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“Do Not Be Anxious About What You Are to Say” (Mark 13:11)
The Bigger Picture
When Jesus said, “Do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11), He was preparing His disciples for a future filled with both opportunity and persecution.
This is not a blanket command against preparing sermons or studying Scripture. Instead, it is about divine empowerment in moments of witness under pressure. Jesus is assuring His followers that they will not be abandoned when their faith is tested.
The Holy Spirit’s Role in Speaking
Jesus emphasizes that in those critical moments, it will not be merely human voices speaking—it will be the Holy Spirit guiding and empowering their words.
John 14:26 — “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Luke 21:15 — “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
These verses show us that God doesn’t simply leave us to our own skill or memory. He actively equips us with words, wisdom, and courage.
Historical Fulfillment
We can see this promise fulfilled in the lives of the apostles:
Peter and John before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:8–13): Peter, once afraid of admitting he even knew Jesus, now speaks boldly to the religious leaders, declaring salvation in Christ alone. Scripture makes it clear—he was “filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Stephen’s Defense (Acts 7): Stephen delivers a Spirit-led sermon that outlines Israel’s history and confronts his accusers with truth. Even as they grew angry, “they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking” (Acts 6:10).
Paul before rulers (Acts 24–26): Standing before governors and kings, Paul confidently gives testimony to the gospel, fulfilling exactly what Jesus predicted.
These examples show that the Spirit provides supernatural clarity and strength in moments of greatest pressure.
A Warning Against Over-Dependence on Self
When Jesus says, “Do not be anxious beforehand”, He is cutting at the root of self-reliance. Anxiety comes when we believe the outcome depends solely on us. Faith rests in God’s sufficiency.
Paul echoes this truth:
2 Corinthians 3:5 — “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.”
1 Corinthians 2:4–5 — “My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”
The gospel is not advanced by polished eloquence, but by Spirit-filled truth.
Application for Us Today
Even if most of us won’t stand trial for our faith, this teaching still applies:
Everyday Witnessing
When you share Christ with a co-worker, friend, or family member, you may fear not having the right words. This promise reminds you that the Spirit can guide your speech in real time.Facing Opposition
When faith is mocked or challenged, it’s easy to freeze or grow defensive. Instead, remember: “The Spirit of your Father is speaking through you” (Matthew 10:20).Encouraging Others
Even in ordinary moments—comforting someone grieving, counseling a struggling believer—the Spirit often gives words of life beyond what you planned.
My Final Thoughts + Study Guide
