When we hear the term BOLD we immediately think of someone who is out front and almost obnoxious. When witnessing we think of the person who seeks to shove the gospel down someone’s throat, but that is not what the Bible is talking about when it speaks or gives us examples of boldness.
In the Greek language, the word for boldness means confidence or candor in the face of opposition. It can be candid and speak in confidence with a clear, compassionate, compelling witness. It is willing and ready to share the truth of how Jesus can save the hearer from their sins. In I Peter 3:15, Peter says we should be ready always to give an answer for the hope that is within us. In other words, be ready to tell someone about Jesus and what he has done for you.
I Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Our boldness should always come from a loving heart. Boldness is the spirit-filled conviction that we must tell others what we have experienced in Christ. That we must love them as Christ loved them enough to risk mocking and alienation to share eternal life with them.
In Acts chapter 4 we read of Peter and John, and their boldness in proclaiming Jesus Christ the crucified risen Savior. They were arrested because of their boldness in the face of opposition and 5000 were saved! In II Timothy 1:7, Paul addresses Timothy, his son in the faith, to be bold, not fearful.
II Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”
In Acts 4:29, Peter and John are praying for boldness. I believe we should pray for boldness not just that we would speak up for Christ, but that our boldness would give the right words, at the right time, to the right audience. In other words, we speak boldly because we are controlled by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 4:29 “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,”
In so many churches today the gospel has been watered down to try to reach people. That’s like getting medicine for your children, and watering it down so they will like it. The problem? Without the proper strength of the medicine and proper dose, it will not heal the sickness. You can’t trick people into getting saved. If you make them think they are ok, as long as they come to church and like the music, you have deceived them.
The gospel is offensive. It points out our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. The gospel brings conviction and that is very offensive. It makes us feel bad about ourselves. That’s the point, we must understand how sinful we are, and how bad our sin is to God so that we will repent. We want to modernize everything, but the gospel hasn’t changed, and it never will. We don’t need consultants or psychologists to teach us how to make the gospel more appealing. A long time ago, I realized people will respond when they know you genuinely care and know you are telling them the truth.
Our problem is we want the fruit of souls without confrontation. We want great end results without any ruffling of feathers. When people are saved we will be the aroma of life, but to those who reject we will be the aroma of death!
II Corinthians 2:15-16 “For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them, that perish: To the one, we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?”
There are millions upon millions that still don’t know the saving power of Jesus Christ. It is up to us to be bold and declare the truth of the Bible. We hold within our hearts the power and the knowledge to transform the world. Let us remember we are seed sowers, only God can give the increase.
Be bold in your witness with words. Be bold in your witness with your lifestyle. Be bold in your study so you will have an answer. Be bold in your prayers so you will have a passion, and be bold because of the hope that lives within you of eternal life.
Peter, John, Paul, and Silas were all imprisoned for telling the “Good News.” Stephen was stoned, and Jesus was crucified. All paid a much greater price than any of us will ever face. Yet, they continued, and many are in Heaven today because of their boldness.
II Timothy I:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
