The Courage To Speak

Opening Connection (2–3 minutes)

Begin with this thought: “Silence is safe, but silence doesn’t change anything. Courage is when men choose to speak truth, even when it costs them.”

Story:

When I was pastoring in Portland, some friends came over and brought the movie 500 Days of Summer. I didn’t know what was in it, so I turned it on. Within minutes, I realized—this movie was trash. It violated my personal convictions. Suddenly I felt that tension: Do I just sit here and stay quiet? Or do I risk looking like the ultra-conservative, legalistic Christian guy?

I found the courage to stop the movie and say, “I don’t believe this is good for us to watch, guys.” At first it was awkward, but later that night several of my friends thanked me. They said, “I felt so uncomfortable, I just didn’t have the courage to say anything.”

Point: Sometimes courage is simply opening your mouth when everyone else is staying silent. Paul’s life shows us that courage doesn’t just mean livingthe truth—it also means speaking the truth, even when it’s unpopular.

Scripture Focus (5 minutes)

Luke 6:45 NASB95

45 “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.

You cannot separate your heart from your words. If Christ rules the heart, His truth will flow from your mouth.

1 Thessalonians 2:2 NASB95

2 but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

Acts 13:44–52 NASB95

44 The next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming. 46 Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 “For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have placed You as a light for the Gentiles, That You may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’ ” 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Point: Courage means speaking the truth of Christ even when opposition rises.

Teaching Points (20 minutes)

A. Truth Will Always Face Resistance

2 Timothy 3:8 NASB95

8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith.

2 Timothy 4:5 NASB95

5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Paul told Timothy: “Endure hardship… do the work of an evangelist.”

Paul knew persecution firsthand—beaten, imprisoned, left for dead.

We endure physical pain (sports, work, war), but the greater endurance is suffering for the Gospel.

Point: Speaking truth will bring resistance—but resistance is the soil where eternal reward grows.

B. The Myth of “Preach the Gospel, Use Words if Necessary”

Misattributed to St. Francis—no historical record. He was a fiery preacher, not silent.

This teaching promotes a passive-aggressive Christianity—contradicted by Scripture.

Romans 10:13–15 NASB95

13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

Example: A friend told me he worked with a co-worker for years, thought he was a good man, but never knew he was a Christian until bumping into him at church.

Point: Actions matter, but actions alone don’t save. Good behavior confirms the Gospel; words proclaim it.

C. Speaking Truth Requires Spiritual Strength, Not Natural Strength

Luke 24:49 NASB95

49 “And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Jesus: “Stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Power = dynamis — explosive strength, boldness, ability.

Peter was timid, but after Pentecost, Spirit-filled boldness led him to preach and 3,000 were saved.

Point: Courage to speak doesn’t come from personality—it comes from being clothed with the Spirit’s power.

Application for Men (Sticky Statement)

“Silence is safe, but courage speaks.”

Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t assume your actions are enough.

If Christ fills your heart, let His truth flow from your mouth.

Discussion Questions

What keeps men silent about their faith?

How can we practice boldness without coming across as arrogant?

Where do you need to speak truth this week—home, work, or friendships?

4. Have you ever lived the “actions only” version of Christianity? What happened?

Challenge for the Week

Share your faith in one intentional conversation this week.

Pray for boldness beforehand, and trust God to give you words.

Prayer Prompt

“Father, fill our mouths with truth and our hearts with boldness. Clothe us with power from on high so that we may speak courageously this week.”