Wednesday, August 12, 2015

In Ephesians 6:19-20 Paul shares a prayer request I identify with personally. He writes: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.” The only part of this request I can’t make is being “in chains.” I often have asked you to pray for me that I might be clear and accurate, stating only what is in full agreement with what God says in His Word. Paul adds something here that goes a step further. He asks for prayer, that whenever he opens his mouth, words may be given him so he would fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. If you are not confident that what you are saying is in full agreement with what God says in His Word then it will be hard to speak fearlessly. Paul emphasizes speaking or declaring the truth fearlessly two times. Confidence, which is essential to fearlessness, comes from thorough study. That’s what Paul indicated in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” As you pray for me, ask that God gives me a hunger to know the truth in His Word and the discipline to study until I’m satisfied I understand it. Also, that I might intimately know Jesus Christ. Then pray that I would be able to communicate with clarity and conviction what I’ve discovered and experienced.