What the Bible Says About Boldness
In the Christian faith, boldness is essential to fulfilling God’s purpose. It empowers effective gospel witness and evangelism, and it enables believers to confidently approach God in prayer.
Boldness, according to the Oxford dictionary, is the ‘willingness to take risks and act innovatively; confidence or courage.’ However, biblical boldness goes further. It’s empowered by the Holy Spirit and faith in God’s promises.
So what does the Bible say about boldness? The following outline delves into various perspectives found in scripture on boldness, examines their context, and provides actionable strategies for cultivating this essential quality.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith or just want to learn more about what the Bible says about strength, take a look at the following scripture on boldness.
Foundational Scriptures on Boldness
The Bible has a lot to say about boldness. Here are a few verses that speak to the topic:
The Spirit of Boldness
2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
God doesn’t want you to be timid or afraid! The Holy Spirit gives believers the courage to overcome fear and step into their calling.
Psalm 138:3: “When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me.”
This verse shows that boldness can be a direct result of seeking God’s help. When you call on God, He answers and emboldens you.
Boldness in Righteousness
Proverbs 28:1: “The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.”
Living a righteous life gives you a sense of confidence and boldness. You don’t have to be afraid like those who do wrong.
2 Corinthians 3:9-11: “If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.”
This passage emphasizes the transformative power of righteousness in fostering boldness. If you’re living right, you can be bold because you have hope and the glory of righteousness.
Boldness in action: Examples from scripture
The Bible is full of examples of people who acted with courage and boldness. Here are just a few of them.
Apostolic boldness
In Acts 4:13, we learn that Peter and John spoke boldly, even though they were “unschooled, ordinary” men. Their boldness came from their time with Jesus, which demonstrates the power of faith to transform everyday people into bold advocates for Christ.
In Acts 4:31, the believers prayed for boldness, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit. After they prayed, they spoke the word of God boldly, showing us the importance of prayer in developing a sense of courage and conviction. When we come together in prayer and seek God’s power, we can find the strength to speak boldly for Him.
Boldness in leadership
In Joshua 1:9, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous, and not to be afraid or discouraged. In this verse, God says:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua’s example shows us that boldness is essential for effective leadership and for fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.
Another example of boldness can be seen in the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17). David faced Goliath with unwavering faith and courage. David’s boldness came from his trust in God’s protection and power, even when the odds were stacked against him. This story shows us how faith can help us overcome challenges that seem impossible to conquer.
Cultivating Boldness: Practical Steps
Okay, so the Bible says a lot about boldness. But how do you get some? Here are some practical steps you can take to cultivate boldness in your own life:
Spiritual Practices
- Prayer: Don’t just pray, pray boldly. Pray with confidence and be specific in your requests. Ask for the Holy Spirit to empower you with boldness. Make it a daily habit. Consider using boldness scriptures as a screensaver on your phone or computer to keep them top of mind.
- Meditation on Scripture: Reading, memorizing, and meditating on Bible verses about boldness can be a powerful way to internalize God’s promises. When you carry God’s promises with you, you’re less likely to be intimidated by the world. Post verses about boldness in your home or office, and carry key verses with you in a journal or on a note card.
Action-Oriented Steps
- Taking Steps of Faith: Boldness isn’t just about thinking; it’s about doing. Take small, secret steps of faith. Step out and share your testimony with someone. Take a bold stand for truth and righteousness, even when it’s unpopular.
- Reflection and Gratitude: Keep a journal and write down the times God has given you boldness in the past. Celebrate those moments! Regularly confess boldness verses in prayer, thanking God for His provision.
Community and Mentorship
- Seeking Mentorship: Find mature believers who exemplify boldness and seek their guidance and training. Join a small group for support and accountability.
- Sharing with Others: Don’t keep these verses to yourself! Share them with others who need encouragement. Talk to the Holy Spirit openly and honestly about your fears and anxieties, and ask for His strength to overcome them.
Boldness isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a process of growth and development. But by taking these practical steps, you can cultivate a spirit of boldness that will empower you to live a life that honors God and impacts the world.
Overcoming obstacles to boldness
Even though the Bible says we should be bold, it can be hard to do in practice. Here are some tips to help you overcome the obstacles that may be standing in your way.
Identifying and addressing fear
When you’re feeling timid, it’s important to recognize where that fear is coming from. Often, fear is rooted in a lack of trust in God and his plan for you. Remember, the Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.
Fear can be a tool used by the enemy to keep us from fulfilling our purpose and from living the abundant life God has promised us. So, how do we fight back?
One way is to deliberately choose to focus on God’s promises and his faithfulness. Memorize scriptures that address fear and anxiety, and meditate on them regularly. Affirm God’s presence and power in your life to strengthen your confidence and remind you that you are never alone.
Avoiding timidity triggers
Think about the situations, environments, or even relationships that tend to make you feel timid. Certain social settings, past experiences, or even negative self-talk can trigger feelings of timidity and make it harder to step out in boldness.
Becoming aware of these triggers is the first step in overcoming them. Once you know what makes you feel timid, you can develop strategies to counter those triggers proactively. This might mean avoiding certain situations altogether, seeking support from trusted friends or mentors who can offer encouragement and accountability, or practicing positive self-affirmations to build your self-esteem.
Reviewing Bible verses when making decisions, listening to worship music, or listening to sermons can also help you stay grounded in your faith and resist the urge to retreat into timidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the scripture say about boldness?
Scripture emphasizes that boldness comes from God and is often linked to faith and the Holy Spirit. It’s not about arrogance, but about confidently proclaiming God’s truth, even in the face of opposition. We see examples of bold faith throughout the Bible, from the prophets of the Old Testament to the apostles in the New Testament. It’s a characteristic encouraged for all believers.
What is the scripture for strength and boldness?
Several scriptures provide encouragement for strength and boldness. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Also, Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” These verses highlight God’s presence and power as the source of our strength and courage.
What does Proverbs say about boldness?
Proverbs offers wisdom about various aspects of life, including boldness. While it doesn’t explicitly use the word “boldness” in every instance, it contrasts the righteous with the wicked. The righteous are often described as confident and unafraid, while the wicked are depicted as fleeing even when no one pursues them. This suggests that living righteously provides a foundation for inner confidence and boldness.
Closing Thoughts
We’ve explored how scripture reveals that God-given boldness isn’t just desirable; it’s essential for living out our faith. This boldness isn’t a personality trait, but a direct result of faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and absolutely necessary for fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives.
Cultivating this boldness isn’t passive. It requires conscious effort, including spiritual practices like prayer and studying scripture, taking action steps even when we’re afraid, and actively working to overcome the obstacles that hold us back. The scriptures we’ve examined are full of direction and inspiration for developing this kind of confident faith.
So, what’s next? I encourage you to envision yourself courageously fulfilling God’s purpose. Imagine the impact you could have, the lives you could touch, when you step out in faith, trusting in God’s power. By applying the principles discussed – relying on God’s promises, seeking the Spirit’s guidance, and acting in obedience – you can experience a transformation in your own life and, in turn, impact the world for Christ.
Remember, you are not alone. God is always with you, empowering you to be bold and courageous in every situation. He doesn’t call us to be reckless, but to be responsive, aligning our boldness with His will. True boldness isn’t about being fearless; it’s about trusting God even when we are afraid. Step out in faith, knowing that He is with you, and watch what He can do through you.