The disciple who is abiding in the Word and maturing in holiness is also becoming bold. Boldness (Greek: parresia) means fearlessness, confidence, or freedom of speech. This is the result of Prayer and Discipleship, and is not a result of temperament or style.
Boldness in the Lord is not an overbearing dominance of power over another person. It is a disciplined heart and mind soaked in holiness and purity desiring to explain the message and service of Christ Jesus.1 The power and privilege of boldness comes from humility and suffering for the sake of the Lord.2 Boldness becomes a decision to participate in Christ with confidence; whether it brings life or death to the disciple.3
The message we share of our Lord Jesus will be delivered to a world that is hostile toward Him.4 "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love and self-control".5 Boldness, or power, must be used and prompted by love and self-control, or it is of the flesh and not of the Spirit. "In this is love perfected with us, that we may have confidence (boldness) for the Day of Judgment, because as He is so are we in the world. There is no fear in love".6 We remove our fear with love and self-control.
Not to expect ridicule and suffering, as a disciple, is to not expect to be like our Lord Jesus. Boldness is the ability the Father gives us to speak the truth in the face of liars, to be light in areas of darkness, to be peaceful in the scene of war, to be selfless in a selfish society, to be loving where hate is present, and to be holiness where unholiness is rampant. Being bold is to carry a Cross.
Paul said, "Since we have such a hope, we are very bold".7 Our hope is in our Lord Jesus. We have a ministry of splendor. The ministry sets us free; free to speak, pray, exhort, encourage, equip, edify, and expect His return with confidence and boldness.8
Boldness to share the good news is preceded by humility and submission before the Father who gives confidence to His children for life and service by the power of the Holy Spirit. All else is flesh and failure.
Additional Scripture References:
Philippians 1:14
2 Corinthians 3
1 Timothy 3:13
1. Acts 4:13,29,31
2. Ephesians 3:12
3. Philippians 1:20-21
4. Acts 8:35
5. 2 Timothy 1:7
6. 1 John 4:17-18
7. 2 Corinthians 3:12
8. 1 John 2:28
