Courage to Say Something - Gary Massey
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened by highlighting biblical figures who demonstrated courage in delivering hard messages, from Noah’s warning of judgment to Esther’s bold appeal to the king. Gary Massey emphasized that God consistently calls His messengers to proclaim the truth, regardless of personal cost, pointing to Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 10:27 to shout the gospel from the housetops. He then linked this to Paul’s request for boldness in Ephesians 6:19, showing that even from prison, the apostle’s sole concern was proclaiming the mystery of the gospel. Massey turned to the early church in Acts, describing how Peter and John healed a lame man, faced the Sanhedrin, and continued preaching despite arrests, imprisonments, and physical scourging. He underscored that their focus remained on the simple, unchanging message: Jesus Christ was crucified, raised, and offers salvation. The lesson concluded with a call to prioritize God’s perspective over worldly fear, using Matthew 10:19‑28 to illustrate the value proposition between earthly suffering and eternal reward. Believers were encouraged to adopt the same courage and steadfastness in sharing the gospel today.
Key Scriptures
Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name, this man stands here before you in good health.
Now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that your bondservants may speak your word with all confidence.
Go stand and speak to the people in the temple, the whole message of this life.