Could You Say That?

We often admire people who stand firmly for what they believe, those who are unwavering in their convictions and bold in their words. But when we hear someone make a powerful declaration, a question naturally arises in our minds: Could I say that? Could I confidently make that same statement and back it up with my actions?

Throughout history, great men and women of faith have made bold declarations about their commitment to God. These words weren’t just empty phrases; they reflected lives dedicated to obedience, sacrifice, and service. The Bible records the words of Paul, Peter, Nehemiah, Jesus, and others—statements that challenge us to examine our own faith.

But what about us? If we were placed in their shoes, could we honestly say the same things? Could we declare, as Paul did, “I am not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16)? Could we, like Nehemiah, say, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down” (Nehemiah 6:3), refusing to be distracted from serving the Lord? Could we stand with confidence at the end of our lives, like Paul, and say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)?

These are not just words—they are reflections of commitment, perseverance, and faithfulness. The real question is: Do our lives match these statements, or would we struggle to say them with confidence?

In this study, we will look at some of the boldest statements made by faithful servants of God and ask ourselves: Could I say that? If not, what do I need to change so that one day, I can say these words without hesitation?

“I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel”

Paul made a bold and unwavering statement in Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Could you say that? Many Christians today hesitate to openly share their faith. They remain silent in conversations about God, afraid of offending others or being labeled as different. Yet, Paul declared that the gospel is God’s power to save. Without it, no one can be saved.

How often do we avoid spiritual discussions because we fear rejection? Jesus warned in Mark 8:38, “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” If we are too ashamed to stand for Christ now, how will we stand before Him in judgment?

Paul was not just unashamed; he tirelessly spread the gospel. Are we doing the same? Or do our actions say otherwise?

“For Me, to Live is Christ, and to Die is Gain”

Paul also said in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” His life was so completely dedicated to Christ that even death was not a loss but a victory.

Could you say that? Many live for themselves—for wealth, success, or comfort—without considering how their lives should be spent in service to God. Paul, however, saw every moment of life as an opportunity to serve Christ, and he knew that when death came, it would only bring him closer to his eternal reward.

What about us? Are we living for Christ or just for ourselves? When we leave this world, will we be able to say that we have lived for Jesus, or will we regret how we spent our time?

“I Am Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down”

Nehemiah, while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, faced opposition from those who wanted to stop his work. His response? “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.” (Nehemiah 6:3)

Could you say that? Too often, Christians allow distractions to pull them away from serving God. Some take “breaks” from assembling with the saints. Others get caught up in personal pleasures, friendships, or obligations that pull them away from their spiritual commitments.

When friends or family encourage us to skip worship, neglect service, or compromise our faith, what is our answer? Do we say, “Well, I guess it won’t hurt just this once”? Nehemiah knew that stopping his work, even for a moment, could lead to failure. If we truly believe the work of the Lord is great, then nothing should pull us away from it.

“I Will Not Be Negligent”

Peter, in his letter, declared, “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them and have been established in the truth which is present with you.” (2 Peter 1:12)

Could you say that? Many Christians are negligent when it comes to their spiritual responsibilities. Attendance, giving, prayer, and laboring for the Lord often take a backseat to other concerns. But Peter was determined not to be negligent in his duty to strengthen others.

Jeremiah 48:10 warns, “Cursed is the one who does the Lord’s work negligently.” Are we diligent or careless in our service to God? If we are neglecting our responsibilities, we must correct our course before it is too late.

“I Must Be About My Father’s Business”

At just 12 years old, Jesus told His earthly parents, “Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49). From an early age, Jesus prioritized God’s work over everything else.

Could you say that? Many today are too busy with their own lives to focus on God’s business. Excuses like “I just have too much going on right now” are common when it comes to serving in the church. But what is more important than the work of the Lord?

John 4:34 records Jesus saying, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.” If we want to be like Christ, we must put God’s work first. Are we too caught up in the affairs of this world, or are we actively engaged in the Father’s business?

“I Am Ready to Be Offered”

Paul, nearing the end of his life, wrote in 2 Timothy 4:6, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”

Could you say that? Paul lived with the full awareness that his life was a sacrifice for Christ. He was not just prepared to die; he was ready.

Death is certain for all of us. The question is not if we will die but when. Are we ready? If our time came today, could we face eternity with confidence? If not, what must we do to get ready before it is too late?

“I Am Pure from the Blood of All Men”

Paul also made a striking statement in Acts 20:26-27: “Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all people. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”

Could you say that? Paul’s conscience was clear because he had taught the whole gospel without hesitation. But what about us? If those around us remain lost, can we say we have done our part to teach them?

Ezekiel 3:18 warns, “When I say to the wicked, ‘You will certainly die,’ and you do not warn him or speak out to warn the wicked from his wicked way so that he may live, that person shall die for his wrongdoing, but his blood I will require from your hand.”

Are we sharing the gospel, or are we remaining silent while souls are lost?