For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-3 NKJV
It doesn’t take much for us to notice the great conflict in the world between good and evil. Matt 13:24-30 explains the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares. Still there are many who question why God allows evil things to happen in the world. In short, we must first understand that God has given every person a free-will to make choices in life.
Right here, I want to dispel a common misunderstanding of what it means to have been given free-will. Simply put, free-will means that we have been given the ability to choose. It doesn’t give mankind the freedom to have self-rule or transgress God’s law without consequences; Deut. 30:19.
Secondly, God gave mankind dominion over the earth; Genesis 1:26-28. That’s important for us to know because God doesn’t do anything in the earth unless the saints ask Him to through prayer.
Thirdly, God needs righteous vessels in the earth; Romans 9:22. The Bible states that God works through man to will and to do for His good pleasure; Philippians 2:13. For example, God used Moses to deliver a message to Pharaoh, in which he was commanded by God, through Moses, to release His chosen people from captivity. So, the real question people should be asking themselves is, “What is God’s purpose for my life?” Otherwise, darkness runs rampant when good men or women do nothing! (Selah)
We must understand that as conflict continues to rise between light and darkness, we need more righteous men and women that will arise for such a time as this for the sake of God’s Kingdom, which is going to require “boldness”. Being bold may be as simple as talking to someone you normally wouldn’t, while waiting for an open opportunity to demonstrate the love of God. It could be stepping out of your comfort zone by praying with a family member, friend or coworker.
I believe that if your motives are pure and you make yourself available to be used as a vessel of God, then that leaves very little room for hesitation whenever the Spirit prompts you to act or speak. Moreover, we as the people of God, should be cognizant of the fact that we have the words of eternal life! In John 17:14, Jesus prayed to the Father, and He said, “I have given them Your Word.”
Next, let’s look at Acts 4:29-31The Spirit Can Make You Bold
Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:29-31 NKJV
We see here that boldness comes as a byproduct of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. So, this raises the following question. Why is the vast majority of the Church not walking in a spirit of boldness? Well first, it starts with every believer knowing God. Peter had a strong conviction in his heart based on his relationship with God!
The religious leaders, who were of the synagogue of Satan… they had religion, but they didn’t know God. So, they commanded the apostles not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus. Peter’s response was… it is better to obey God than man! (Acts 5:28-29)
Understand we’re dealing with the same spirits today that operate through evil men and woman whose aim is to silence the Church; Ephesians 2:1-2. We see this played out in our public schools, in government funded organizations, and even in religion. As soldiers of Christ, we must not back down!
Boldness Is a State of Mind
God has not given us a spirit of fear (timidity), but of power, love, and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
The Spirit enables us to overcome our human tendency to be self-centered, independent, and self-serving. We must take the focus off of ourselves and place more focus on what God said. To echo the words of Peter, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Peter not only had a conviction in his heart, but his boldness was an outward reflection of his state of mind.
So, we see that boldness is also a state of mind! A sound mind is a mind that is sober. Furthermore, it’s a mind that’s disciplined or trained to think in alignment with the Word of God. And knowledge of the Word of God will cause you to walk in boldness, as you grow in all spiritual understanding.
Boldness in Your Prayer Life
Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14 NKJV
When we pray in faith, he tells us to pray with confidence; expecting that our prayers will be answered. Confidence and boldness are very much related. So, you may be asking in your heart; can we pray for boldness? And the answer is yes. Peter prayed for boldness and God sent him the Holy Spirit. However, there may be moments in your life when you’re faced with challenging situations that require God’s supernatural power or divine hand to strengthen you in times of weaknesses.
For example, Elijah experienced a moment of weakness when he fled to the caves. In one passage of Scripture, we read how Elijah demonstrated boldness when calling down fire from heaven to prove before all of Israel that Baal was a false god; 1 Kings 18. Then, later in Scripture, we see him hiding from Jezebel in a cave. After reading the full story, we discover how Elijah prayed and God strengthened him, which is a great lesson to us all.
Boldness in Asking for God’s Grace or Forgiveness
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16 KJV
Sometimes there’s conflict in people’s minds of the very thought of approaching God boldly in prayer. As children of God, we must understand that we can exemplify boldness and humility at the same time. When you go boldly before God’s throne of grace, you can go in confidence based on the knowledge of His Word. Having said that, we know that our God is merciful.
Secondly, you can exemplify humility in knowing that this privilege comes only by God’s grace, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, The Savior of the world. 1 John 1:9 tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Knowing God’s Word is like fuel to your faith! Therefore, you can walk with greater confidence and silence every voice that tries to shame you, or tell you that you are not good enough.
Conclusion
In summary, true boldness is centered on Christ whenever you purpose in your heart to carry out the will of God. The Bible says that the righteous are bold as a lion!
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:1 NKJV
Let’s ponder on the meaning of this Scripture for a second. In nature, we know that a lion is king of the jungle, and it fears no other animal. In Scripture, the lion is seen as being symbolic of Christ, as Christ is the King of kings who conquered the world, sin, and death. Hence, Christ now lives in us and we are to walk in His likeness. God bless you!