Embracing Confidence and Vision in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound truth that because of Jesus, we have confidence. This confidence is not something we need to strive for; it is a gift already given to us by the Holy Spirit. We delved into the importance of living a life that reflects this confidence, focusing on qualities such as speaking life, honoring others, being committed, and being vision-minded. These qualities are not just tasks to be performed but privileges we get to embrace because of our identity in Christ.
We examined the lives of two kings from the Old Testament, Saul and David, to illustrate the difference between living with and without vision. Saul, despite being chosen by God, saw himself through the lens of his insecurities and upbringing, which led to his downfall. In contrast, David, though initially rejected by his family, embraced God's vision for his life and became a man after God's own heart. This contrast teaches us that our true identity and purpose are found in surrendering to God's vision for our lives.
We also discussed the importance of breaking free from dependencies and distractions that hinder us from fully embracing our God-given identity and vision. Whether it's chemical dependencies, social media, or other forms of bondage, these must be surrendered to experience the fullness of God's calling. The message emphasized that our value and purpose are not determined by our past or what others say about us but by what God declares over us.
In conclusion, we are called to live vision-minded lives, seeing ourselves and others through the lens of God's truth. This vision empowers us to bring God's possible into the world's impossible, transforming lives and communities for His glory.
### Key Takeaways
1. Confidence in Christ: True confidence is a gift from Jesus, sealed by the Holy Spirit. It is not something we need to strive for but something we already possess. This confidence allows us to live boldly and fulfill our God-given purpose. Embracing this truth transforms our lives and empowers us to impact others positively. [16:58]
2. Vision-Minded Living: Being vision-minded means seeing beyond our current circumstances and embracing God's greater reality for our lives. This requires surrendering our limited perspectives and accepting God's vision, which often involves stepping out in faith and trusting His plans. [34:50]
3. Breaking Free from Bondage: To fully embrace God's vision, we must let go of dependencies and distractions that hinder our spiritual growth. Whether it's chemical dependencies, social media, or other forms of bondage, these must be surrendered to experience the fullness of God's calling. [51:00]
4. Identity in Christ: Our true identity is found in what God declares over us, not in our past or what others say. We are chosen, forgiven, and more than conquerors. Embracing this identity empowers us to live confidently and fulfill our God-given purpose. [58:11]
5. Impacting Others: Living a vision-minded life is not just about personal fulfillment but about impacting others. When we embrace God's vision, we bring His possible into the world's impossible, transforming lives and communities for His glory. This is our calling as followers of Christ. [01:11:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:28] - Introduction and Worship
[16:58] - Because of Jesus, We Have Confidence
[18:19] - Celebrating Next Steps
[19:34] - Wednesday Night Equip Class
[20:48] - Serving in the Nursery
[22:06] - Qualities of Confidence
[23:29] - The World's View on Confidence
[24:49] - True Control and Surrender
[26:09] - Speaking Life and Honor
[27:44] - Living a Life of Commitment
[29:07] - Vision-Minded Living
[30:25] - The Story of Saul and David
[34:50] - Seeing as God Sees
[36:36] - The Search for True Value
[42:21] - Samuel and Saul's Encounter
[44:49] - Focusing on Problems vs. Vision
[47:47] - Personal Testimony and Vision
[51:00] - Breaking Free from Dependencies
[55:11] - God's Vision for Your Life
[58:11] - Rejecting God's Declaration
[01:00:49] - Embracing God's Vision
[01:02:18] - David's Anointing
[01:06:44] - Personal Invitation for Prayer
[01:09:32] - The Importance of Being Vision-Minded
[01:11:02] - Surrendering to a Visionary Life
[01:12:21] - Breaking Chains and Embracing Identity
[01:15:07] - Conclusion and Ministry Time
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 9:17-21 (NIV)
> "When Samuel caught sight of Saul, the Lord said to him, 'This is the man I spoke to you about; he will govern my people.' Saul approached Samuel in the gateway and asked, 'Would you please tell me where the seer’s house is?' 'I am the seer,' Samuel replied. 'Go up ahead of me to the high place, for today you are to eat with me, and in the morning I will send you on your way and will tell you all that is in your heart. As for the donkeys you lost three days ago, do not worry about them; they have been found. And to whom is all the desire of Israel turned, if not to you and your whole family line?' Saul answered, 'But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?'"
2. 1 Samuel 16:11-13 (NIV)
> "So he asked Jesse, 'Are these all the sons you have?' 'There is still the youngest,' Jesse answered. 'He is tending the sheep.' Samuel said, 'Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.' So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, 'Rise and anoint him; this is the one.' So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah."
3. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
> "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
### Observation Questions
1. What was Saul's initial reaction when Samuel told him he was chosen by God to lead Israel? ([33:14])
2. How did David respond when he was anointed by Samuel in front of his brothers? ([01:05:27])
3. According to Galatians 2:20, what does Paul say about his life after being crucified with Christ?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Saul struggled to accept his God-given identity and purpose? ([34:50])
2. How does David's response to his anointing contrast with Saul's reaction to being chosen? ([01:05:27])
3. What does it mean to live a life "crucified with Christ" as described in Galatians 2:20? How does this relate to the concept of confidence in Christ discussed in the sermon? ([29:07])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy or inadequate for a task God called you to. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Saul's and David's stories? ([33:14])
2. What are some dependencies or distractions in your life that you need to surrender to fully embrace God's vision for you? ([51:00])
3. How can you cultivate a vision-minded life in your daily routine? What steps can you take to see beyond your current circumstances and embrace God's greater reality? ([34:50])
4. In what ways can you speak life and honor into the lives of those around you, especially when you feel insecure or unworthy? ([26:09])
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to break free from bondage. What practical steps can you take this week to surrender this area to God? ([51:00])
6. How can you remind yourself daily of your true identity in Christ, especially when faced with negative thoughts or external criticism? ([58:11])
7. Think of a person or community you can impact by living a vision-minded life. What specific actions can you take to bring God's possible into their impossible? ([01:11:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Confidence in Christ
True confidence is a gift from Jesus, sealed by the Holy Spirit. It is not something we need to strive for but something we already possess. This confidence allows us to live boldly and fulfill our God-given purpose. Embracing this truth transforms our lives and empowers us to impact others positively. [16:58]
Hebrews 10:35-36 (ESV): "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel insecure or lack confidence. How can you remind yourself of the confidence you have in Christ and step into that situation boldly today?
Day 2: Vision-Minded Living
Being vision-minded means seeing beyond our current circumstances and embracing God's greater reality for our lives. This requires surrendering our limited perspectives and accepting God's vision, which often involves stepping out in faith and trusting His plans. By looking at the lives of Saul and David, we see the stark difference between living with and without vision. Saul's insecurities led to his downfall, while David's embrace of God's vision led him to become a man after God's own heart. [34:50]
Proverbs 29:18 (ESV): "Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender your limited perspective and trust in God's greater vision? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 3: Breaking Free from Bondage
To fully embrace God's vision, we must let go of dependencies and distractions that hinder our spiritual growth. Whether it's chemical dependencies, social media, or other forms of bondage, these must be surrendered to experience the fullness of God's calling. Breaking free from these chains allows us to live more fully in our God-given identity and purpose. [51:00]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: Identify one dependency or distraction in your life that is hindering your spiritual growth. What practical steps can you take today to begin breaking free from it?
Day 4: Identity in Christ
Our true identity is found in what God declares over us, not in our past or what others say. We are chosen, forgiven, and more than conquerors. Embracing this identity empowers us to live confidently and fulfill our God-given purpose. The story of David, who was initially rejected by his family but chosen by God, reminds us that our value and purpose are determined by God's declaration over us. [58:11]
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: Reflect on a negative label or belief about yourself that you have been holding onto. How can you replace it with the truth of what God declares about you?
Day 5: Impacting Others
Living a vision-minded life is not just about personal fulfillment but about impacting others. When we embrace God's vision, we bring His possible into the world's impossible, transforming lives and communities for His glory. This is our calling as followers of Christ. By living out our God-given purpose, we become agents of change and hope in the world around us. [01:11:02]
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."
Reflection: Think of one person in your life who needs encouragement or support. How can you be a light to them today and help them see God's vision for their life?
Quotes
1. "Because of Jesus, we have a renewed mind. Because of Jesus, we have new life. Because of Jesus, we are on mission. Because of Jesus, where we are currently is because of Jesus. We have confidence. Everybody say, 'I have confidence.' You have confidence. I don't know if you know that or not, if you're just repeating it after me, but you really do have confidence. It's something that has been given to you and I by the Lord Jesus." [16:58] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The only real control that you and I have is really the only control that we have is surrendering to Jesus and then getting the privilege of resting confidently in him in every single season. You see, because he is in control and because of Jesus is in control, we can have confidence. We can be confident." [24:49] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Speaking life and honor is about the order of God and this is the process of seeking life. You know, if I had a job, I've never had a job, I've never had any job here. My life can only truly come from confident people who are secure in their identity. If I am not secure, if I have my own insecurities and always I'm fighting for my worthiness and always fighting for attention, I can never speak life to you because I'm in competition with you." [26:09] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When I realize the world has nothing to give me that would make things any better than, and all of my value is in that, that God is my provider. God is my healer. He is Jehovah Jireh. God knows what I need. He is my healer. He is my healer. He is my healer. He is my healer. He is my healer. He is all-knowing. He is my ever-present help. I'm casting, like they said in communion, that I'm casting all of my cares upon him because he cares for me." [27:44] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to tell you what, it would be better without a story sometimes, but we don't change that story today. Today, all we can do is surrender where we are. And so I brought, I was like, should we change this word commitment to surrender so that it's better understood? And they all said no. So I'm committed to be with them and agree. That they're right." [29:07] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "A vision mine sees a greater reality, not only for me, but for the others because of me. That there's going to be a greater reality not for me, but there's going to be a greater reality for you because of what God is revealing to me. And there's going to be a greater reality for me because of what God is revealing to you to share with me." [59:33] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "His calling, his purpose for your life, the vision he puts in your heart, it's impossible in our current position, but it's not impossible in a life, surrender. Can I tell you what? God gave you a mind that can receive a vision and a heart that lives visionary. Please don't reject it because you've been told otherwise by mankind." [01:00:49] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "David was a shepherd. He was the least in his family, but when the Lord placed vision in his heart that he would be king, you know what he didn't do? He did not argue. He, he received it immediately. After that, David went back to serving as a shepherd for a time. And then a bit before the vision was to begin today, I want to encourage some people with some, a little bit of correction, even if needed God's word calls you chosen." [01:06:44] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "If you will receive the vision of a new life, I have no doubt that God will give you greater vision that you will spend the rest of your life pursuing. Because you know what? It will not only tell you who you are, but it will tell you why you are. Not just who, but why. This is why discipling people to be vision-minded is such a high value." [01:09:32] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Surrendering to a visionary life will result, the result of surrendering to a visionary life is this. You will land in places where you rescue multitudes of people. It's not about us. It will put you in places that is not what we can get, but it will put us in places about what we can give. You bring God's possible to a whole nation of people that are stuck and impossible." [01:11:02] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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