THE HOLY SPIRIT AND EVANGELISM – Boldness To Preach Christ
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Acts 4:29-31
Key Verse: “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.” – Acts 4:31
Supporting Texts: Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:7-8, Romans 1:16
INTRODUCTION:
Evangelism is the heartbeat of God and the central mission of the church. Jesus Christ commanded His disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. However, human strength, wisdom, and eloquence are not sufficient to carry out this divine assignment. To effectively witness for Christ, we need the power and boldness that comes only through the Holy Spirit.
Many believers struggle with fear, timidity, and intimidation when it comes to sharing their faith. Some are silent because they are afraid of rejection, persecution, or not knowing what to say. But the good news is that the Holy Spirit equips us to overcome these limitations by giving us courage, wisdom, and the right words to speak.
The early church faced fierce opposition, threats, and persecution, yet they did not retreat in fear. Instead, they were filled with the Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. The same Spirit that empowered them is available to us today to make us fearless and effective witnesses of Christ in our homes, communities, workplaces, and nations.
1. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS BELIEVERS FOR WITNESSING
The Spirit is given to us not just for personal comfort but to make us effective ambassadors of Christ.
a) The Spirit Gives Power for Evangelism (Acts 1:8)
The Spirit clothes us with supernatural ability to preach beyond human limitations.
b) The Spirit Removes Fear and Timidity (2 Timothy 1:7)
Instead of fear, the Spirit fills us with boldness to proclaim Christ without shame.
c) The Spirit Enables Clear and Convincing Speech (Mark 13:11)
The Spirit provides the right words when we do not know what to say.
d) The Spirit Confirms the Word with Signs (Mark 16:20)
Through the Spirit, God demonstrates His power to authenticate the gospel message.
Biblical Example: Peter, once timid and fearful, denied Jesus before a servant girl. But after being filled with the Holy Spirit, he boldly preached to thousands on the Day of Pentecost, and about 3,000 souls were saved (Acts 2:14-41).
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT PRODUCES BOLDNESS IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION
Evangelism often attracts resistance, but the Spirit makes us fearless.
a) Boldness to Confront Challenges (Acts 4:13)
The Spirit makes ordinary believers courageous before rulers and authorities.
b) Boldness to Overcome Persecution (Acts 5:40-42)
The apostles rejoiced after being beaten, continuing to preach daily.
c) Boldness to Speak the Truth Without Compromise (Ephesians 6:19-20)
The Spirit empowers us to declare the gospel without watering it down.
d) Boldness to Stand Unashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:16)
The Spirit helps us declare Christ confidently regardless of people’s opinions.
Biblical Example: Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, boldly preached Christ even as he faced death, and his testimony impacted Saul, who later became Paul (Acts 7:54-60).
3. THE HOLY SPIRIT PROVIDES WISDOM AND STRATEGY FOR EVANGELISM
Evangelism is not only about boldness but also divine wisdom.
a) Wisdom to Reach the Lost (Proverbs 11:30)
The Spirit gives insight on how to draw souls effectively to Christ.
b) Discernment in Evangelism (Acts 16:6-10)
The Spirit directs us to the right people and places for fruitful witnessing.
c) Relevance in Communication (1 Corinthians 9:22)
The Spirit enables us to adapt our approach without compromising the truth.
d) Effective Use of Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7)
The Spirit releases gifts that attract and convict hearts during evangelism.
Biblical Example: Philip, led by the Spirit, approached the Ethiopian eunuch at the right time, explained the Scriptures, and led him to Christ (Acts 8:26-39).
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS AND TRANSFORMS HEARTS
Our responsibility is to preach, but the Spirit works in the hearts of people.
a) The Spirit Convicts of Sin (John 16:8)
Only the Spirit can pierce hearts and bring conviction of sin.
b) The Spirit Reveals Christ (John 15:26)
The Spirit glorifies Jesus and reveals Him to unbelievers.
c) The Spirit Draws People to God (John 6:44)
He removes spiritual blindness and draws people to salvation.
d) The Spirit Transforms Lives (2 Corinthians 5:17)
True transformation of sinners into saints is the Spirit’s work.
Biblical Example: Lydia, a seller of purple, had her heart opened by the Spirit as Paul preached, and she believed in Christ (Acts 16:14-15).
CONCLUSION:
Evangelism is not a task to be carried out in human wisdom, courage, or power. It is a divine assignment that requires the supernatural empowerment of the Holy Spirit. When believers are filled with the Spirit, fear is replaced with boldness, confusion is replaced with wisdom, and weakness is replaced with strength. The Spirit not only empowers us to preach but also works in the hearts of listeners to bring conviction and transformation.
As the church of Christ today, we must return to the pattern of the early church—depending completely on the Holy Spirit for boldness, guidance, and effectiveness in evangelism. With the Spirit, no heart is too hard, no opposition too strong, and no territory too dark for the light of the gospel.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh with boldness to preach Christ.
2. Lord, remove every spirit of fear and timidity from my life.
3. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom and strategy for effective evangelism.
4. Lord, let my words carry power and conviction through the Spirit.
5. Holy Spirit, guide me to the right people and places for evangelism.
6. Lord, use me as a vessel to bring many souls into Your kingdom.
7. Holy Spirit, confirm Your word with signs, wonders, and miracles.
8. Lord, let me never be ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
9. Holy Spirit, open the hearts of people to receive the gospel through me.
10. Lord, let my life be a living testimony that draws people to You.
