Preparing to Give a Defense | Acts 22

Summary

In this sermon, Jonathan Linder, Director of Men’s Community, walks through Acts 22 and shows us what it looks like to be prepared to give a defense for the hope we have in Jesus, even in the face of opposition. Paul’s response reveals a passion for people rooted in the gospel, a testimony that points to Jesus, and a willingness to follow wherever the Spirit leads. Like Paul, we are called to live on mission, trusting God with the results and taking faithful steps to share the hope we’ve found in Christ.

Key Takeaways

• A Passion That Pursues People (Acts 21:39-40; Romans 10:1) Even after being beaten and falsely accused, Paul begged for the opportunity to speak to the people who wanted him dead. His passion wasn't driven by obligation but by the love and grace he had experienced through Jesus. When we understand what Christ has done for us, it changes how we see and pursue people who don't know him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
• A Testimony That Points to Jesus (Acts 22:1-16) Paul's defense centered on his story: who he was before Christ, how he encountered Jesus, and how his life changed. We don't need to have all the answers or a dramatic story to share our faith. Our testimony is an opportunity to point others to Jesus and the salvation that comes through him alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
  • How to share your 15-second testimony:
    
    • There was a time in my life when ________________,
    • But God ________________,
    • and now ________________.
    • Do you have a story like that?
• A Life That Goes Where the Spirit Leads (Acts 22:10, 17-22) Paul was willing to follow the Lord's direction, even when it meant rejection. Living on mission means surrendering our plans, paying attention to the Spirit's leading, and being willing to take the next step. We're responsible for being faithful, not controlling the outcome.

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• Paul was prepared to share his hope in Jesus, even when his life was threatened. When have you felt hesitant or unprepared to speak about your faith? What held you back?
• Paul pursued people out of a deep understanding of the grace he had received. How has remembering what Jesus has done for you shaped the way you see people who don't know him? Where might your heart need to change?
• Paul used his testimony to point others to Jesus. How would you describe your life before knowing Jesus, how you came to know him, and what he's changed in your life? What's keeping you from sharing that story more often?
• The sermon reminded us that success in sharing our faith isn't measured by someone's response but by our faithfulness. How does that change the way you think about rejection or uncomfortable conversations?
• Paul was willing to go wherever the Lord led him. Where in your life have you been operating on autopilot rather than asking the Spirit to lead you? What might surrendering that area to him look like this week?
• Who is one person God has placed in your life who doesn't know Jesus? What's one practical step you can take this week to pursue them, pray for them, or share your story? How can your community group encourage and pray for you as you take that step?