How can we apply Jesus' boldness in proclaiming truth in our daily lives? The Setting in John 7:28 “Then Jesus cried out in the temple courts, teaching and saying, ‘You know Me and you know where I am from. I have not come on My own, but He who sent Me is true. You do not know Him.’” Seeing Jesus’ Boldness Up Close • Public arena: the crowded temple during a feast • Clear voice: “cried out,” refusing to whisper truth • Direct claim: identifies His divine origin without softening the edges • Confrontational love: exposes the crowd’s spiritual ignorance yet still invites them to know the Father Why Bold Truth Matters Today • Truth rescues (John 8:32) • Silence empowers deception (Ezekiel 33:6) • Boldness displays confidence in God, not self (Acts 4:13) • A clear witness glorifies the Sender (Matthew 5:16) Practical Ways to Imitate Christ’s Boldness 1. Start with certainty – Anchor convictions in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) – Pray for Spirit-given clarity (Luke 12:11-12) 2. Speak plainly – Avoid vague religious clichés; name Jesus specifically – Use everyday language that matches everyday settings 3. Engage public spaces – Workplace conversations – Social media posts grounded in grace and truth (Colossians 4:6) – Community events where faith fits naturally into dialogue 4. Address error lovingly – Correct misinformation about God or morality without ridicule (Ephesians 4:15) – Pair warnings with hope, just as Jesus exposed ignorance yet offered knowledge of the Father 5. Accept cost – Expect misunderstanding or pushback (John 15:20) – Value God’s approval above applause (Galatians 1:10) 6. Keep focus on the Sender – Redirect praise to Christ when people admire courage – Remain humble, remembering boldness is Spirit-powered (Acts 4:31) Guardrails for Godly Boldness • Temper truth with gentleness (1 Peter 3:15) • Reject quarrelsome tones (2 Timothy 2:24-25) • Examine motives—seek others’ good, not personal victory • Maintain personal holiness; hypocrisy undermines bold speech (Titus 2:7-8) Encouragement from Other Passages • Proverbs 28:1 — “The righteous are as bold as a lion.” • 2 Timothy 1:7 — God gives “power, love, and self-control.” • Ephesians 6:19-20 — Paul asks for prayer “to proclaim the gospel boldly.” Taking the Next Step • Choose one setting this week—family table, break room, online thread—where you can lovingly yet plainly mention the truth of Christ. • Meditate on John 7:28 each morning; let Jesus’ fearless focus reshape your own voice. • Trust that when you stand for truth, the same faithful Sender who backed Jesus will stand with you. |
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