Take Bold Steps (2): A Sunday Service Sermon by Pastor Mensa Otabil

Introduction

In a thought-provoking sermon delivered on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at ICGC Christ Temple East, Pastor Mensa Otabil, the General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), emphasized the importance of boldness in the life of a believer. 

Speaking to a congregation eager to grasp the depth of spiritual truths, Pastor Otabil unraveled the essence of boldness grounded in righteousness, drawing from biblical principles and practical life applications. 

This write-up looks at the key points of the sermon, highlighting the spiritual and practical implications of living a life of boldness.

The Necessity of Boldness in Daily Life

Pastor Otabil began by underscoring the necessity of boldness in every aspect of life, stating, “Every significant endeavor that we undertake in life requires boldness.” 

He pointed out that boldness is not just a virtue but a necessity for navigating the challenges and opportunities that life presents. 

Whether it is the courage to rise each morning to face a new day, to pursue a career, or to make significant life decisions like marriage, boldness is essential.

He illustrated this by explaining that even the simplest daily actions require boldness, especially in the face of adversity. “It takes boldness to rise from the bed to face a new day, especially when there are troubles facing you in the day,” he noted. 

Pastor Otabil’s message was clear: boldness is the driving force that propels us to take action, despite the fears and uncertainties that may surround us.

Boldness in Relationships and Personal Choices

Pastor Otabil further explored the role of boldness in relationships and personal choices. He acknowledged the courage it takes to form and sustain meaningful relationships, particularly in marriage. 

“It takes boldness to marry,” he stated, emphasizing that the decision to commit to another person in such an intimate and lifelong partnership is a bold step that requires deep trust and faith.

He also addressed the boldness required to exit toxic or abusive relationships. “It takes boldness to step out of an abusive relationship,” Pastor Otabil remarked, acknowledging the difficult yet necessary decision many individuals must make to protect their well-being. 

This aspect of boldness, he suggested, is crucial for maintaining personal integrity and dignity in the face of oppression.

Moreover, Pastor Otabil touched on the courage needed to express one’s individuality, particularly in a world that often pressures people to conform. 

“It takes boldness to wear the clothes you love, to wear the hairstyle you love, to put on the lipstick you like, and to wear the shoes you like,” he said, encouraging his listeners to embrace their unique identities without fear of judgment.

Biblical Foundation of Boldness

Drawing from Proverbs 28:1, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion,” Pastor Otabil delved into the biblical foundation of boldness. 

He explained that the Hebrew word for boldness used in this verse, “batak,” signifies trust, security, and confidence. “The bold person has a deep sense of trust in God,” he explained, emphasizing that true boldness is rooted in a secure and trusting relationship with God.

Pastor Otabil elaborated on how this sense of security manifests in a believer’s life. 

Just as the lion in the wild is confident because it has no natural predators, the righteous are confident because they are anchored in God. 

“The righteous are as bold as a lion,” he asserted, likening the spiritual confidence of the righteous to the natural confidence of a lion in its domain.

Misconceptions About Boldness

To provide a balanced perspective, Pastor Otabil clarified what boldness is not. He refuted common misconceptions, stressing that boldness should not be confused with bullying, boasting, or acting without wisdom. 

“Boldness is not bullying and threatening others. Boldness is not boasting and being loud-mouthed,” he explained. Instead, he argued that true boldness is characterized by humility, thoughtfulness, and wisdom.

He cautioned against reckless behavior that is often mistaken for boldness. “Boldness is not acting without thought or wisdom,” he stated, advising his congregation to take calculated risks after careful consideration and planning. 

Boldness, he emphasized, requires a balance of courage and discernment, ensuring that actions are both bold and wise.

Practical Application of Boldness

Pastor Otabil’s sermon was rich with practical applications for boldness in everyday life. 

He encouraged the congregation to apply boldness in their personal and professional lives, especially when facing challenges that require difficult decisions. 

He highlighted that boldness is essential not only in grand gestures but also in the small, everyday choices that shape our lives.

For instance, he urged young men and women to exercise wisdom and boldness in their relationships, particularly when considering marriage. 

“Before you tell a woman that you want to marry her, you have to be thinking,” he advised, pointing out the gravity of such a decision and the need for careful deliberation.

Pastor Otabil also encouraged the congregation to step out of their comfort zones and take bold steps towards their dreams and aspirations. 

He prayed that God would grant them the boldness to overcome limitations and live the life God intends for them.

Conclusion

Pastor Mensa Otabil’s sermon on boldness was a powerful reminder of the importance of living a life anchored in righteousness. 

By grounding our boldness in a secure relationship with God, we can face life’s challenges with confidence and grace. 

Boldness, as Pastor Otabil articulated, is not about reckless bravado or bullying but about trusting in God, being secure in His promises, and acting with wisdom and humility. 

As believers, we are called to live boldly, not in our own strength, but in the strength and security that comes from our relationship with God.