The Power to Take a Stand
Acts 2:12 and Ephesians 6:18-19
Acts 1:8 (NIV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses (martus/martyr) in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Acts 2:14a (ESV)
But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them
Acts 2:21 (ESV)
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Ephesians 6:18–19 (NLT)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.
1. The Power to Stand Comes from Spirit-Empowered Prayer
Ephesians 6:18a (NLT)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.
Acts 2:4 (NLT)
And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
1 Corinthians 14:4a, 14-15 (NLT)
A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally… For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding
1 Corinthians 14:18 (NLT)
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you.
2. The Power to Stand Comes from Praying with Your Eyes Open
Ephesians 6:18b (NLT)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers
Luke 19:10 (NIV)
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
3. The Power to Stand Comes from Asking for It
Ephesians 6:18b–19 (NIV)
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel
Ephesians 6:20b (NIV)
Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Acts 1:8, (NIV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses (martus/martyr) in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
