19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
-Ephesians 6:19-20 (KJV)
If there is one prayer that your pastor would want you to pray for them, this is it. Actually, I think we should pray this prayer for one another. We all need boldness as we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and hurting world. Let's dig in.
Verse 19 says, "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," Paul is asking them to pray two specific things for him. First, "that utterance may be given unto me," Paul wanted to have the right words, the words that would lead others to Jesus. Second, "that I may open my mouth boldly," Paul not only wanted the right words, but he wanted the boldness to proclaim those words. Let's face it, sharing our faith and witnessing isn't easy. Preaching and teaching the Word of God isn't easy either. Paul wanted the right words to say, and have the boldness to say them. He would need both of them so he could "make known the mystery of the gospel." He would need the right words and boldness as he proclaimed the gospel. What is the mystery? We read in Colossians 1:27-28, "27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (KJV)" The mystery is Christ in you. That's right, Jesus in you, through the Holy Spirit. Paul says in verse 28, "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." Paul is warning everyone about sin and death, and teaching everyone in all wisdom that is given to him. The wisdom comes in the form of the right words to say with boldness, so that everyone would come to a saving faith in Jesus.
The second part of Ephesians 6:20 says, "that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak." Are you ready to speak boldly for Jesus? Are you ready to share the Gospel with someone today? Think About It.
Lord Jesus, help me to speak the way I should. Help me to tell someone about you today. Give me the boldness to step out of my comfort zone, and share the Gospel this day. Amen.
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