“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,”
Ephesians 6:19
More than ever, people look at the Bible as a book of fairy tales or irrelevant, archaic writings (for some encouragement read 1 Cor. 1). Sometimes it seems even Christians live like they feel the same way. However, the Bible is alive and just as relevant as the day it was written. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 Recently, I attended a conference, and it seemed that every message preached had this theme as God’s Word spoke to my heart. Be bold. Be biblical. I felt the Lord wanted me to step it up, and be more bold in my witness.
Missionary Jim Elliot wrote, "We are so utterly ordinary, so commonplace, while we profess to know a Power the Twentieth Century does not reckon with. But we are "harmless,” and therefore unharmed. We are spiritual pacifists, non-militants, conscientious objectors in this battle-to-the-death with principalities and powers in high places. Meekness must be had for contact with men, but brass, outspoken boldness is required to take part in the comradeship of the Cross. We are “sideliners” – coaching and criticizing the real wrestlers while content to sit by and leave the enemies of God unchallenged. The world cannot hate us, we are too much like its own. Oh that God would make us dangerous!“ Jim Elliot’s boldness for Christ made him a martyr at age 29. I am certain he has no regrets.
A brief glance into the lives of those around us reveals people are incredibly bold for various causes. Some are bold in their sinful behavior, bold in their attitudes, bold in their clothing choices, or bold in their politics. But, for some reason, it is so hard to be bold for the things of the Lord. It really just goes against the grain of our humanity. It goes against my FLESH. Just having someone get irritated with me for handing them an invitation to church with a Gospel message on it can cause my level of boldness plummet.
The "old,” unsaved me had no trouble being bold for what I wanted. As a matter of fact, I wrestle with the redeemed me wanting my way on a daily basis. We live in a culture that says, “Whatever you do, just be you!” That sounds fantastic. It really does, but there is one big problem with this mentality. We are broken. Me, well honestly, I stink. I can relate to Paul in this verse for sure. “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” Romans 7:18 So the caution is this. Our flesh is still an enemy to bold, biblical Christianity-even after salvation. You know, the kind of Christianity that says, “Deny yourself.”
I have had many conversations with saved people that go like this, “I know the Bible says that but—” But? But what? What is it that derails our obedience to the Bible? In order to be bold in our witness, our flesh must be crucified which means we will be committed to obeying the Bible. Contrary to Satan’s lies, nothing brings more joy and peace than surrendering my will to Christ’s. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
To obey or not to obey, that is the question…
The great news about the redeemed me is that I am no longer alone. I have the Power in me to live the crucified life, to live boldy. “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:” Colossians 1:27 I have Christ in me.
So what does Biblical boldness look like? It looks like grace and truth. It looks like less of me and more of Christ. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
We have the truth! It is an amazing life-changing message. So, be bold; but whatever you do, keep your life Bible focused. People need to see authentic Christianity. “Oh that God would make us dangerous” for His glory- for the furtherance of the Gospel!
