Post by Les on Apr 30, 2023 10:27:09 GMT -5
Fearlessly Telling By: Chris Wale
Click here for the Audio Message
Pray also for me, . . . so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.
Ephesians 6:19
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ephesians 6:18–20
Scottish minister Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813–43) loved to preach God’s Word from the pulpit. Yet he realised it was one thing to speak the gospel to fellow Christians who hung on his every word, but quite another to share it with non-Christians who seemed disinterested or even aggressive. Wrestling with God’s call to evangelise, he realised he was putting too much value on the opinions of others. What did he do? He prayed, knowing that freedom from worrying over the “esteem or contempt” of others “must be given from the Lord”.
Fearing how others might react to our Christian witness appears to be one of the “devil’s schemes” to make us ineffective (Ephesians 6:11). That’s why Paul asked his readers, “Pray also for me . . . that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (v. 19). Note that Paul wrote from prison, and that sharing the gospel wasn’t just losing him friends, it was gaining him powerful enemies who sought his death. Yet despite the pressure, he said: “Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (v. 20). Paul knew in the face of contempt that prayer was the key to speaking boldly and joyfully about Jesus.
Does a fear of how others could react stop you from sharing your faith? By prayer God will help us value His Word above the opinions of others, giving us all we need to declare Him fearlessly.
Reflect & Pray
How could you overcome any fear you may have of how other people will react to your faith? What do you think it looks like to share your faith fearlessly?
Loving God, help me value Your opinion more than anyone else’s. Give me boldness to tell others about all that You have done in my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Writing from prison, Paul ignored his physical hardships and instead warned of the spiritual nature of the battle we wage: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). The weapons for this battle are defensive (vv. 14–17), with one exception—“the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17 ). Our real battle is spiritual, and God’s Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for this struggle. Therefore, we’re to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (v. 18).
Tim Gustafson
Ephesians 6:18-20
King James Version
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
.....................................
Our Daily Bread Evening Meditations - The Gracious Heart of God
Short, uplifting evening meditations from God’s Word to help you refocus your heart on the Lord at the end of each day. Experience His peace as you “lie down and sleep” with the assurance that “you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
Click on this link for this evenings meditation podcast - The Gracious Heart of God
Click here for the Audio Message
Pray also for me, . . . so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.
Ephesians 6:19
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ephesians 6:18–20
Scottish minister Robert Murray M’Cheyne (1813–43) loved to preach God’s Word from the pulpit. Yet he realised it was one thing to speak the gospel to fellow Christians who hung on his every word, but quite another to share it with non-Christians who seemed disinterested or even aggressive. Wrestling with God’s call to evangelise, he realised he was putting too much value on the opinions of others. What did he do? He prayed, knowing that freedom from worrying over the “esteem or contempt” of others “must be given from the Lord”.
Fearing how others might react to our Christian witness appears to be one of the “devil’s schemes” to make us ineffective (Ephesians 6:11). That’s why Paul asked his readers, “Pray also for me . . . that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” (v. 19). Note that Paul wrote from prison, and that sharing the gospel wasn’t just losing him friends, it was gaining him powerful enemies who sought his death. Yet despite the pressure, he said: “Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (v. 20). Paul knew in the face of contempt that prayer was the key to speaking boldly and joyfully about Jesus.
Does a fear of how others could react stop you from sharing your faith? By prayer God will help us value His Word above the opinions of others, giving us all we need to declare Him fearlessly.
Reflect & Pray
How could you overcome any fear you may have of how other people will react to your faith? What do you think it looks like to share your faith fearlessly?
Loving God, help me value Your opinion more than anyone else’s. Give me boldness to tell others about all that You have done in my life.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Writing from prison, Paul ignored his physical hardships and instead warned of the spiritual nature of the battle we wage: “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against . . . the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). The weapons for this battle are defensive (vv. 14–17), with one exception—“the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17 ). Our real battle is spiritual, and God’s Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for this struggle. Therefore, we’re to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions” (v. 18).
Tim Gustafson
Ephesians 6:18-20
King James Version
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
.....................................
Our Daily Bread Evening Meditations - The Gracious Heart of God
Short, uplifting evening meditations from God’s Word to help you refocus your heart on the Lord at the end of each day. Experience His peace as you “lie down and sleep” with the assurance that “you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (Psalm 4:8).
Click on this link for this evenings meditation podcast - The Gracious Heart of God