Power Under Control: The Call to Be Humble and Bold in Christ

In our Christian walk, we are called to embody two qualities that, at first glance, appear to be in tension: humility and boldness.

Seemingly Opposed, Spiritually Aligned

Boldness is often misunderstood as arrogance, while humility is often mistaken for weakness. However, Scripture calls us to both. We see this clearly in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), where making disciples requires humble hearts and bold action. These traits are not contradictions—they are complements.

• Humility acknowledges our complete dependence on a holy God.
• Boldness demonstrates our complete confidence in that same God.

The Call to Humility

Humility is foundational in the life of a disciple.

• It begins with surrender and sacrifice (Luke 14:25–33).
• It means counting the cost and acknowledging we bring nothing to the table but our need.
• It is essential for servant leadership and genuine discipleship.
• “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).

The Call to Boldness

Boldness is not arrogance—it’s obedience empowered by the Spirit.

• It’s essential for living out the Great Commission.
• It’s a frequent prayer of the early church (Acts 4:29).
• Boldness is action-oriented faith—it preaches, teaches, encourages, and stands firm in truth.

Boldness is not the opposite of humility.
Pride is the opposite of humility.

A bold, prideful heart evangelizes self.
A bold, humble heart evangelizes Christ.

Marks of Godly Boldness

• It goes against the flesh.
• It magnifies God, not self.
• It loves others and lays down pride.
• It fears God, not man (Proverbs 29:25).
• It is fearless, because it is Spirit-led.

Christ: The Perfect Embodiment

Jesus is both the Lion and the Lamb—powerful and meek, authoritative and lowly. In Him, we see that boldness and humility are not rivals but reflections of divine nature.

2 Corinthians 10:3–6 – Spiritual Boldness Rooted in Humility

“We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons…”
(2 Corinthians 10:3–6 NLT)

Paul’s defense of his ministry in 2 Corinthians 10 illustrates the tension—and harmony—between humility and boldness.

• Humility in acknowledging human weakness.
• Boldness in confronting strongholds, false arguments, and spiritual rebellion—not with worldly strength, but with God’s truth.

Godly Authority: Bold and Humble

• It builds up, not frightens.
• It is accountable to God, not to the approval of others.
• It is truthful, sincere, and Spirit-empowered.
• It avoids comparison, boasting, and self-importance.

Closing Thought

A heart surrendered to Christ will be both low before God and fearless before man. May we pray for the grace to be humble in spirit and bold in truth, just as our Savior was.

“The righteous are as bold as a lion.”
— Proverbs 28:1