Topic: Spirit of Boldness Preacher: Pastor (Dr) Otive Igbuzor
Text: 2 Tim 1: 7; Prov 28: 1 Date: 25/2/24
INTRODUCTION
The world today is characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity, Diversity, Disruption and Digitalisation.
Volatility= Things are changing rapidly
Uncertainty= Things are unpredictable with a lot of surprises
Complexity= factors responsible for happenings are many
Ambiguity= It is difficult to interpret things correctly.
Diversity= It includes all aspects of an individual contributing to building an organization: cognitive diversity, gender balance, plus cross-cultural and intergenerational diversity defining each individual as unique person.
Disruption= Disturbance or problem which interrupt an event, activity or process. Disruption prevents events, systems or processes from continuity or operating in a normal way e.g. COVID-19.
Digitalisation= adaptation of systems and processes to be operated with the use of computers and internet.
This context generates fear in a lot of people. This is compounded by prevailing economic difficulties and insecurity.
We need the spirit of boldness to enable us to stand firm in our belief, proclaim the gospel and live confidently.
FEAR:
There are three Kinds of Fear
- Phobias- unreasonable fear of a particular thing e.g millipede; rat; etc
- Natural fear- innate or learned fear which can result from predators, pain, dangerous animals etc. It is justifiable fear.
- Morah- the fear of God. Prov 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom… (NIV).
Morah is good fear that we should all desire. But the fear that we need to overcome is the one that will make us not to fulfil destiny- the one talked about by Apostle Paul 2 Tim 1:7 -For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind (KJV) timidity (NIV); of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear (Amplified).
Manifestation of Fear
Fear manifest in different ways. According to one scholar, there are at least 17 kinds of things that people are afraid of:
- Fear of failure- This prevents them for taking action.
- Fear of criticism- of what people will say.
- Fear of rejection- will prevent them from trying e.g. a young man in love with a lady of a different class.
- Fear of authority- afraid of any person on authority.
- Fear of death- constant fear of death. Prevents them from travelling.
- Fear of a national disaster- deep fear of war, election violence etc
- Fear of success- that success will have negative consequences
- Fear of things going too well-if things are going too well, then something bad is about to happen.
- Fear of loss- People are afraid that they will loose their jobs, benefits, friends, respect, properties, money, health, approval etc.
- Fear of problems- problems are meant to be solved.
- Fear of the unknown- just afraid of nothing specific.
- Fear of change- people do not want to leave their comfort zone
- Fear of the past- carrying guilt of the past
- Fear of punishment- fear of being accused of something they did not do.
- Fear of deadly disease- They are healthy but are afraid of cancer, heart trouble, stroke, etc
- Fear of old age- the suicide rate of retired men in developed countries is twelve times those who are employed.
- Phobias- fear of some object, situation, place or thing e.g. fear of heights (acrophobia); fear of public places (agoraphobia); fear of thunder (astraphobia); fear of enclosed places (claustrophobia)
BOLDNESS
- Boldness is confident assurance in God’s promise and a willingness to step out in faith even in the face of difficulties, opposition or fear.
- Boldness is not arrogance.
- Boldness ins not recklessness.
Spirit of Boldness
The spirit of boldness is a powerful force that enables believers to speak and act courageously in the face of difficulties, opposition or fear.
God has given to us the spirit of boldness:
2 Tim 1: 7- For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (KJV)
Prov 28:1- The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion. (KJV)
BIBLICAL EXMAPLES OF BOLDNESS
- Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4: 13-20): Peter and John boldly proclaimed the gospel despite threats and intimidation.
- Stephen’s defence before his accusers (Act 7: 54-60): Stephen fearlessly confronted the religious leaders with the truth of God’s word to the point of death.
- Paul’s preaching in Corinth (Acts 18: 9-11): Paul continued to preach the gospel boldly despite opposition and threats.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BOLD CHRISTIANS
- Faith in God: They trust God fully.
- Courage in the face of opposition: They do not chicken out. They are not deterred by opposition or persecution. They remain steadfast.
- Confidence in God’s power: They rely on God’s power, not on their own power.
- Commitment to the truth: even when it is unpopular or appear controversial.
HOW TO CULTIVATE THE SPIRIT OF BOLDNESS
I. Prayer: Strengthen our relationship with God and makes us bold.
II. Study of God’s word: helps us to understand God’s promises.
III. Fellowship with other bold believers emboldens us.
CHALLENGE
Do you have the spirit of boldness? Are you a bold Christian? Do you have faith in God? Do you display courage in the face of opposition or persecution? Do you have confidence in God’s power, and do you display commitment to the truth?
CONCLUSION
We are living in very difficult times that have increased the tendency to fear. Fear is preventing a lot of people from living abundant life and fulfilling destiny. But God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. There are biblical examples of people who showed boldness. We need to be bold Christians who have faith in God and exhibit boldness. Prayer, God’s word and fellowship can help us to cultivate the spirit of boldness.
Prayer
Father, activate the spirit of boldness in me at all times.