Put to the Test

GETTING STARTED

In any situation we find ourselves, we have a choice to make. We can choose to honor God or honor the desires of our flesh. Our flesh desires safety, security, and acceptance. God desires our obedience and resolve to serve him at all costs. He doesn’t ask us to do it on our own though. He’s given us a Helper to guide us through these moments, but he leaves the decision up to us as to whether or not we will submit. When our beliefs and circumstances collide, which choice will we make?

  • Can you think of a time when your faith was put to the test? What happened?

READ THE WORD: ACTS 4:5-12(ESV)

5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12 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.”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. For what reason were Peter and John brought before the council (vs. 9)?
  2. Under whose power did Peter respond?
  3. To whom did Peter give credit for what had happened?
  4. Think of a time when you had the opportunity to be as bold as Peter in the face of opposition to your faith. How did you handle the situation?
  5. What situation(s) are you in right now that may require this kind of boldness? What would it take to respond with the courage of Peter?

RESPOND TO GOD

Only a few weeks prior to this, Peter had denied even knowing Jesus, but now he’s willing to risk his life to declare that Jesus, the one the rulers had killed, is the only way we may be saved! Being absolutely convinced of who Jesus is and knowing what he has done in our life compels us not to back down, but to stand firm in the knowledge that God is in control, Jesus is who he says he is, and we can leave the outcome to him.

  • Pray that God would give you opportunities to be bold and that he would empower you by his Spirit to be so.
  • Pray that you would be absolutely convinced of who Jesus is and reminded of what he has done in your life.
  • Pray that Jesus would be exalted in all you say and do this day.