Philippians 01:14 – Speaking the Word of God Boldly – audio

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Text: Philippians 1:14

Introduction

It seems as if today’s culture is changing, and not for the better.

For example, Phil Robertson, star of A&E’s “Duck Dynasty,” rightly stood up for the Biblical view on homosexuality (see 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). As a result, he has been removed from appearing on the program. I pray that no matter what happens to him, he will stand for the truth.

Similarly, the apostle Paul said, “most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear (Philippians 1:14).”

Body

I. We have been commissioned to preach the Word!

A. Paul told Timothy to “preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Timothy 4:2).”

B. In no way should the word be corrupted (2 Corinthians 2:17); rather it should be sincerely, since it is God’s word!

C. We have no authority from God to add to or take away from His word (Revelation 22:18-19). If we do, we will be repaid.

D. All Scripture is complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). God has said everything we need to know!

E. We must preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27).

II. We must fear God and not men when we preach.

A. If we truly love God, then we will boldly proclaim His word (1 John 4:17-18).

B. Jesus said not to fear him who can only destroy the body; rather fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:27-31; Luke 12:4-7).

C. The Psalmist said, “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me (Psalm 118:6)?” Also, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1)?” Later, the Hebrew writer quotes these words (Hebrews 13:6).

D. Paul asked, “If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?”

III. Consider examples of those that preached boldly, fearing God and not men.

A. Peter and John boldly preached Jesus before the Sanhedrin after healing the lame man (Acts 4:13).

B. Paul and Silas boldly proclaimed Christ to the Philippian jailer, leading to his salvation (1 Thessalonians 2:2; Acts 16).

C. Barnabas proclaimed Paul’s bold preaching at Damascus (Acts 9:27-29), yet he also boldly proclaimed the word in…

1) …Iconium (Acts 14:3)

2) …Ephesus (Acts 19:8)

3) …Rome by letter (Romans 15:15)

Conclusion

Do we have that boldness to proclaim the Word of God as Paul and others did?

If not, we can receive boldness and confidence through our faith in Christ (Ephesians 3:11-12), and praying to God for it (Acts 4:29-31; Ephesians 6:19-20).