Speak God’s Word With Boldness

“But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. “For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:19–20, NASB95)

Fear of persecution will silence the ministry of the Gospel. Many people are afraid to say the wrong thing and more often fear of retaliation if they say the “Right Thing.” Jesus warns His followers to be aware that they will be brought before authorities, and they will be persecuted. Yet, God is in control because this form of persecution is allowed for the purpose of testimony in order to proclaim the Gospel.

Just this week, a public school teacher was suspended because he refused to follow a secular concept mandated by his district that was contrary to the Word of God. It was forcing him to participate in lying to his students. This teacher made national news and is boldly standing for the truth of God’s Word. Where did this teacher get the strength to stand and be a witness? The power of the Holy Spirit that indwelled in him and gave him the words to say. The key to this man’s witness is the power of God speaking through him “in the Spirit of God” and not the spirit of emotion or man. It is important to note that He did not take an adversarial position, nor was he driving a personal political agenda. Rather, this teacher was led by the Spirit of God to speak the Word of God.

Christ-followers are called to go and live in this world as preachers of the Gospel, and as they preach, they are to engage in the community around them. In doing so, believers should not walk in fear but live with confidence, knowing that when persecution comes, and it will, their life will be called into question. It is then that the believer will be given an opportunity to give testimony and the right words that declare the truth of the Gospel.

Fear has no hold on the Spirit-led believer. Just as the apostle Paul spoke boldly before those who judged him, may you find that same boldness. Don’t give thought or worry as to what to say but let the Holy Spirit lead you as you speak forth the Word of God wherever you may be.

Pastor Cary


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