Sermon Study Guide

Title: From Cowardice to Courage: The Prophetic Call to Boldness Series: Lessons from the Book of Acts (Part 2) Key Text: Proverbs 28:1; Acts 2-5; 1 Peter 3:5-6

I. Anchor Text & Opening Thought

"The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are as bold as a lion." — Proverbs 28:1

This study explores the radical transformation of the disciples from fearful men hiding in an upper room to bold proclaimers of the risen Christ. We will examine the root of our fears and discover the source of divine courage.

II. Review & Context: The Foundation of Prophetic Living (Based on the speaker's previous sermon, Part 1)

• The Prophetic Gift: The speaker reminded us that the gift of prophecy is not just about foretelling the future. It is primarily about:

  • Edification (building up)

  • Exhortation (calling to right and wrong)

  • Comfort

• Our Calling: We are all called to exercise this prophetic role—in parenting, leadership, and fellowship. It is "God's final call to bring the world back into a covenant relationship."

• The Danger: "When there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18) refers not to business plans, but to a lack of divine communication and guidance for the spiritual well-being of the body.

III. The Nature of Fear: Understanding "Much Afraid" (Based on the allegory of Hinds' Feet on High Places)

• The Human Condition: We all come from the "family of fearings." Sin introduced an "existential dynamic of doubt and insecurity."

• The Relatives: Like the character Much Afraid, we are accompanied by "relatives" such as Craven Fear and Pride.

• Key Insight: "Pride doesn't die that easy." Our attempts to project "No Fear" are often just aggressive cover-ups for deep-seated insecurity.

• Reflection Question: Think about the "family system" you grew up in. How did it shape your natural response to fear—do you become a fighter, a fleer, or a freezer?

IV. The Anatomy of True Boldness

1. The Contrast of Character (Proverbs 28:1)

• The Wicked: Flee even when there is no pursuer. This is the "neurotic prophetic fear syndrome"—worrying so much about future trouble (the time of trouble, the mark of the beast) that we are paralyzed in the present.

• The Righteous: Are as bold as a lion. This boldness is not natural bravado; it is the result of being hidden in God.

• Discussion: What is the difference between natural human fear and the sin of cowardice? (The speaker defines cowardice as "a choice to not face in the power of God's love... what we ought to do.")

2. The Root Cause: Self-Interest vs. God-Interest

• Before Pentecost: The disciples were locked in a room for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). Their primary concern was personal safety and (previously) personal greatness.

• After Pentecost: These same men stood in public and accused the Sanhedrin of killing the Messiah (Acts 2:22-23, 36).

• The Catalyst: They had a new revelation of Christ. They understood His loneliness, His sacrifice, and His love. When self-interest died, fear died with it.

• Reflection: The speaker states, "The main manifestation of sin is selfishness." In what areas of your life (finances, time, comfort, reputation) is self-interest still alive, making you afraid to speak or act for God?

3. The Role of Women: A Specific Call to Fearlessness (1 Peter 3:5-6)

• The speaker addresses a specific application for women, noting they are often the "emotional half" of a relationship.

• Sarah's Example: She is held up as a model for doing what is right "without being frightened by any fear."

• Abigail's Model (1 Samuel 25): She combined profound respect with courageous confrontation, saving her household from disaster. She is a model of how to speak truth to power (even in the family) without fear.

• Discussion for Everyone: How can we learn to combine grace and truth like Abigail, especially when confronting dysfunction in our closest relationships?

V. The Result: Six Accusations of Grace

The speaker highlights that in the first chapters of Acts, the apostles directly confronted the religious leaders with their sin of crucifying Christ at least six times (Acts 2:23, 2:36, 3:13-15, 4:10, 5:30, 7:52). This was not done to condemn, but to call to repentance.

• Grace in the Accusation: Even in the terrible charge of killing the "Prince of Life," God was extending another opportunity for forgiveness. "They killed God, but they could be forgiven."

• The Identifying Mark: The leaders "took notice of them as having been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). Their boldness was the ultimate evidence of their discipleship.

VI. Living Application: How to Get Over Fear

The speaker provides a practical path to courage:

1. Retreat to the Fortress: When fear strikes, go to God in prayer. Pray the Psalms back to Him (e.g., Psalm 35: "Contend with those who contend with me"; Psalm 25: "Let me not be ashamed").

2. Stop Looking in the Rearview Mirror: Living in fear is like driving while only looking at what’s behind you. You will crash. Focus on the path God has set before you today.

3. Overcome Selfishness Daily: Use the small, mundane moments (taking out the trash, being patient, picking up litter) as opportunities to let Christ's selfless nature replace your selfish one.

4. Start Small: Say to God, "Lord, I am 'much afraid,' but I am willing. Show me what you want me to do today, and strengthen me in these little things."

VII. Key Quotes for Reflection

• "It is the absence of the prophetic gift in the pulpit... and the parents... that is necessary in the primary health and well-being of the church."

• "Your security drains out of you daily. The worst way to become a discouraged, fearful person is to focus on yourself."

• "The way to prepare for what's coming [the time of trouble] is to abandon yourself in the present for the reaching of the lost."

• "As long as self-interest reigns in your life, you will never have this kind of boldness."

• "When God gets in the center of the storyline and you're willing to be spent and to spend, you'll see He's eroding the fear out of your life."

VIII. Closing Prayer Points

• Confession: Ask God to reveal the areas where self-interest and pride are fueling your fears.

• Infilling: Pray for the same Holy Spirit that transformed the disciples to fill you, replacing a spirit of fear with "power, love, and a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

• Commission: Ask God for one specific opportunity this week to exercise the "prophetic gift"—to build someone up, to offer comfort, or to speak a hard truth in love.

IX. Final Thought God is not looking for people who project "No Fear." He is looking for people who, like the disciples, admit their weakness but allow His presence to make them as "bold as a lion." The church began in fear, but it was launched into the world by courage. God is calling His church to life again—will you let Him erode the fear in your life today?