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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Confidence is a popular subject today. We are told to think confidently, to be self-assured, to live brashly, boldly, and brazenly. In a myriad of ways, the theme of modern society is to be self-co...
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n.l. pearson
Supporter
Our confidence should always come from God's Word to us. 1 John 3:21 says "Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God." That confidence lets us talk and pray with our Heavenly Father and know He hears us! 1 John 4:17 says "This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus." What is Jesus like? Jesus Himself says in John 5:39, "You study the scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very scriptures that testify about me." 1 John 5:15 says, "This the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." Lastly, this scripture and these verses have always given me confidence: John 15:5-8 says "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit..."
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Former French prime minister Georges Clemenceau fought many duels with various rivals. On one occasion, he surprised his second by asking the attendant at a Paris railroad station for a one-way ticket to the duel. “Isn’t that a little pessimistic?” asked the second. “Not at all,” Clemenceau replied. “I always use my opponent’s return ticket for the trip back.” Today in the Word, August, 1997, p. 35 The Expanded Bible has "confidence" for "assurance" (Isa 32:17). (EXB) That fairness will bring peace, and it will bring calm [quietness] and safety [trust; confidence] forever. I memorized Isaiah 32:17 as part of the Bible Memory program at Scottsdale Bible Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. Back then everything was in the King James Version, (KJV) -- "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." The Bible teaches the value of confidence (Isa 30:15; Heb 10:35), but neither in "gold" (Job 31:24), nor in man, however great (Ps 118:8,9; Jer 17:5), nor in self (Prov 14:16; Phil 3:3), but in God (Ps 65:5; Prov 3:26; 14:26), as revealed in Christ (Eph 3:12; 1 Jn 5:13,14). —W. L. Walker
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What does the Bible say about confidence? The Bible defines true confidence not as self-reliance, but as trust in God's power, promises, and presence. It encourages believers to be bold because the Lord is their strength, enabling them to overcome fear. Biblical confidence is rooted in Christ, ensuring that sufficiency comes from God rather than oneself. Biblical perspectives on confidence include: Confidence in God, Not Self: Proverbs 3:26 states that the Lord will be your confidence and keep you from stumbling. Relying on one's own strength often leads to failure, as seen with Samson. Confidence in Prayer: Believers are encouraged to approach God's throne with confidence to receive grace and mercy in times of need (Hebrews 4:16). Confidence in Salvation and Security: 1 John 3:20-21 suggests that when our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God. Philippians 1:6 promises that God will complete the good work He began in believers. Overcoming Fear: The Bible instructs us not to fear because God is with us and will uphold us (Isaiah 41:10). Endurance: Hebrews 10:35-36 urges believers not to throw away their confidence, as it carries a great reward and is necessary for endurance. In short, biblical confidence is a quiet assurance that God is in control and will provide everything needed. The Source of Confidence: The Bible teaches that human abilities are limited and subject to change, whereas God is unchanging and all-powerful. Trust in God: "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord" (Jeremiah 17:7). God's Presence: Confidence often stems from the assurance that God is with you, even in difficult times (Joshua 1:9; Isaiah 41:10). Divine Strength: The famous verse "I can do all things through him who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) emphasises that our capacity to face life's challenges comes from Christ's power, not our own. Confidence in Approaching God: Prayer: Because of faith in Jesus, believers can approach God's "throne of grace" with confidence to find mercy and help (Hebrews 4:16; Ephesians 3:12). Assurance of Answer: Believers are encouraged that if they ask anything according to God's will, He hears them (1 John 5:14). The Bible distinguishes between healthy God-confidence and prideful self-reliance. Self-Reliance: "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool" (Proverbs 28:26). Humility: True confidence often goes hand in hand with humility, acknowledging that "our sufficiency is from God" (2 Corinthians 3:4-5). How to strengthen our confidence in the Bible: Jesus was convinced that the Bible is God's Word, providing the best guidance for life. (John 17:17) Following Jesus' example, we must read the Bible daily, study it, and meditate on what we learn. Along with general Bible study, dig into topics about which you may have questions. To illustrate, you might increase your conviction that the end of this system of things really is near by studying in detail the Scriptural proof that we live in the last days. Strengthen your trust in the Bible's promises for the future by investigating its many prophecies that have already come true. Develop your confidence in the Bible's practical value by considering examples of how it improves people's lives.—1 Thess. 2:13. In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul urged Jewish Christians to 'make fast their hold on the confidence they had at the beginning, firm to the end.' (Hebrews 3:14) With God's help through Jesus, Peter conquered his fears and doubts, becoming a pillar of faith among early Christians. In the same way, Jehovah helps all of us to stand firm in the faith. (Read 1 Peter 5:9, 10.)
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