FALSE CONFIDENCE IS THE CONDITION OF MANY TODAY. PEOPLE ARE DEPENDING UPON THE GOVERNMENT FOR THEIR SAFETY. THEY THINK THE GOVERNMENT CAN STOP ALL HARM FROM COMING TO THEM.
Proverbs 25:19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
CONFIDENT IN SELF.
Philippians 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
1. OUR CONFIDENCE IS IN GOD.
THERE ARE TIMES WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO ACCEPT THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD.
A. THE WORLD DOES NOT UNDERSTAND IT.
Isaiah 36:4 And Rabshakeh said unto them, Say ye now to Hezekiah, Thus saith the great king, the king of Assyria, What confidence is this wherein thou trustest?
B. IT IS BASED ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW THE BIBLE, OR RECEIVE WHAT THEY HEAR THE BIBLE SAYING, CANNOT BE CONFIDENT IN GOD EASILY.
Ephesians 3:11-12 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him.
SOLUTION: STUDY THE WORD.
2. CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OTHER CHRISTIANS.
A. WE CAN ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVES.
DON’T BE FOOLISH AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN PEOPLE WHO HAVE A TRACK RECORD OF NOT BEING SPIRITUALLY MATURE OR SPIRITUALLY STABLE.
2 Corinthians 7:16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
B. A TRACK RECORD IS IMPORTANT IN DISCERNING WHERE WE CAN PLACE OUR CONFIDENCE.
2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
WE KNOW THAT WE CAN PLACE OUR ABSOLUTE CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD BECAUSE HIS TRACK RECORD OF LOVE FOR US AND FAITHFULNESS TO US IS PERFECT.
C. THERE IS CONFIDENCE IN THE FAIRNESS AND COMING JUDGMENT OF GOD.
Galatians 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
3. BELIEVERS WAIT FOR GOD’S WILL WITH CONFIDENCE.
A. THERE IS A TEMPTATION TO BE AFRAID IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES. THE WORLD PANICS.
Luke 21:26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
–CHRISTIANS HAVE GOOD SENSE–UNLIKE THE WORLD THAT IS GOING CRAZY.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
–PEOPLE ARE MANIPULATED INTO FEAR BY THE MEDIA AND NOT UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNS GOD IS GIVING EVERYONE.
Hebrews 10:35 Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.
B. CONFIDENCE IN PRAYER—TODAY, IF YOU NEED SALVATION, OR NEED HELP TO GROW SPIRITUALLY, YOU MUST COME WITH FAITH.
1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us: