1) Big Idea

God calls us to speak, not from mere self-control, but from hearts transformed by the Spirit—so our words impart grace and draw people to Jesus.

2) Primary Scriptures

• Acts 18:1–17 — Paul in Corinth; Justus’s house; conversions of Crispus and later Sosthenes; Gallio’s judgment seat.
• Acts 18:9–10 — The Lord to Paul: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking… I am with you.”
• Proverbs 25:11 — “A word fitly spoken…”
• Ephesians 4:29 — Speech that builds up and gives grace.
• Luke 6:45 — Words flow from the abundance of the heart.
• 2 Corinthians 3:18 — Beholding the Lord, we are transformed.
• Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

3) Core Movements

• Presence & Proclamation: Paul reasons in the synagogue, then continues next door at Justus’s house—faithful presence leads to unexpected fruit (Crispus, then Sosthenes).
• Promise for Witnesses: Jesus strengthens a weary preacher: “Do not fear; speak—I am with you.”
• Transformation vs. Self-Control: Stoic restraint can manage behavior; only Christ and the Spirit renew the heart, shaping speech that gives grace.

4) Illustrative/Context Notes

• Stoicism & Seneca: prized rational restraint and polished speech; “speech is the mirror of the mind.” Helpful, but insufficient for heart renewal.
• Gallio (Acts 18) — proconsul (and Seneca’s brother) models detached judgment; yet the gospel—not philosophy—changes communities.
• Social witness: Next-door church (Justus) + gracious conduct influences even synagogue leaders.
• Modern parallel: Our social media is a microphone—let it mirror Christ’s grace, not outrage.

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5) Our Message

1. When Jesus says, “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking,” what good news about Him should be most audible in your context this week (work, home, online)?
2. If someone only read your last 10 posts/texts, what gospel would they infer you believe (about God, people, hope, enemies, justice, grace)?
3. Paul shifted from the synagogue to a house next door. Where might God be inviting you to move your message one door closer—from church walls to everyday spaces?
4. How can you present Jesus to people who don’t share your background (as Paul did with Gentiles)—what starting points (creation, love, justice, meaning) connect best?
5. In seasons of resistance (“your blood be on your own heads”), how do you discern when to persist, when to pivot, and how to leave a blessing behind?

6) Our Conduct

1. Which recent conversation of yours imparted grace (Eph. 4:29)? Which did the opposite? What made the difference—tone, timing, truth, tenderness?
2. Justus’s proximity and good neighborliness opened doors for Crispus. What neighbor habits (parking, noise, kindness, invitations) preach before your words do?
3. When criticized or misunderstood, do you default to Stoic suppression or Spirit-led transformation? What responses reveal what’s truly in your heart (Luke 6:45)?
4. Where might a careless comment have wounded someone (immigration, politics, culture)? What does genuine repair look like: confession, listening, restitution, new practice?
5. If your speech is a “mirror of the heart,” what heart-level desires (approval, control, resentment) is God inviting you to surrender so your words become healing?

7) Practical Application

1. Daily “Behold & Bless” (10 minutes): Read one gospel scene; ask the Spirit to form Christ’s heart in you; send one blessing message (text/post/note) that builds up someone specifically.
2. Rule of Speech (weeklong): Before posting/speaking, ask: True? Necessary? Gracious? Timely? If any “no,” rewrite or refrain.
3. Next-Door Mission: Identify your “Justus’s house” space (porch, break room, Zoom, cafeteria). Plan one gentle spiritual conversation or invitation this week.
4. Repair & Reconcile: If the Spirit brings to mind a hurtful word, own it by name, apologize, and ask, “How can I make this right?”
5. Testimony Card (2 minutes): Prepare a 3-sentence story: Before Christ… / Jesus met me when… / Now He’s teaching me to… Use it when God opens a door.
6. Social Media Tithe: Dedicate 10% of your posts to explicit witness (Scripture, answered prayer, service highlight, invitation), 0% to contempt.

8) Personal Commitment

1. Where am I silent out of fear, and what precise promise of Jesus (Acts 18:9–10) will I carry into that space?
2. Do I want the appearance of holiness (self-control) more than the presence of Christ (transformation)? What practice of beholding will I guard daily?
3. Whose name comes to mind as my “many in this city” (Acts 18:10)? Will I pray for them by name and take one step toward them this week?
4. What topic triggers ungracious speech in me (politics, family, lifestyle)? What Spirit-led limit or accountabilitywill I embrace?
5. What sentence will I choose as my signature sentence this week that others will hear/see from me? (e.g., “Jesus has been kind to me—how can I pray for you?”)

9) For Further Study

• Read Acts 18 alongside 1–2 Corinthians to trace how Corinth’s beginnings shaped Paul’s counsel on speech, love, and edification.
• Contrast Stoic moralism with New-Covenant transformation: Romans 7–8; 2 Corinthians 3; Galatians 5:16–26; James 3 (the tongue).
• Meditate on Proverbs about words: 10:19; 12:18; 15:1–4; 18:21; 25:11.

10) Prayer Points

1. Boldness with Presence: “Lord Jesus, as you told Paul, tell us: ‘Do not be afraid; keep speaking.’ Fill us with courage and love for the people right next door.”
2. Transformation within: “Holy Spirit, move us from managed behavior to renewed hearts. As we behold Jesus, transform our desires and purify our words.”
3. Grace-giving Speech: “Father, set a guard over our lips. Make our conversations and posts apples of gold—truthful, timely, and tender—so many in this city meet Christ.”