Topical Bible: Ministers: should Preach with Boldness

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The call for ministers to preach with boldness is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the necessity for courage and conviction in the proclamation of God's Word. Boldness in preaching is not merely a personality trait but a spiritual mandate, empowered by the Holy Spirit and rooted in the truth of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The apostle Paul serves as a primary example of bold preaching. In Ephesians 6:19-20, Paul requests prayer "that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak" . Here, Paul underscores the importance of boldness in his ministry, even in the face of imprisonment.

In Acts 4:29, the early church prays for boldness amidst persecution: "And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness" . This prayer highlights the reliance on divine empowerment to overcome fear and opposition.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Boldness in preaching is closely linked to the work of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 4:31, after the believers prayed, "the place where they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" . The filling of the Holy Spirit equips ministers with the courage and clarity needed to proclaim the Gospel without compromise.

Examples of Bold Preaching

Throughout the New Testament, boldness is exemplified by various figures. Peter, once timid and fearful, becomes a bold proclaimer of Christ after Pentecost. In Acts 2:14-36, Peter stands before a large crowd and delivers a powerful sermon, fearlessly confronting them with the truth of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Stephen, the first Christian martyr, also demonstrates boldness in Acts 7. Despite knowing the potential consequences, Stephen delivers a convicting message to the Sanhedrin, culminating in his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56).

The Necessity of Boldness

Boldness is essential for ministers because the message of the Gospel often confronts cultural norms and human sinfulness. In 2 Timothy 1:7-8, Paul reminds Timothy, "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord" . Ministers are called to stand firm in the truth, regardless of societal pressures or personal fears.

Challenges to Boldness

Preaching with boldness does not imply arrogance or insensitivity. Ministers must balance boldness with love and humility, ensuring that their message is both truthful and compassionate. The apostle Paul, in Colossians 4:6, advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" .

Conclusion

The call for ministers to preach with boldness is a divine imperative, rooted in Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Through prayer, reliance on the Spirit, and a commitment to truth, ministers are equipped to proclaim the Gospel with courage and conviction, fulfilling their role as ambassadors of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 58:1
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 2:6
And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with you, and you do dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 10:27,28
What I tell you in darkness, that speak you in light: and what you hear in the ear, that preach you on the housetops.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul and his Requests for Prayer (Continued)
... to speak," and just as every preacher should speak ... Happy that preacher who ministers
to a people who pray ... much he needs these things to preach clearly, forcibly ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xvi paul and his requests.htm

Psalm IX.
... that, filled by Him, the Apostles should preach the word ... a king, where a court, where
ministers, where commonalty ... that as the Apostle says, "Sin should no more ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ix.htm

Paul's Sermon Before Felix
... aught in it that can give us boldness in the ... ministers ought not to be personal."
Ministers ought to be ... and with moving sighs and tears should preach the Gospel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/pauls sermon before felix.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... university with Saumur with such boldness and authority ... held, that devils haunted
these ministers houses, and ... of France, that any man should preach within the ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

Knox's Writings from Abroad: Beginning of the Scottish Revolution ...
... {98b} His "true ministers," about half ... had asked her to do), "that no manner of person
should . ... preach or minister the sacraments, except they were admitted by ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter viii knoxs writings from.htm

Directions How to Hear Sermons
... whom you believed?" And are not all ministers sent forth ... come out again because he
does not preach) is earthly ... is it I? How far more beneficial should we find ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/directions how to hear sermons.htm

The Life of Mr. John Craig.
... Andrews was appointed to preach in his place; but as soon as ... dealt in that manner
with him, he should not have ... to be made, granting any two ministers he shall ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 2.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... if they might but have liberty to preach the gospel. ... do you call yourselves ministers
of the gospel, and ... eyes, that you had rather they should eternally perish ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature 2.htm

It is a Little Remarkable That, While Some Classes of Christians ...
... for a christian teacher, and whose ministers are consequently ... upon the whole the
greatest boldness and earnestness ... on which a minister should preach, have been ...
/.../ware/hints on extemporaneous preaching/chapter i it is a.htm

Dedication
... more, than that many ministers, who preach well, will ... My second request to the ministers
in these kingdoms ... is a sad case, that good men should settle themselves ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/dedication.htm