GROWING IN BOLDNESS FOR CHRIST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 4:31
Supporting Texts: 2 Timothy 1:7-8, Proverbs 28:1, Romans 1:16, Ephesians 6:19-20, Jeremiah 1:8-10
INTRODUCTION:
The early church grew in power, influence, and effectiveness not by human strength, but through divine boldness granted by the Holy Spirit. After facing persecution, the believers in Acts 4 did not shrink in fear—they prayed for greater courage. In response, the place where they gathered was shaken, and they were filled anew with the Holy Spirit, enabling them to speak the Word of God boldly.
Today, many believers are held back by fear, intimidation, or timidity. Yet, the same Spirit that empowered the apostles to stand fearlessly before councils and crowds dwells in every born-again child of God. Boldness is not about arrogance; it is about speaking and living out your faith with clarity, conviction, and love, regardless of opposition.
In this message, we will explore how to grow in spiritual boldness, why it is needed in our time, and how God responds to those who desire to represent Him without shame or fear.
1. BOLDNESS COMES THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT
a) The Holy Spirit empowers us for witness (Acts 1:8):
When we are filled with the Spirit, we receive supernatural ability to stand as Christ’s witnesses in every setting.
b) Boldness is a result of divine infilling (Acts 4:31):
The early believers became bold only after they were filled again with the Spirit—they knew they needed continual refilling for consistent courage.
c) The Spirit breaks the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7):
God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, enabling us to overcome hesitation.
d) The Spirit gives utterance to declare God’s Word (Ephesians 6:19):
When we open our mouths in faith, the Spirit gives us the words to speak with impact and authority.
Biblical Example: Peter, once fearful and denying Christ, stood boldly before the same crowd on the Day of Pentecost and preached with power, leading to the conversion of 3,000 souls (Acts 2:14-41).
2. BOLDNESS GROWS THROUGH PRAYER AND THE WORD
a) Prayer builds spiritual confidence (Jude 1:20):
Praying in the Spirit strengthens our inner man and prepares us to face challenges with courage.
b) The Word of God fuels faith and courage (Romans 10:17):
The more we study the Scriptures, the more convinced we become of God’s truth, and this builds confidence to share it.
c) God responds to bold prayers (Acts 4:29-30):
When believers asked for boldness in prayer, God answered with signs, wonders, and a greater measure of His presence.
d) Meditation on God's promises silences fear (Psalm 56:4):
When we trust in God’s Word, we overcome the fear of man and stand boldly in every situation.
Biblical Example: Daniel, despite knowing the consequences, continued in prayer three times a day, leading to his supernatural deliverance from the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10-23).
3. BOLDNESS REQUIRES A DEEP CONVICTION ABOUT CHRIST
a) You cannot be bold for what you doubt (Romans 1:16):
Being unashamed of the gospel stems from being fully convinced of its power and truth.
b) Boldness flows from knowing your identity in Christ (Galatians 2:20):
When you understand who you are in Christ, you are not easily shaken by opposition.
c) Deep love for Christ fuels fearless witness (2 Corinthians 5:14):
The love of Christ compels us to speak, live, and serve without fear.
d) Boldness is sustained by eternal perspective (Matthew 10:28):
When you fear God more than man, you develop lasting courage to speak the truth.
Biblical Example: Stephen, full of grace and truth, preached powerfully even as he faced death, and saw the heavens opened (Acts 7:55-60).
4. BOLDNESS WILL BE TESTED BUT MUST BE MAINTAINED
a) Boldness invites opposition (Acts 5:28-29):
When you speak truth in a dark world, you may face resistance, but like the apostles, you must obey God rather than man.
b) Boldness is maintained through spiritual resilience (Philippians 1:20):
Paul’s desire was to exalt Christ in life or death, with boldness that would not diminish under pressure.
c) Don’t let past failures silence your future (Luke 22:31-32):
Even when we fall, like Peter, we can return in strength and speak boldly again.
d) Encourage others to be bold too (Hebrews 10:24-25):
Boldness is contagious—when we stand firm, we inspire others to do the same.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas, even after being beaten and imprisoned, sang and preached boldly, leading to the conversion of the jailer (Acts 16:23-34).
5. BOLDNESS BRINGS FRUIT AND GLORY TO GOD
a) Boldness leads to open doors for the gospel (Colossians 4:3):
When we step out boldly, God opens hearts and opportunities for His Word to spread.
b) Boldness produces revival and growth (Acts 4:33):
With great power the apostles testified boldly, and great grace was upon them all.
c) Boldness attracts God’s favour and approval (Hebrews 10:35):
Do not cast away your confidence—it carries a great reward.
d) Boldness causes people to glorify God (Matthew 5:16):
When we boldly live for Christ, our light shines and brings glory to the Father.
Biblical Example: The boldness of the early believers brought unity, miracles, and rapid church expansion (Acts 5:12-16).
CONCLUSION:
Growing in boldness for Christ is not a one-time achievement, but a continual journey of being filled with the Spirit, rooted in the Word, and fuelled by prayer. As fear and compromise rise in the world, God is calling His people to rise in faith, speak with courage, and live without apology for Christ.
Let us cast off the shackles of timidity and receive the Spirit’s empowerment. Now is the time to be bold, to testify without shame, and to shine brightly in a world desperately in need of the gospel. Boldness for Christ will not only transform our lives but will impact our world.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit and boldness.
2. I reject every spirit of fear and intimidation.
3. Give me courage to speak Your Word without compromise.
4. Let Your fire burn in my heart for souls.
5. Strengthen me to stand firm in the face of persecution.
6. Teach me to trust in Your Word more than in my feelings.
7. Help me to be bold in both speech and conduct.
8. Let signs and wonders follow my bold witness.
9. Restore my confidence where fear once held me back.
10. Use my life as a beacon of truth and courage.
