Believers Pray for Boldness
Series: Prayers from the Bible
November 13, 2022
Frank Foreman
As we continue our series of messages on prayers in the Bible, we consider the question: "What does it mean to show boldness as a Christian today?" As we look through the New Testament it is clear that boldness in the face of opposition and even persecution was required for believers. It is a message to consider this week. ---------- Of course, we know that there are those that face the same threat as those New Testament Christians, but for many of us, we face very little in the way of persecution for our beliefs and fairly light opposition to our faith in our day-to-day life; at least as it stands today. ---------- However, we have seen a gradual shift in the perception and portrayal of those who are considered truly committed to faith and to the Word of God. If we are honest, that "shift" is accelerating more and more. We may not be far from seeing slight opposition move to a more combative form of animosity toward Biblical morals and those who commit to them. The next logical step (as we see in the Scriptures) would be outright hostility and persecution.
Episode Notes
Big Idea: Pray for free and fearless confidence in believers today.
1. The Realization: Early believers saw boldness in their leaders.
Acts 4:13, Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
Hebrews 13:6, So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
2. The Request: Early believers prayed for boldness to continue.
Acts 4:29-30, And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your Word with all boldness, while You stretch out Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.
Ephesians 6:19-20, (Pray for each other) ….And also for me, 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, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
3. The Response: Early believers received boldness to speak truth.
Acts 4:31, And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with boldness.
Acts 28:30-31, He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
Next Step: Boldness and gentleness are not opposites….
I will strive to be both.
Galatians 6:1, Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
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