How can we avoid being "bold" only when "face to face" with others? Paul’s Concern: Boldness That Rings True “ I plead with you that when I come, I will not need to be bold with the confidence I expect to show against those who think we live according to the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 10:2) Some believers in Corinth assumed Paul was only severe in his letters but timid in person. He corrects this by showing that authentic boldness springs from walking in the Spirit, not from fleshly posturing. Our aim is the same: courage that remains steady whether present or absent, in public or in private. Diagnosing the Temptation • Craving approval: “For am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? … If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10) • Fear of rejection: “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.” (Proverbs 29:25) • Fleshly inconsistency: speaking bravely when applause is likely, remaining silent when obedience is costly. Foundations for Consistent Courage • Identity rooted in Christ, not audience size. • Reverence for the Lord outweighing fear of people (Matthew 10:28). • Ongoing filling of the Spirit, who supplies “power, love, and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7) • Daily intake of Scripture that renews conviction. • A clear conscience through quick repentance, freeing the tongue for truth. Practical Steps That Keep Boldness Steady 1. Start every day acknowledging Christ’s lordship; decide ahead of time to honor Him in every conversation. 2. Memorize key verses on courage (e.g., Acts 4:13; Ephesians 6:19-20) and recite them before challenging interactions. 3. Practice “small-moment” faithfulness—speaking truth kindly in minor matters trains the heart for major ones. 4. Invite trusted believers to observe your life and speak correction when words and actions diverge. 5. Record instances where God sustained you through past risks; rehearse His faithfulness before new ones. 6. Serve people sacrificially; love propels candid honesty (1 Peter 3:15 blended with gentleness and respect). 7. Refuse the double life; aim to be the same person in secret that you are on stage (James 1:22). Scripture Anchors to Rehearse • “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17) • “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) • “Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me to fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” (Ephesians 6:19) Measuring Consistency • Speech aligned with Scripture even when misunderstood. • Actions that mirror spoken convictions when no one is watching. • Emotional steadiness—not inflated by applause, not deflated by criticism. • Increasing pattern of obedience rather than isolated heroic moments. Living It Out Together • Engage in corporate worship where shared confession and testimony normalize courageous faith. • Learn from believers of past generations who stood firm; their stories fuel perseverance (Hebrews 12:1-2). • Celebrate small victories in community, reinforcing a culture where steady boldness is expected, not exceptional. A Final Picture Christ “committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth” (1 Peter 2:22), yet He spoke with unwavering authority before rulers and crowds alike. Paul followed that model; so can we. By anchoring ourselves in the Lord’s unchanging Word and relying on His Spirit, we grow into believers whose courage is seamless—steady in the meeting, steady in the hallway, steady when no one else is there. |
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