Boldness in the Face of Resistance
On Sunday, Pastor Jake continued in our series, “Compelled: Extending the Table,” as we turned our attention to the reality of resistance that comes when we seek to live out the mission of Jesus. Just as a rescue ship can get stuck in the ice, we too can find ourselves frozen by the pressures of culture, fear, or opposition. Sometimes resistance is overt—persecution, ridicule, or loss. More often, it is subtle: social pressure, relational distance, or the temptation to keep our faith private. Our natural responses—fight, flee, or freeze—are understandable, but they are not effective. When we allow fear of man to dictate our actions, the mission of God stalls in our lives. We examined how the early church responded to intense opposition by studying Acts 4. Rather than running, hiding, or fighting back, they gathered to pray.
Key Takeaways
– Prayer is our first offense, not our last defense, when facing resistance
The early church instinctively turned to God in prayer when threatened, recognizing that spiritual battles require spiritual weapons. When we pray, God moves in both the seen and unseen realms, breaking the power of opposition and opening doors for the gospel. Let prayer be your immediate response to every form of resistance you encounter.
– God’s sovereignty is the foundation for courage in the face of opposition
The early believers affirmed that all authority, even that which opposes them, is ultimately under God’s control. This truth frees us from fear, reminding us that nothing can touch us unless it passes through the hands of our loving Father. Resting in God’s sovereignty allows us to act with boldness, knowing that He is working out His purposes even in adversity.
– The primary message we carry is the gospel of Jesus—His death, resurrection, and invitation to reconciliation
While it is important to speak wisely into moral and social issues, our central calling is to proclaim the good news that God is extending His table to the lost. The power of our witness is not in winning arguments, but in faithfully sharing the hope of Christ with boldness and love.
– Boldness to share the gospel is not self-produced, but is the result of being filled with the Holy Spirit
Just as an icebreaker needs sufficient depth and power to move through thick resistance, we need the Spirit’s presence to move through the obstacles we face. The filling of the Spirit gives us courage, clarity, and the ability to speak God’s word without fear, regardless of the cost.
– Our role is to be ambassadors of Christ, offering hope in the midst of a broken and resistant world
Like the cellist in Sarajevo, we are called to play the melody of the gospel in the crater of conflict and pain, inviting others to the table of God’s grace. Even if resistance intensifies, the gospel can go forward with greater power when we are surrendered and filled with the Spirit.
Reflection Questions
- When you face resistance—whether it’s social pressure, fear, or opposition—what is your most common response: fight, flee, or freeze? Can you share a recent example? How did it affect your witness or relationships?
- Jake said, “Prayer is our first offense, not our last defense.” What would it look like for you to make prayer your immediate response when you feel resistance to sharing your faith? Is there a specific situation where you need to do this?
- The early church rested in God’s sovereignty, believing that nothing could touch them unless it passed through God’s loving hands. Is there an area of your life where fear of what others think is holding you back? How could trusting God’s control help you move forward?
- The central message we carry is the gospel—Jesus’ death, resurrection, and invitation to reconciliation. Are there times when you get distracted by other issues or arguments? How can you keep the gospel at the center of your conversations?
- The sermon emphasized that boldness is not self-produced, but comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take this week to seek a fresh filling of the Spirit for courage and clarity in sharing your faith?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from Oct 12
- “Who You Say I Am”
- “I Speak Jesus”
- “The Sending” (after the message)
Listen to the songs we play on Sundays by clicking the image below to access our Spotify playlist!
