11 “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say;12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Luke 12:11–12 (NAS)

I have not memorized the Roman Road nor have I taken a “How to Share the Gospel” class, yet I’ve darkened the doors of a Baptist church for 16 years. Nonetheless, I’m confident I can share my faith and give an account of the hope that is within me in a pinch, because I have the Holy Spirit.

Of all the things I can worry about, this need not be one of them. I am not recommending you do the same, but try spending five Sunday afternoons reading and meditating on the Book of Romans and you’ll be just as prepared or more.

Unless you run into Richard Hawkins (famous agnostic evolutionist), letting the Spirit share his thoughts will be more effective, because he knows what the unsaved man or woman needs, and he’ll use your mouth if it’s available. Still, Hawkins is no match for the Spirit of the Almighty God!

The same goes when you go toe-to-toe with the authorities. A quick shout up and give him the floor. I would remind you of Isaiah who thought himself to be disqualified because of his foul mouth.

⁵ Then I said,

“Woe to me, for I am ruined!
Because I am a man of unclean lips,
And I live among a people of unclean lips;
For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of armies.”

⁶ Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar with tongs. ⁷ He touched my mouth with it and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips; and your guilt is taken away and atonement is made for your sin.”

Isaiah 6:5-7

On those Sunday afternoons (or whenever) ask God to prepare your lips to speak his truth, and to prepare your mind for whatever may come.