BOLDNESS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL

BOLDNESS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 6:19-20

Key Verse: Ephesians 6:19 (KJV)
“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.”

Supporting Texts: Acts 4:1-20, 29-31; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:7-8; Jeremiah 1:7-8; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; 1 Corinthians 2:1-5.

Description: This message examines the spiritual courage believers need to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully, clearly and fearlessly, regardless of opposition, intimidation or personal circumstances.

INTRODUCTION

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the greatest message ever committed to humanity. It is the message of God's love, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. It is God's power unto salvation to everyone who believes. Yet, despite the greatness of this message, many believers struggle to proclaim it openly because of fear, intimidation, shame, rejection and the possibility of persecution.

In Ephesians 6:19-20, Apostle Paul requested prayer from the believers in Ephesus. Interestingly, Paul was already an experienced preacher, missionary and apostle. He had established churches, endured persecution and defended the faith. Nevertheless, he understood that preaching the gospel required divine enablement. He asked that God would give him the right utterance and the boldness to open his mouth and make known the mystery of the gospel. At the time of writing, he was an ambassador in chains, yet his imprisonment did not silence his message.

The church today needs men and women who will not be ashamed of the gospel. We need believers who will proclaim Christ in their homes, workplaces, communities, schools, marketplaces and nations. The world does not merely need religious activities; it needs the saving message of Jesus Christ. Every Christian has a responsibility to make Christ known, and every believer must depend on the Holy Spirit for the courage to fulfil this responsibility.

1. UNDERSTANDING BOLDNESS TO PREACH THE GOSPEL

Boldness to preach the gospel is the spiritual courage and confidence to proclaim Jesus Christ without being controlled by fear, shame, intimidation or opposition. It is not arrogance, aggression or the desire to dominate others. It is a Spirit-enabled conviction that the message of salvation must be declared faithfully, whatever the circumstances.

Paul's request in Ephesians 6:19 reveals that boldness is not simply a product of personality. A naturally outspoken person may still lack spiritual courage, while someone who is naturally quiet can become a powerful witness through the Holy Spirit.

a) Boldness Is Courage to Speak Without Shame (Romans 1:16)

Paul declared, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”

To be bold in preaching the gospel means refusing to be ashamed of Christ. Some people are comfortable discussing business, politics, entertainment and personal achievements but become uncomfortable when the conversation turns to salvation. They fear being labelled religious, old-fashioned or intolerant.

The believer must understand that the gospel is not an embarrassment. It is God's power to save sinners, transform lives and reconcile humanity to Himself. We must never allow society's opinions to make us hide the message that brings eternal life.

Practical Application: Speak openly about your faith. Let your words, decisions and conduct demonstrate that you belong to Jesus Christ.

b) Boldness Is Confidence in the Message, Not in Personal Ability (1 Corinthians 2:4-5)

Paul explained that his preaching was not based on the persuasive wisdom of men but on the demonstration of the Spirit and of power.

The preacher's confidence must rest in the authority of God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit, not in academic qualifications, eloquence, popularity or human influence. God can use a person with limited education and imperfect speech to communicate a life-changing message.

Our responsibility is to proclaim the truth faithfully. The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts hearts and brings genuine transformation.

Practical Application: Prepare yourself in the Word of God, depend on the Holy Spirit and refuse to believe that your limitations disqualify you from witnessing for Christ.

c) Boldness Is Faithfulness Despite Opposition (Acts 4:18-20)

When Peter and John were commanded not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, they refused to abandon their divine assignment. They declared that they could not stop speaking about what they had seen and heard.

Genuine boldness is demonstrated when obedience to God takes precedence over the fear of human beings. Opposition may come through ridicule, threats, rejection or discrimination, but none of these should make the believer deny Christ.

Practical Application: Do not allow criticism or rejection to silence your witness. Speak the truth with love, wisdom and conviction.

d) Boldness Is Empowerment to Fulfil a Divine Assignment (Acts 1:8)

Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them and that they would become His witnesses.

The assignment of preaching the gospel is spiritual, and it requires spiritual empowerment. The Holy Spirit gives believers courage, wisdom, utterance and strength to testify about Christ.

Practical Application: Make room for the Holy Spirit in your daily life through prayer, worship, obedience and the study of Scripture.

Biblical Example: Peter and John (Acts 4:13-20)

Peter and John were ordinary men, but after encountering Jesus and receiving the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, they spoke with remarkable courage. Their boldness demonstrated that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SOURCE OF GOSPEL BOLDNESS

Christian boldness is not produced by human determination alone. It comes through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The disciples had walked with Jesus, heard His teachings and witnessed His miracles, yet He instructed them to wait for the promised power before embarking on their public ministry.

The Holy Spirit does not merely give believers spiritual experiences; He empowers them to become effective witnesses of Jesus Christ. A church that desires to reach its generation must remain dependent on the Holy Spirit.

a) The Holy Spirit Gives Power for Witnessing (Acts 1:8)

The promise of Acts 1:8 establishes the connection between the Holy Spirit's power and the believer's responsibility to witness.

The power of the Holy Spirit is not given merely for personal enjoyment or spiritual excitement. It equips believers to testify about Christ and advance the gospel. The Holy Spirit gives supernatural ability to communicate the truth and remain faithful under pressure.

Practical Application: Do not depend solely on human confidence. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to become an effective witness wherever God places you.

b) The Holy Spirit Gives Utterance (Acts 2:4)

On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance.

This demonstrates that God can empower the believer's speech for His divine purpose. In Ephesians 6:19, Paul specifically requested that utterance might be given to him. He understood the importance of receiving divine help to communicate the gospel accurately and effectively.

Practical Application: Before preaching, teaching or witnessing, pray for divine utterance. Ask God to help you speak words that communicate the truth clearly.

c) The Holy Spirit Removes the Spirit of Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

Paul reminded Timothy that God had not given believers the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.

Fear can paralyse a believer and prevent the fulfilment of a divine assignment. Fear of rejection, criticism, embarrassment and persecution can make people conceal their faith. However, the Holy Spirit enables believers to overcome such fear.

Notice that spiritual boldness must operate alongside love and a sound mind. We must be courageous without being reckless, and firm without being insulting.

Practical Application: Whenever fear rises in your heart, remind yourself of God's promise. Refuse to let fear determine whether you will obey His Word.

d) The Holy Spirit Strengthens Believers Under Pressure (Acts 4:29-31)

When the early church encountered threats, they did not merely pray for the threats to disappear. They asked God to grant them boldness to speak His Word.

After they prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken, they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness.

Practical Application: When opposition arises, do not respond with silence or bitterness. Pray for fresh spiritual strength and continue to proclaim Christ faithfully.

Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 4:23-31)

The early Christians faced threats from religious authorities, but they turned to God in prayer. Their prayer resulted in renewed boldness. Their experience teaches us that prayer and the Holy Spirit's empowerment are essential to courageous gospel ministry.

3. OVERCOMING THE ENEMIES OF GOSPEL BOLDNESS

If the gospel is God's power unto salvation, then anything that prevents believers from proclaiming it becomes a serious hindrance to the fulfilment of the Great Commission. Some hindrances arise from within, while others come through external opposition.

Believers must recognise these obstacles and confront them through faith, prayer, the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.

a) Fear of Man (Proverbs 29:25)

The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.

Many believers are more concerned about people's reactions than God's approval. They fear losing friendships, opportunities, social acceptance or professional relationships because of their faith.

However, the Christian must understand that pleasing people must never become more important than obeying God. We must communicate the gospel with respect and sensitivity, but we must not compromise its truth to gain acceptance.

Practical Application: Make God's approval your priority. Do not sacrifice your Christian convictions merely to avoid criticism.

b) Shame and Fear of Rejection (Mark 8:38)

Jesus warned against being ashamed of Him and His words in a sinful and adulterous generation.

Rejection is one of the reasons people avoid evangelism. Some believers have attempted to share their faith and received negative responses. Others have remained silent because they assume that people will reject them.

However, our responsibility is to present Christ faithfully. We cannot force anyone to believe, but we must give people the opportunity to hear the message of salvation.

Practical Application: Do not measure your faithfulness by people's immediate response. Continue to share the gospel with patience and love.

c) Fear of Persecution and Opposition (2 Timothy 3:12)

Scripture teaches that those who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will face persecution.

The gospel has always encountered opposition because it confronts sin, exposes darkness and calls people to repentance. Nevertheless, persecution must not become an excuse for abandoning the assignment of Christ.

We should exercise wisdom and avoid unnecessary danger, but we must never deny the Lord because of threats or intimidation.

Practical Application: Strengthen your spiritual life through prayer and Scripture so that your commitment to Christ remains firm during difficult seasons.

d) Ignorance of the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15)

A believer who does not know the Word may struggle to explain the gospel or answer sincere questions about the Christian faith.

Some people remain silent because they are afraid of being asked questions they cannot answer. This is why every Christian must grow in biblical knowledge. We do not need to know everything before we can witness, but we should be willing to learn and communicate the fundamental truths of salvation.

Practical Application: Study the Scriptures consistently. Learn how to explain sin, repentance, faith in Christ, the cross, the resurrection and eternal life.

Biblical Example: Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:4-9)

When God called Jeremiah, he complained that he was a child and did not know how to speak. God responded by assuring him of His presence and promising to put His words in his mouth. Jeremiah's experience teaches us that our inadequacies need not defeat God's purpose when we depend on His enablement.

4. THE MESSAGE WE MUST PREACH BOLDLY

Boldness without the right message is not biblical preaching. The church must not only speak courageously; it must also proclaim the true gospel. Our message must be centred on Jesus Christ, His death, His resurrection, His lordship and His power to save.

Paul asked for boldness to make known the mystery of the gospel. He was not asking for the courage to promote personal opinions or human philosophies. He wanted to communicate God's revealed plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

a) Preach Jesus Christ as the Only Saviour (Acts 4:12)

The apostles declared that salvation is found in no other name, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

The central message of Christianity is Jesus Christ. We must proclaim His identity, His sacrifice and His resurrection. Good works, religious ceremonies and human achievements cannot replace the saving grace of Christ.

Practical Application: Make Jesus the centre of your preaching, conversations and personal testimony. Do not substitute social commentary for the message of salvation.

b) Preach Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins (Luke 24:46-47)

Jesus instructed His disciples that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations.

The gospel calls people to turn away from sin and place their faith in Christ. It announces that forgiveness is available through His sacrifice. Preaching that avoids the subject of sin and repentance fails to communicate the full message of salvation.

Practical Application: Present the gospel truthfully. Explain the need for repentance while making clear that God's mercy and forgiveness are available to everyone who comes to Christ.

c) Preach the Death and Resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

Paul declared that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried and rose again on the third day.

The cross is the foundation of the Christian message, and the resurrection is the confirmation of Christ's victory over sin and death. We must not reduce the gospel to motivational speeches or promises of material success. The heart of the gospel is what Jesus accomplished for humanity.

Practical Application: When sharing the gospel, explain why Jesus died and why His resurrection gives believers hope of eternal life.

d) Preach the Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 24:14)

Jesus declared that the gospel of the kingdom would be preached throughout the world as a witness to all nations.

The kingdom message calls people to acknowledge God's rule and submit their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ. It calls for a transformed life characterised by righteousness, peace, holiness and obedience to God.

Practical Application: Preach a gospel that leads people beyond religious excitement into genuine discipleship and obedience to Christ.

Biblical Example: Philip the Evangelist (Acts 8:26-40)

Philip obeyed the direction of the Holy Spirit and explained the Scriptures to the Ethiopian official. Beginning with the passage the man was reading, Philip preached Jesus to him. This demonstrates the importance of knowing the Scriptures and using every God-given opportunity to make Christ known.

5. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERY BELIEVER TO PREACH THE GOSPEL

The Great Commission was not given merely to pastors, evangelists and missionaries. Every believer has a responsibility to participate in the spread of the gospel. While God calls some people into specialised ministry offices, every Christian is called to be a witness of Jesus Christ.

The church must therefore move beyond the walls of the auditorium. We must take the gospel into our homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces, schools and communities. The world must encounter Christ through our words and our conduct.

a) Preach the Gospel Everywhere (Mark 16:15)

Jesus commanded His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

The assignment has no geographical limitation. The gospel is for every nation, tribe, language, class and generation. We must not restrict evangelism to church programmes or special occasions.

Practical Application: Identify opportunities to share Christ in your everyday environment. Let your workplace, neighbourhood and social relationships become opportunities for Christian witness.

b) Preach the Gospel Through Your Lifestyle (Matthew 5:16)

Jesus taught that our light should shine before men so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Our conduct must support our message. A believer who preaches love but practises hatred, or preaches holiness but lives in hypocrisy, weakens the testimony of the gospel.

Our lifestyle does not replace the verbal proclamation of Christ, but it should demonstrate the reality of the message we proclaim.

Practical Application: Let your character, honesty, compassion, integrity and faithfulness give credibility to your Christian testimony.

c) Preach the Gospel With Love and Wisdom (Colossians 4:5-6)

Paul instructed believers to walk in wisdom towards those outside the faith and to let their speech be gracious.

Boldness does not mean being rude, argumentative or insensitive. We must speak the truth in love, respect people's dignity and recognise the right time to communicate the message.

A harsh attitude can create unnecessary barriers, but a gracious approach can open hearts to hear the truth.

Practical Application: Learn to communicate your faith respectfully. Listen carefully, answer sincerely and allow the love of Christ to shape your words.

d) Support the Work of Evangelism Through Prayer and Giving (Philippians 4:15-18)

Not everyone will travel as a missionary, but every believer can participate in gospel advancement through prayer, financial support, encouragement and practical service.

Paul acknowledged the support of the Philippian church in his ministry. Their partnership enabled the gospel to advance beyond what Paul could accomplish alone.

Practical Application: Pray for missionaries, support evangelistic outreaches, encourage gospel ministers and contribute faithfully to the work of spreading the Word.

Biblical Example: The Samaritan Woman (John 4:28-30, 39-42)

After encountering Jesus, the Samaritan woman went into the city and invited others to come and see the Man who had revealed the truth to her. Her testimony brought many people to Jesus. She was not an apostle or an ordained minister, but she became an effective witness because she shared what she had experienced.

6. PRAYER IS ESSENTIAL FOR BOLDNESS IN GOSPEL MINISTRY

One remarkable feature of Ephesians 6:19-20 is that Paul requested prayer for his preaching. He understood that even a gifted and experienced minister needed the prayers of God's people.

The preceding verse, Ephesians 6:18, teaches believers to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit. Immediately afterwards, Paul requests prayer for utterance and boldness. This connection teaches us that prayer is an essential foundation for effective gospel proclamation.

a) Pray for Open Doors to Preach the Gospel (Colossians 4:3)

Paul requested prayer that God would open a door for the Word so that he could proclaim the mystery of Christ.

Evangelism requires opportunities. God can open doors into families, communities, institutions, workplaces and nations. We must therefore pray for divine opportunities to share the gospel.

Practical Application: Make it a regular prayer that God will open doors for you and your church to reach people who need salvation.

b) Pray for the Right Utterance (Ephesians 6:19)

Paul did not merely request an opportunity to speak; he requested that utterance might be given to him.

Effective preaching requires the ability to communicate God's truth clearly. We need divine wisdom to know what to say, how to say it and how to address the needs of those listening.

Practical Application: Pray before every opportunity to preach or witness. Ask God to guide your words and make the message understandable.

c) Pray for Boldness in the Face of Opposition (Acts 4:29)

The early church prayed that God would grant His servants boldness to speak His Word.

Their prayer teaches us that boldness can be strengthened through corporate prayer. The church must not only pray for personal blessings; it must also pray for the courage to fulfil its mission.

Practical Application: Include prayers for boldness, evangelism and the salvation of souls in your family prayers and church prayer meetings.

d) Pray for Gospel Ministers and Missionaries (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)

Paul requested prayer that the Word of the Lord might have free course and be glorified, and that God's servants would be delivered from unreasonable and wicked people.

Gospel ministers face spiritual, emotional, physical and practical challenges. They need the prayers of the church. When ministers are strengthened, the work of evangelism and discipleship can advance.

Practical Application: Regularly mention pastors, evangelists, missionaries and Christian workers in your prayers. Do not criticise those who labour in the gospel without also supporting them in prayer.

Biblical Example: The Church Praying for Peter (Acts 12:5-11)

When Peter was imprisoned, the church prayed earnestly for him. God intervened and delivered him from prison. This account demonstrates the power of united prayer in supporting those who serve God's purpose. The church must never underestimate its responsibility to pray for gospel ministers.

CONCLUSION

Boldness to preach the gospel is a divine necessity for every believer who desires to fulfil the Great Commission. The gospel is God's power unto salvation, and it must not be hidden because of fear, shame, rejection or opposition. Like Paul, we must ask God for utterance and courage to make Christ known. We must depend on the Holy Spirit, overcome the fear of man, understand the message we proclaim and remain faithful to our calling.

The world is waiting to hear the message of salvation. Families need Christ, communities need Christ, nations need Christ, and sinners need the saving grace of God. May the Lord raise a generation of courageous witnesses who will not be intimidated or silenced. May our churches become centres of evangelism, our homes become places of Christian testimony and our lives become instruments through which people encounter Jesus Christ. Let us open our mouths boldly and make known the mystery of the gospel!

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit and grant me boldness to preach the gospel, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from every fear, shame and intimidation that hinders my witness, in Jesus name.

3. Father, give me divine utterance to communicate the gospel clearly and effectively, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, open doors of evangelism for me, my family and my church, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let my life and character attract people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, empower me to remain faithful to the gospel despite opposition and persecution, in Jesus name.

7. Father, put a fresh burden for lost souls in my heart, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, strengthen pastors, evangelists, missionaries and all gospel ministers, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let the gospel spread throughout my community and nation, bringing multitudes into Your kingdom, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make me a courageous and fruitful witness of Jesus Christ until the end of my life, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall receive fresh boldness and power from the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel.

2. You shall not be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

3. Every spirit of fear and intimidation working against your witness shall lose its hold over your life.

4. God shall give you the right words and divine utterance whenever you proclaim His Word.

5. Doors of evangelism and ministry shall open before you.

6. Your testimony shall lead many people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

7. You shall remain steadfast and faithful to Christ in the face of opposition.

8. Your family and household shall become instruments for the advancement of God's kingdom.

9. The Holy Spirit shall make you fruitful in soul-winning and discipleship.

10. You shall finish your race faithfully and receive the reward of a faithful servant of God, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.