Day 96/260: Read Ephesians 6

Paul believed in the power of prayer. In the final chapter of his Ephesian epistle, the apostle asked his readers to pray for him and his ministry, “that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

What is boldness? It is “preach[ing] the word…in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). It is reported that Marshall Keeble paraphrased that as “when they want to hear it, and when they don’t.” There are times that one must boldly stand for the truth, recognizing that there will be opposition.

Boldness is “declar[ing] the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). That is proclaiming the entire gospel from beginning to end, not leaving anything out for fear of offending another.

Boldness is “contend[ing] earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3). It involves passionate persuasion of “the faith which was once delivered to the saints.” It has not changed since the first century; what was true then is still true today.

Notice also, however, what boldness is not.

Boldness is not rudeness. When we spread the gospel we are to be “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). We are not trying to win arguments; we are trying to win souls for Christ. Be gentle, yet uncompromising. Be patient, yet persistent. Be compassionate, just as Christ was (and is).

Be bold.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Philippians 2:4. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Pray

Pray for boldness in your speech and service.