In at least a couple of separate times, Jesus told his disciples that they shouldn’t worry about what they would say to others because he would come to them, and through the Holy Spirit, he would tell them what to say.
I have frequently had this quoted back to me by Christians in our churches today. They say things like:
Why do I need to learn to share the Gospel? The Holy Spirit will tell me what to say.
Or… Why do I need to learn to share my testimony? The Holy Spirit will tell me what to say.
Or… Why do I need to learn to make a disciple? The Holy Spirit will tell me what to say.
I want to be led by the Holy Spirit!
Ah, OK… So, if someone were to offer us money, we would like to be trained and prepared for that job. Or if we are interested in some particular hobby, we would want to possibly take a class to allow us to learn to do that.
However, when it comes to the most important message that we could possibly share with someone else… Or when we think about joining God’s mission in a practical way, shouldn’t we try to prepare ourselves for that conversation about Christ?
Hmmm… to not want to do that, to instead be passionate about our jobs or or hobbies but not be interested in learning to do the very thing that Christ calls us to do seems a little strange. It makes me wonder about the value that we are placing on obeying Christ.
In understanding the Bible, it is important to look at the context of that which is being said. The situations in which Jesus told his disciples that the Holy Spirit would tell them what to say were frequently situations of persecution. Jesus intentionally sent his disciples out as “sheep among wolves” to proclaim and demonstrate the Kingdom of God. He told them that they would be beaten in the synagogues and taken before governors and kings to give an account for what they were saying.
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.
Luke 12:11-12
A second type of situation where Jesus told the disciples not to worry, instead promising the Holy Spirit would tell them what to say, was similar. In that case, Jesus spoke of the end times, the time just before he would return. Again, he tells the disciples that they will be beaten and that they will be called upon to give an account of the message that they would be giving. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be with them and give them words of wisdom so that they (we!) can speak of him and give an account for him.
In both of these cases, we can imagine that the disciples would be feeling a significant amount of anxiety and fear. It would be fair to believe that their nerves would be on edge, that it would be difficult for them to speak. Jesus promised the disciples that he would be with them in those very circumstances, that they would not need to worry about what they would say in that time. They do not need to worry about what they will say because the Holy Spirit will be the one to give them the words that they will say.
If I were to speak plainly and honestly, those that tell me that they don’t need to learn or don’t need to prepare because the Holy Spirit will be with them simply seems like an excuse, an excuse to be a lazy Christian. Unfortunately, I frequently hear these same people who are saying that they want to be led by the Holy Spirit instead of learning a way to make disciples also say that they wish God would use them more, or that they are looking for ways to be more fruitful for Christ.
Their hope seems to be that when the day comes – if it ever comes – to be able to speak for Christ, the Holy Spirit will be there to give them the words that they will need. I hope that will turn out to be true!
In the meantime, I want to, instead, encourage each person to prepare, to hone our message, to pray for and look for the lost, and bring reconciliation to God for those who do not know him through Jesus Christ.
