Paul instructs us about his other-centered attitude, knowing it was far better to go home and be with Christ, yet his heart was to stay on Christ’s behalf, to encourage, edify, and be a helper of other’s joy. Philippians 1:24-26 teaches: “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” He relays three reasons to stay on earth and be bold to hold forth the Truth as a faithful ambassador for Christ: 1) “for your furtherance and 2) joy of faith; 3) That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.” Therefore, as our example, we are to desire this and be bold with the gospel.
Being bold is confidently courageous with a willingness, despite challenges, to push forward to get things done unto the Lord. This is the opposite of being ashamed, allowing thoughts of unworthiness and reluctance, which becomes a constant mind battle, justifying inaction. To speak the Truth in love when there is expected pushback requires a spiritually focused heart of charity, preferring others over our flesh and feelings. This maturity enables us to boldly minister to others, walking by faith even in fear and trembling.
As confident sisters, be driven by zealousness, praying to be a living sacrifice, tempered with nurturing. Pray to realize what the person specifically needs and how best to present it in order for it to be received: “But we were gently among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only , but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God…as a father doth his children. (I Thes. 2:7-9,11) Nurturing often takes longer than we may expect.
Application Ideas Summarized: 1) Be reflective and evaluate your motive and the situation. Determine from personal experience and Scripture what fosters your reluctance and fear, preventing boldness. Pray about this issue. Be aware of your thoughts: are they temporal or eternal, are you seeing things as light affliction and just for a moment or are challenges exalted and blown out of perspective? Realize why you have been left here as ambassadors. 2) Prepare: To minister to others in love so they gain a renewed mind is often a slow process. Determine to be longsuffering and consistent. 3) Pray and think about what to say, how much, and how often to bring up the topic with those you have regular contact. 4) Use verses to teach and encourage. 5) List verses that can be your confidence in time of need, such as: “What shall we then say, If God be for us, who can be against us.” (Rom. 8:31), “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (I Cor. 1:18), and “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God…” (Eph. 6:10-11) Think on This.
