YouVersion

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.(KJV)

Paul was in chains proclaiming God's message. His prayer for himself was not one for his comfort or well being. His prayer was that he might proclaim the gospel boldly. His prayer does not stop with him wanting to speak the gospel boldly but he adds "as I ought to speak." The NIV says it this way: for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Paul felt the gospel should always be spoken straightforward and without fear of man whatever circumstances in life were encountered.

Out of fear, many people might think Paul's prayer to speak the gospel fearlessly as he should was great for him. He was called by the Lord to proclaim the gospel. As believers whether we actually speak or not the lives we live proclaim something to the world we live in. People watch how we live out our lives each day. What are our lives proclaiming to those around us?

The world rarely has trouble speaking fearlessly and living out the dirt they promote. They make no apologizes for their beliefs and the ungodly principles they uphold. We have the truth. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ. How are we at speaking the gospel fearlessly? Does the world do a better job at proclaiming their message boldly than we as believers in Christ do the gospel message?

May we be like Paul and pray that we might speak boldly, as we ought to speak the gospel message to those around us. Let us lay aside our fears, lack of confidence and whatever else that hinders us from fearlessly speaking and living out this gospel message to a hurting world.