Lionhearted Grace

“…we had boldness in our God…”. (1 Thessalonians 2:2, ESV)

“…we waxed bold in our God..” (ASV)

“…we have gained confidence in our God...” Translated from (NEG 1979)

         As Paul lived in the shadow of God’s uplifting grace, he found the foundation of life and ministry—placing his full confidence in the faithfulness of God. Through God’s grace, Paul was prudent enough to know that leaning on the creature rather than the Creator was not wise.

He built his life on an “unmovable assurance.” God himself was Paul’s refuge and strength, “an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1).

Paul knew that putting confidence in walls erected by men would ultimately lead to collapse. He also knew that all human opposition would be overcome by the truth. He was convinced that “… where sin increased, grace increased all the more …” (Rom 5:20).  

         The apostle understood that though men could fail him, as they so often did (2 Tim 4:16), God could not and would not fail him. The Holy Spirit was in him and upon him. He daily sensed the Spirit leading and anointing his life and ministry. Therefore he had a God-given full assurance that enabled him to ‘waxed bold.’  

Suffering in preaching the gospel to others, he refused to relinquish. Because the grace of the cross was empowering him his arms would not fall limp, and his legs would not give way. He had complete victory through the One who loved him (Rom 8:37).

He marched forward courageously. He pressed on in total confidence in the ministry God had given him, proclaiming the words of life. God his Father was his constant companion, bringing him faith’s full assurance, enabling him to be lionhearted for God.