Empowered Confidence: Trusting God's Promises in Life
Summary
Confidence is a vital component of our spiritual journey and daily life. It is the backbone of every victory, and without it, defeat is inevitable. Confidence in God is rooted in our faith and courage, as illustrated in 1 John 5:14, which assures us that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. This confidence is not just a feeling but a profound trust in God's promises and His word. The Bible is filled with stories of individuals who demonstrated unwavering confidence in God, such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who stood firm in their faith despite facing a fiery furnace. Their confidence was not in their strength but in God's ability to deliver them.
Confidence is defined as faith on the inside and courage on the outside. It is the assurance that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, as stated in Philippians 4:13. This confidence is not arrogance but a humble assurance in God's power and promises. It is a weapon of war, an indispensable instrument in the battle of life and destiny. When we walk in confidence, we are not swayed by the opinions of others but are anchored in what God says about us.
The presence of God is crucial for maintaining confidence. Psalm 23:4 reminds us that even in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear because God is with us. Walking in His presence gives us the home-field advantage, where we are surrounded by His support and encouragement. Confidence is also linked to living righteously, as Proverbs 28:1 states that the righteous are bold as a lion. When we live right, we can approach God with boldness and find help in our time of need.
Ultimately, our confidence is in the grace of God, which acts as a safety net beneath us. This grace does not make us careless but more confident and efficient in our walk with God. It assures us that even when we stumble, God's grace will catch us and set us back on solid ground. As we walk in this confidence, we are empowered to be the salt and light in the world, preserving and flavoring a dying world with the hope and love of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Confidence is essential for victory in life and is rooted in our faith and courage. It is not just a feeling but a profound trust in God's promises and His word. Without confidence, we are defeated before the battle even begins. [15:09]
2. The presence of God is crucial for maintaining confidence. Walking in His presence gives us the home-field advantage, where we are surrounded by His support and encouragement. This presence assures us that we are never alone, even in the darkest valleys. [20:08]
3. Confidence is linked to living righteously. When we live right, we can approach God with boldness and find help in our time of need. Righteousness gives us the boldness of a lion, enabling us to face life's challenges with assurance. [24:15]
4. Our confidence is in the grace of God, which acts as a safety net beneath us. This grace does not make us careless but more confident and efficient in our walk with God. It assures us that even when we stumble, God's grace will catch us and set us back on solid ground. [27:01]
5. Confidence is a weapon of war, an indispensable instrument in the battle of life and destiny. It is not arrogance but a humble assurance in God's power and promises. When we walk in confidence, we are not swayed by the opinions of others but are anchored in what God says about us. [32:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Confidence
- [02:15] - Confidence in Scripture
- [04:45] - The Importance of Confidence
- [07:30] - Biblical Examples of Confidence
- [10:00] - Definition of Confidence
- [12:30] - Confidence in God's Presence
- [15:09] - Confidence in Adversity
- [18:00] - Living Righteously with Confidence
- [20:08] - Confidence as a Weapon
- [24:15] - The Role of Grace in Confidence
- [27:01] - Confidence in Daily Life
- [30:00] - Overcoming Fear with Confidence
- [32:05] - Confidence in God's Promises
- [34:01] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Confidence in God
Bible Reading:
1. 1 John 5:14 - "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."
2. Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
3. Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 John 5:14, what assurance do we have when we ask according to God's will? How does this relate to the concept of confidence discussed in the sermon? [15:09]
2. In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, what was the source of their confidence when facing the fiery furnace? [10:00]
3. How does Philippians 4:13 define the source of our strength and confidence? How was this verse used in the sermon to illustrate confidence? [27:01]
4. What role does the presence of God play in maintaining our confidence, as highlighted in Psalm 23:4? [20:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon define confidence as "faith on the inside and courage on the outside"? Why is this distinction important for believers? [10:00]
2. The sermon mentions that confidence is a "weapon of war." In what ways can confidence be used as a tool in spiritual battles? [24:15]
3. How does living righteously contribute to our confidence, according to Proverbs 28:1 and the sermon? [20:08]
4. The sermon discusses the grace of God as a safety net. How does understanding God's grace enhance our confidence in daily life? [43:09]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you lacked confidence in a situation. How might your approach have changed if you had relied on the assurance of 1 John 5:14? [15:09]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of God's presence for confidence. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life? [20:08]
3. Consider the challenges you are currently facing. How can Philippians 4:13 inspire you to approach these challenges with confidence? [27:01]
4. The sermon suggests that confidence is linked to living righteously. Are there areas in your life where you feel your confidence is lacking due to unrighteous living? How can you address these areas? [20:08]
5. How can you use the concept of confidence as a "weapon of war" in your spiritual life? Identify a specific area where you need to apply this principle. [24:15]
6. The sermon mentions that God's grace acts as a safety net. How does this understanding affect your willingness to take risks in your faith journey? [43:09]
7. Think of someone in your life who exemplifies confidence in God. What specific qualities do they exhibit, and how can you incorporate those qualities into your own life? [32:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Confidence as Trust in God's Promises
Confidence is essential for victory in life and is rooted in our faith and courage. It is not just a feeling but a profound trust in God's promises and His word. Without confidence, we are defeated before the battle even begins. This confidence is exemplified in the lives of biblical figures who trusted God despite overwhelming odds. Their victories were not due to their own strength but their unwavering faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises. As believers, we are called to cultivate this same confidence, knowing that God hears us when we ask according to His will. [15:09]
"For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught." (Proverbs 3:26, ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise from God that you need to trust more deeply today, and how can you remind yourself of this promise throughout your day?
Day 2: The Presence of God as Our Anchor
The presence of God is crucial for maintaining confidence. Walking in His presence gives us the home-field advantage, where we are surrounded by His support and encouragement. This presence assures us that we are never alone, even in the darkest valleys. When we are aware of God's presence, we can face challenges with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. This confidence in His presence allows us to navigate life's uncertainties with courage and hope. [20:08]
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily routine, especially during moments of fear or uncertainty?
Day 3: Righteous Living as a Source of Boldness
Confidence is linked to living righteously. When we live right, we can approach God with boldness and find help in our time of need. Righteousness gives us the boldness of a lion, enabling us to face life's challenges with assurance. This boldness is not about self-reliance but about being anchored in God's truth and living according to His standards. As we align our lives with His righteousness, we gain the confidence to stand firm in our faith and make decisions that honor Him. [24:15]
"The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverbs 28:1, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can pursue greater righteousness. How might this pursuit increase your confidence in approaching God and facing life's challenges?
Day 4: Grace as Our Safety Net
Our confidence is in the grace of God, which acts as a safety net beneath us. This grace does not make us careless but more confident and efficient in our walk with God. It assures us that even when we stumble, God's grace will catch us and set us back on solid ground. This understanding of grace empowers us to live boldly, knowing that our failures are not the end but opportunities for growth and reliance on God's strength. [27:01]
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent failure or mistake. How can you allow God's grace to transform this experience into a source of strength and confidence in Him?
Day 5: Confidence as a Weapon of Spiritual Warfare
Confidence is a weapon of war, an indispensable instrument in the battle of life and destiny. It is not arrogance but a humble assurance in God's power and promises. When we walk in confidence, we are not swayed by the opinions of others but are anchored in what God says about us. This confidence enables us to stand firm against spiritual attacks and to pursue our God-given purpose with determination and resilience. [32:05]
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: Consider a current challenge or battle you are facing. How can you use your confidence in God's promises as a weapon to stand firm and overcome this challenge?
Quotes
"I want to talk about confidence this morning. One thing God has laid in my heart is about confidence. So I want to talk about confidence. And one thing that's important to remember is that confidence is the backbone of every victory. If you lack confidence, defeat is sure." [00:00:06] (16 seconds)
"You've got to have confidence. One of my favorite scriptures in 1 John 5, verse 14, it says, Now this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. I mean, that's some good confidence. Well, how do we know what is his will? Well, his word, his Bible, in his word, tells us what his will is." [00:00:22] (24 seconds)
"Confidence is the faith on the inside plus courage on the outside. Amen. Well, we got to have faith on the inside. Faith in who? Faith in God. Faith on the inside, but we got to have courage on the outside. We got to have that courage. That gives us confidence. I'm walking, I'm walking by faith, not by sight." [00:03:26] (21 seconds)
"Most of us walk around defeated because we don't have any confidence. Most teams walk around defeated because they've lost their confidence. Sometimes we walk in churches with our heads down and or we get up on a Monday morning or Tuesday and we've lost our confidence and if you've lost your confidence then you're walking defeated. You hadn't even been defeated yet, but you're already defeated before the fight even starts." [00:09:25] (25 seconds)
"Your ability is connected to your confidence. I just don't feel my ability. I just don't think I can do it. I just don't know. That's called whining. And when you whine, you have no confidence. But I'm here to tell you every time you get your confidence up, that ability begins to come back. Oh, wait a minute. I didn't forget how to do this." [00:17:37] (28 seconds)
"Confidence, the Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 1, verse 6, to stir up the gift of God which is on the inside of us. Why don't we come up here for prayer? The Bible says stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hand. Why do you come and worship? Why do you come today and sit in the presence of God? To stir up the gift that is on the inside of you." [00:25:40] (23 seconds)
"Confidence enhances your personal joy. It's a terrible thing to always go through life afraid of people. Afraid of what other people say. Always lacking confidence. Always being a victim. You know what? That's a hard, sad life. Life becomes a continuous, exhausted effort just trying to avoid embarrassment. Trying to avoid what other people are saying about you." [00:26:59] (29 seconds)
"Not in what we say about ourselves, what other people say about us, but we have confidence in what God says about us because we are the salt. We are the preservative. If we won't here, this world would rot. It's on the very threshold of it, but I'm here to tell you, it will not rot as long as the church of Jesus Christ is on this planet." [00:38:36] (23 seconds)
"When we understand that about the net of God's grace, it doesn't make us more careless. It makes us more confident and more self-assured. I can be confident today. It makes me more relaxed, and it makes me a more joyful Christian because I know that God has placed a safety net of grace below me." [00:42:35] (29 seconds)
"And we have this confidence that whatever we ask in His name, He hears us and He answers it. Amen. Do you believe it this morning? Put your hands together and magnify the Lord." [00:44:48] (14 seconds)
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