But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” vs19-20
What we have seen and heard is what we are supposed to preach. The Spirit speaks to us by God's word, and then we tell others. It comes into our own hearts by faith, and then we make it known.
We are not the originators of our message. Thus, our authority is great. The word comes to us with power, thus we obey it. It's not man's intellect or articulation but the power of the Holy Spirit communicating Christ to us. Thus, we must learn to listen and have our eyes opened.
First, walk in nearness to the Lord, so you discern His voice of grace. Lean not on human strength. Self righteousness and human ability will deceive you. Know that you can do nothing.
Second, point men to Christ. The word must be gospel to produce obedience. Christ must be why God helps us.
Thirdly, fear no man! We must speak what we've seen and heard, even if all are against us. We prove our speech from the Bible.
Fourth, speak in love. Our goal is never to exalt ourselves but to help the hearer! We're not trying to be seen as great, but to show a great Lord, who is good and gracious.
Finally, God's grace will work through the word. 1 Thessalonians 2:13, “This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the message about God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the message of God, which also works effectively in you believers.” You'll have confidence and power, because you speak for Him. 1 Thessalonians 2:2, “On the contrary, after we had previously suffered, and we were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.” You know it is God's word, because you have received it as such. Therefore, you have confidence in God as you preach it. All the confidence in man is child's play compared to a God given confidence in God. It is rest and the thrill of encouragement. It is sowing and preaching in peace!
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