Freedom of Speech to Spread God's Truth
Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv
Voting with a Biblical Worldview – Part 6
Introduction
Our message this morning is entitled Freedom of Speech to Spread God’s Truth.
In ancient times, cities were surrounded by high walls for protection. Watchmen stood guard on these walls with the duty to sound the alarm when danger approached. If the watchmen failed to warn the people, disaster would strike.
Ezekiel 33:6 (ESV): "But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, so that the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any one of them, that person is taken away in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand."
The responsibility of the watchman was serious. If they failed to sound the alarm, they were held accountable.
We, as Christians, are the spiritual watchmen of our time. We are called to speak God’s truth and warn people of spiritual dangers. But when free speech is restricted, it is like silencing the watchmen, leaving people vulnerable to attacks of sin and deception.
The First Amendment protects our ability to speak freely, ensuring that the truth of the Gospel can be proclaimed. However, this freedom of speech is being challenged in America and around the world.
Proverbs 12:17 (ESV): "Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit."
Without the freedom to speak truth, society is left open to lies and deception. Freedom of speech applies both to individuals and the church.
For example, in the UK, preachers have been arrested for sharing biblical views on marriage and sexuality. In the US, pro-life supporters have been arrested for protesting, speaking, or praying outside of abortion clinics. These and many other incidents are sobering reminders of how fragile freedom can be.
Even when free speech is restricted, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s truth will prevail. When Peter and the apostles were ordered to stop preaching in Jesus’ name, they responded:
Acts 5:29 (ESV): "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men.'"
No matter what restrictions come, the Gospel cannot be silenced. This message reminds us that our calling to share the truth is not dependent on earthly freedoms, but on obedience to God. Yet, we must pray and work to keep freedom of speech to openly share God’s truth.
Spread God’s Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,"
This verse contains the short but powerful instruction to speak the truth in love. It implies that it is possible to speak the truth in a way that is not loving. The opposite of love is hatred, so it is possible to speak the truth in hatred.
The latter part of the verse shows that as we grow in speaking the truth in love, we become more and more like Jesus. But how can we know what speaking the truth in love looks like? We must study and follow Jesus’ example through the power of the Spirit.
Colossians 4:6 (ESV): "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Our speech must be full of grace, rather than judgment. Speaking God’s truth should seek to draw people toward Christ, not push them away.
What is speech seasoned with salt? Salt enhances the flavor of food, making it more enjoyable. Similarly, our speech should make the Gospel attractive and appealing without changing its truth. Salt also acts as a preservative and is used for healing. Our speech should aim to bring healing and restoration to others.
This verse also teaches that God will help us know how to speak to and answer each person. Each person is unique, so our words in spreading the truth in love must be uniquely tailored to them.
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV): "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,"
This verse instructs us to always be prepared to make a defense. When do we need to make a defense? When we’re being attacked with lies and tough questions. We must know God’s Word and be ready to answer every question that people may have. As believers, we have a hope in God that others do not have. Yet, we are reminded again that our words must be delivered with gentleness and respect.
God calls us to spread His truth with love.
Application
God calls each one of us as believers to speak the truth with compassion, not condemnation. Remember, people respond to love, not harshness.
Why do people hold unbiblical worldviews? Because they have been deceived, believing lies they are not aware of. God calls us to reflect Christ’s love in all we say, even when addressing difficult topics.
Use your platform to share God’s truth—not personal agendas or opinions. Whether on social media, in workplace conversations, or at family gatherings, be intentional about sharing God’s truth based on the Bible, not personal opinion. Ask yourself, “Am I using this opportunity to point others to Jesus?”
Be ready to engage others, but remember that not every argument needs to be won. You don’t have to win every debate or answer every question. Focus on sharing the truth. Building relationships is more important than “winning” arguments.
Trust God to use your words for His glory as you spread God’s truth in love.
Stand Against Cultural Censorship
Acts 4:18–20 (ESV): "So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, 'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.'"
In this passage, the government attempted to censor the apostles’ speech, forbidding them from speaking or teaching in Jesus’ name. Peter and John, however, made it clear that their obedience was to God, not man. They refused to be silenced in speaking the truth.
2 Timothy 1:7–8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."
As believers, we are not called to live in fear. We are not to be ashamed of our faith, nor should we allow intimidation to stop us from spreading God’s truth.
Matthew 5:14–16 (ESV): "'You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.'"
The world is engulfed in darkness, but Jesus is the light of the world, and the church is called to reflect His light. We are not to hide this light or keep the truth within the walls of the church. Instead, we are to boldly speak the truth into the darkness surrounding us, influencing both individual lives and the institutions of society.
Application
We must stand firm when pressured to conform to the world’s standards. Many believe that the church should avoid political issues, but this is a lie from the enemy. The church is called to shine its light in all areas of life, including politics.
Consider this: if the church and believers do not speak out on current issues from a biblical perspective, who will? Decisions will be made by those opposed to biblical values, further increasing the darkness in the world.
On a personal level, each of us is called by God to let our light shine. Do not be afraid of what others may think. For instance, if you feel led to put up a yard sign to express your biblical values, obey God rather than worrying about others’ opinions.
Many people choose silence to avoid controversy, but just as Jesus encountered opposition for speaking the truth, so will we as His followers. Use your voice to encourage others to speak out for God’s truth.
Tens of millions of self-identified Christians in the U.S. will not vote in the upcoming election. Be sure to vote and encourage your friends and family to do the same. It is a sin to neglect this opportunity to influence policies and leaders that align with a biblical worldview.
May we stand against cultural censorship, encouraging others to do the same, and trust God as we boldly proclaim His truth.
Defend the Right to Spread God’s Truth
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
As Christians, we are the freest people in the world. We are slaves only to Jesus, not to the world. With this freedom, we are called to use and defend our right to share God’s truth.
John 8:32 (ESV): "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Freedom is rooted in the truth of the Gospel, which liberates us from sin and gives us freedom in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:17 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
True freedom comes from the Spirit. When we live by the Spirit, we are no longer bound to any form of slavery.
God calls us to defend the right to share and live by His truth. This responsibility requires courage and reliance on His power.
Application
The First Amendment was established with a biblical worldview in mind. It guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Without freedom of speech, freedom of religion cannot exist.
It is critical for us to defend freedom of speech so that we can continue sharing the Gospel openly. God calls each of us to speak up for the truth of His Word. However, we must also trust God’s sovereignty, knowing that His purposes will prevail even if restrictions are placed on our freedoms.
History and Scripture show us that the Gospel thrives under persecution. The book of Acts provides countless examples of how the early church grew despite facing opposition. This reminds us that God’s power is not hindered by earthly laws.
As advocates for free speech, we must also support policies that protect the speech of those we disagree with. Defending the freedom of speech for all ensures it is preserved for everyone.
Ultimately, we trust the Gospel’s power to transform lives, regardless of legal protections. Even if speech is restricted, God’s Word will continue to reach and change hearts. Let us be encouraged that the Gospel thrives in all circumstances and trust that God’s purposes will prevail.
Conclusion
Like the watchman on the wall, we have a responsibility to sound the alarm and proclaim God’s truth. Our current freedoms, protected by the First Amendment, allow us to do this without fear of government interference. However, even if these freedoms are weakened or removed, the Gospel will continue to go forward.
We must obey God rather than men. No form of censorship, intimidation, or legal restriction can stop the work of the Holy Spirit. While we should vote and advocate for the protection of free speech, our ultimate hope lies in God’s power, not in earthly laws.
As you go about your life, remember this: defend your freedom to share God’s truth, but do not be dismayed if opposition arises. God is sovereign, and His Word will never return void.
We are called to be His faithful watchmen. Let us stand firm, speak boldly, and trust that God’s truth will always prevail.
