The resurrection turned Peter and John’s fear into boldness. Is there an area in your life where fear is holding you back from sharing your faith or serving others? What would it look like to let Jesus’ presence give you courage in that area? [58:32]
2. The sermon challenged us to move from a “consumer mindset” to a selfless one. In what ways do you find yourself making faith or church about what you want, rather than what God wants? What is one small step you could take this week to shift your focus? [51:38]
3. Peter and John were ordinary people, but God used them in extraordinary ways. Have you ever felt “not good enough” or “unqualified” to serve or share your faith? How does their story encourage you? [01:04:51]
4. The early church prayed for boldness. When was the last time you asked God to make you bold in your faith? What is one specific situation coming up where you could pray for and practice boldness? [01:09:41]
5. The sermon mentioned that transformation comes from spending time with Jesus. What is one practical way you can spend more intentional time with Jesus this week (prayer, Scripture, community, etc.)? [01:09:41]
6. The message said, “We speak boldly about what we believe deeply.” What is one thing about Jesus or your faith that you believe deeply? Who is one person you could share that with this week? [47:33]
7. The pastor shared a story about missing an opportunity to share his faith at a high school reunion. Have you ever missed an opportunity to talk about Jesus? How did it feel, and what could you do differently next time? [01:08:46]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you want what He wants more than what you want, to give you boldness, and to use your ordinary life for His extraordinary purposes.
Devotional
Day 1: We Speak Boldly About What We Believe Deeply
When something truly matters to us, we can’t help but talk about it—whether it’s a new restaurant, a favorite show, or most importantly, our faith in Jesus. The early disciples, Peter and John, declared that they could not keep from speaking about what they had seen and heard in Jesus, especially His resurrection. This boldness didn’t come from obligation, but from a deep conviction and joy that overflowed into their words and actions. When our hearts are captured by the reality of Christ’s love and resurrection, boldness becomes a natural response, not a forced duty. [47:33]
Acts 4:20 (ESV)
“For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
Reflection: What is one way you can boldly share something about Jesus with someone in your life today, simply because you believe it deeply?
Day 2: The Resurrection Turns Fear Into Boldness
The disciples were once paralyzed by fear, hiding behind locked doors after Jesus’ death, but everything changed when the risen Christ appeared to them. His presence brought peace and transformed their fear into courage, empowering them to step out and proclaim the good news. The resurrection is not just a past event; it is the ongoing source of our hope and boldness, reminding us that life with Jesus is stronger than any fear or obstacle we face. [58:32]
John 20:19 (ESV)
“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”
Reflection: Where are you letting fear keep you silent or hidden? How can the reality of Jesus’ resurrection give you courage to step out in faith today?
Day 3: Eternal Life Is Found Only in Jesus
Peter boldly proclaimed that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus, and that eternity is in the balance for everyone we meet. This truth is not meant to scare us, but to fuel our compassion and urgency in sharing the hope we have. Knowing that God has prepared unimaginable things for those who love Him, we are called to point others to the only source of true life—Jesus Christ. [01:02:54]
Acts 4:12 (ESV)
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the hope and salvation found in Jesus? Will you pray for an opportunity to share with them this week?
Day 4: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact
God delights in using ordinary, unschooled people to do extraordinary things for His kingdom. Peter and John were recognized as “ordinary men,” yet their courage and faith astonished everyone because they had been with Jesus. Our boldness doesn’t come from our qualifications or perfection, but from the transforming presence of Christ in us. When we spend time with Jesus, He changes us, and others take notice—not of our greatness, but of His. [01:05:47]
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 ways do you feel “ordinary” or unqualified? How might God want to use your story and your time with Him to impact others?
Day 5: Spend Time With Jesus and Pray for Boldness
The foundation of a bold, selfless life is time spent with Jesus. As we draw near to Him, He transforms us from the inside out, giving us a message worth sharing. The early church prayed not for safety or comfort, but for boldness to speak God’s word. When we ask God to make us bold, He answers by filling us with His Spirit and empowering us to live and speak for Him, even when it’s uncomfortable. [01:10:21]
Acts 4:29 (ESV)
“And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.”
Reflection: Will you set aside intentional time with Jesus today and ask Him specifically to give you boldness to share His love with others?
Quotes
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