Topical Encyclopedia Holy boldness is a vital characteristic that ministers of the Gospel are called to exhibit in their service to God and their congregations. This boldness is not a natural bravado or arrogance but a divinely inspired courage and confidence rooted in faith and the truth of God's Word. It is essential for the effective proclamation of the Gospel and the spiritual leadership of God's people.Biblical Foundation The concept of holy boldness is deeply rooted in Scripture. The Apostle Paul serves as a prime example of this trait. In his letter to the Ephesians, he requests prayer for boldness in proclaiming the Gospel: "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19). This request underscores the necessity of divine empowerment for boldness in ministry. In the book of Acts, the early church prayed for boldness in the face of persecution: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness" (Acts 4:29). The result of this prayer was a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit, enabling the apostles to speak the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31). Characteristics of Holy Boldness 1. Rooted in Faith: Holy boldness is grounded in a deep trust in God and His promises. It is the assurance that God is faithful and His Word is true. Hebrews 13:6 states, "So we say with confidence: 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" 2. Driven by Love: True boldness is motivated by love for God and His people. It seeks the spiritual well-being of others, even when delivering difficult truths. Paul exemplifies this in his ministry, as he writes to the Corinthians, "I speak as to my children: Open wide your hearts also" (2 Corinthians 6:13). 3. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Boldness in ministry is a work of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 4. Characterized by Humility: Holy boldness is not self-seeking but is marked by humility and a desire to glorify God. It acknowledges human weakness and relies on God's strength, as Paul writes, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). The Role of Ministers Ministers are called to exhibit holy boldness in their faithfulness to their congregations. This involves preaching the full counsel of God without compromise, addressing sin, and encouraging righteousness. Paul charges Timothy, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction" (2 Timothy 4:2). Ministers must also be bold in defending the faith against false teachings and cultural pressures. Jude 1:3 exhorts believers to "contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints." Examples from Scripture · Peter and John: Despite threats from religious authorities, Peter and John boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, stating, "We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). · Stephen: As the first Christian martyr, Stephen demonstrated holy boldness by fearlessly proclaiming the truth before the Sanhedrin, even at the cost of his life (Acts 7). · Paul: Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul exhibited boldness in preaching the Gospel, often facing persecution and imprisonment. His unwavering commitment is evident in his declaration, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). In summary, holy boldness is an essential quality for ministers, enabling them to faithfully shepherd their congregations and advance the Kingdom of God. It is a divine empowerment that allows them to speak truth with love, courage, and humility, regardless of opposition or personal cost. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 7:4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 10:1 Library Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Against Jovinianus. Resources What does the Bible say about assertiveness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about courage? | GotQuestions.org What is toxic masculinity? | GotQuestions.org Boldness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Abraham Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Moses Holy Boldness is Through Faith in Christ Holy Boldness: A Characteristic of Saints Holy Boldness: Christ Set an Example of Holy Boldness: Exhortations To Holy Boldness: Express Your Trust in God With Holy Boldness: Have, in Prayer Holy Boldness: Joseph of Arimathaea Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Faithfulness to Their People Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Preaching Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in Reproving Sin Holy Boldness: Ministers should Exhibit, in The Face of Opposition Holy Boldness: Produced by Faithfulness to God Holy Boldness: Produced by The Fear of God Holy Boldness: Produced by Trust in God Holy Boldness: Saints Shall Have, in Judgment Related Terms |
    |