BOLDNESS
- Key Verse
- Then Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at the sorcerer and said, "You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won't you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord? Now, look! The Lord's hand is against you: you are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time." (Acts 13:9-11a, HCSB)
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Central Truth
Being filled with the Holy Spirit will call us to be bold in our words, defending our Lord and speaking truth.
Reflections
Here in Acts Chapter 13, Paul and Barnabas have been sent out from the church in Antioch to preach the Word of God. In the beginning of their journey, Paul, seeking to win over the proconsul of the region, confronts a sorcerer, Elymas, who is trying to turn away the proconsul from the faith. Paul, being led by the Spirit, confronts Elymas and tells him he is "the enemy of everything that is right." Paul (again, being led by the Spirit) tells Elymas he will be blind. Shortly thereafter, mist and darkness comes over Elymas and he cannot see. Seeing the power of the Spirit, the proconsul becomes a believer of Christ.I love Paul's boldness in this passage. I love how he isn't afraid to stand up for what is right and true. Here is confrontation's finest moment. This man was a false prophet and Paul was not agreeable. Interestingly, besides the death of Ananias and Sapphira, the blindness that fell on this man may be the only destructive use of the Holy Spirit's power by an Apostle. Paul probably understood this as he had experienced temporary blindness himself. If Paul would not have acted with boldness, the Spirit could not have worked through Paul in a profound and powerful way. Indeed, the proconsul's conversion to Christianity probably made sharing the gospel easier in the region.
It is easy to listen and tolerate small perversions of truth all in the name of tolerance. Today we must be especially cautious in how the word of God is being spread and what we accept as truth. I must be equipped and prepared to speak up and share the gospel accurately and boldly even if I feel uncomfortable. It is uncomfortable to be confrontational, especially in today's society - a society that prides itself on being tolerant and preaches "to each their own." Paul was not tolerant of a sorcerer who was God's enemy. Paul's boldness serves as a model for us to emulate - even in today's society.
Discussion Questions
1. In what area of your life is the Holy Spirit prompting you to be bold and speak the truth?2. What barriers keep you from being bold?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of .
Reinhard Ziegler
February 9, 2010 06:13 AM
Marci, thanks for speaking out in boldness to your fellow "Journeyers" about the truth was put on your own heart in this Chapter of Acts!
David
February 9, 2010 07:15 AM
Amen Sister!!!!! That’s a great challenge. I need train myself to get out of the “bite my tongue” mentality when it comes to God’s word. Thank you for sharing that. Have an awesome day!!!!!
Michael Kirk John
February 9, 2010 08:42 AM
Thank you for the good thoughts and great devotion.
Barry Johnson
February 9, 2010 09:53 AM
what speaks to me most here is Paul's, filled with the Spirit, boldness in proclaiming the gospel and that when they suffer persecution, they went there way filled with the Spirit and joy. There attitude here rebukes me. It seems we usually whine and complaine about our rights instead of rejoicing joyfully to be included in His suffering. I want that joyful responce as a witness others, rather than bitterness. in our
Carla McClanahan
February 9, 2010 10:08 AM
Marci, Thank you for a reminder that, in the name of the almighty God, we believers must stand up for the truth -- even if it means uncomfortable confrontation. Satan has made evil "normal," and as a result, many people are blinded and hardened to the truth. We can't give up but instead persevere by speaking the truth in love and praying that these lost people will find the Light that is eternal salvation. It's such a blessing that you and Able are raising two (soon to be three) Godly children who are immersed in the the Lord's truth. Thank you for sharing! Love, Carla
Abel Leal
February 9, 2010 11:24 AM
Marcie, Thank you for your great devotional. I know you spent time in scripture and studying commentaries and so forth. And I know that you also prayed and asked that the Spirit lead you. And the Spirit did - boldly. Thank you for all you do!!!!!!
Georgia Martin
February 9, 2010 11:39 AM
Hey, Marcie- Thanks for boldly writing about this passage and Paul's sold-out stance on standing up for truth. After watching Tebow and his Mom in this past Sunday's Superbowl ad - this passage really stood out, particularly from the standpoint of turning a cultural tide back toward Kingdom business - one person at a time.
Leigh Ann
February 9, 2010 04:52 PM
Hi Marci, This reminds of the wonderful adage "if you don't stand for something you will fall for anything"
jgarellano
February 9, 2010 05:06 PM
Marci, Thank you for reminder to be bold in our faith in Jesus Christ. You are right on concerning our present culture. Give a big'ol kiss of the cheek to Abel from me.