EmpoweredSample

Empowered to Persevere Through Trials

Introduction

In today's study, we explore the theme "Empowered to Persevere Through Trials." The lives of Peter, John, Stephen, and Paul reveal that preaching the gospel often leads to trials and opposition. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, these early Christians persevered through these difficulties and continued their mission with boldness and joy.

We'll look at examples of how the Holy Spirit empowered these apostles to endure and even rejoice while suffering.

Perseverance is the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. As followers of Christ, we are called to persevere through trials as we testify about Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers us to endure these trials, giving us boldness, joy, and love for our enemies.

Scripture Reading

Acts 4:1-31 (NIV), Acts 5:17-41 (NIV)

Application

1. Boldness to Speak Truth: In today's world, sharing the gospel can lead to ridicule, opposition, and even persecution. We live in an era where the truth of the gospel is offensive to many, and there are efforts to silence those who proclaim it. However, the Holy Spirit empowers us to speak boldly, just as He did with Peter and John. When they were threatened and commanded to stop preaching, they prayed for boldness, and the Holy Spirit filled them, enabling them to continue their mission.
   2 Timothy 1:7-8 (NIV) "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God."
   
2. Joyfully Enduring Trials: The apostles, despite being flogged and imprisoned, rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer in the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit produces in us a deep, abiding joy that transcends our circumstances. This joy is not based on external pleasures but is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit as we behold the beauty of Christ even in our suffering.
   James 1:2-4 (NIV) "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
   
3. Loving Our Enemies: Stephen, even as he was being stoned to death, prayed for the forgiveness of his attackers. This kind of love is supernatural, birthed by the Holy Spirit within us. Paul and Silas also demonstrated this love by caring for the jailer who had imprisoned them. Instead of seeking revenge, they shared the gospel with him, leading to his salvation and that of his household.
   Acts 7:59-60 (NIV) "While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep."
   

Reflection

1. Am I prepared to face trials for the sake of the gospel? Reflect on how you respond to opposition or difficulties when sharing your faith. Do you shy away from speaking the truth, or do you seek the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to speak boldly, like Peter and John?
   
2. How do I experience joy during trials? Consider how the Holy Spirit can help you find joy even when facing hardships. Reflect on how this joy, rooted in the beauty of Christ, can sustain you through difficult times.
   
3. How can I show love to those who oppose me? Reflect on how the Holy Spirit can empower you to love your enemies, even those who may persecute you for your faith. How can you demonstrate Christ-like love and forgiveness in your daily interactions?

Let us pray for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to persevere through whatever trials we may face, so that we can continue to testify to the goodness and truth of Jesus Christ.