The Boldness of the
Righteous
Prov 28:1
The Fear of the Wicked
• A feeling of dread in anticipation of the
consequences
– Even if the wicked does not
acknowledge his own sin as sinful
– Even if no one else is aware of the sin
– Persecution complex
• “He is out to get me!”
Bold as a lion
• Palestinian lions
– Were wiped out in 1400 AD
– Were similar physically to African lions
– Lived in mountain caves
– Would hunt along the Jordan
– Feared no predator, did not back away
Bold as a lion
• The righteous
– Those who obey God
– Opposite of “the wicked”
• Bold as a lion
– Not dismayed or fearful of danger
– Brave and strong
– Never timid
Boldness in Prayer
• Eph 3:8-12
– We can approach God in boldness and
confidence
– “Boldness”, lit. “telling all”
• Freedom to speak what you feel
• No fear or shame in saying what’s on
your mind
• Consider some of the Psalms
Boldness in the face of
opposition
• Hebrews 13:5-6
– The lion refused to back away, even from a
superior foe
• Because he knew his strength and power
– We have no need to back down when opposed
• We should know our strength and power
• Not our own, but that of God
• Phil 4:13; 2 Tim 1:7
Boldness in speaking the
Word
• Acts 13:44-46
– Even when the consequence would be
persecution (cf. Acts 13:50-51)
• Phil 1:12-14
– Even while imprisoned
• 1 Thess 2:1-4
– Not pleasing the audience, but God
– God doesn’t need or want us to
apologize for what He said
Boldness in judgment
• 1 Jn 2:28 & 1 Jn 4:17
– Being confident and ready to face
judgment at any moment in our lives
– Only the righteous truly have this
boldness
– Some may claim it, but inwardly shrink
from facing God’s judgment
• Heb 10:30-31
Are you . . .
• On the run?
• Afraid to talk to God?
• Afraid of being opposed?
• Afraid to talk about God?
• Hoping the judgment doesn’t come?
• Then you need to make a change
because the judgment is certainly
coming