How do we interpret someone who’s confident? On occasion, folks who are confident are viewed as being arrogant.
Our confidence is never in ourselves, but in what Christ has done and is still doing. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1: 6)
In other words, let Jesus complete what He began. What has He begun in your life? I pray that you will see it to completion, even if it looks different than what you had planned.
Paul is writing to the Philippian church being thankful in their acceptance of him and their partnership in the gospel, but also confident of the continued work of God in their lives.
He’s asking, in confidence, that “Your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1: 9-10)
- He doesn’t want them to quit in the middle but press on in the things of God.
- Don’t let quitting be an option.
It’s always wonderful to see many come to the Lord, in large numbers, yet there is a discipling that is needed to grow them up–to be confident in their work with God. If you know a new believer, get them plugged in for growth.
Paul, in his maturity, looks at his imprisonment as an opportunity to advance the gospel. He sees his life as being, “In chains for Christ.” (Philippians 1: 13) He gets an “A” for attitude!
His captivity forced others to “step up to the plate,” and speak the Word more courageously and fearlessly.
- God uses our downtime, to advance others.
- If in a time of stepping down, God will raise someone up.
- Try to view being held back as an opportunity for new blood to arise.
Choose To Rejoice Even In Captivity
Paul states, “I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.” (Philippians 1: 18-19)
- Things happen unexpectedly, yet our God can turn it all around.
- Wait for His deliverance.
Paul resolved this setback by being confident and convinced that, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1: 21) Every missionary probably has this verse in their heart.
- Contending for the faith, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you is the choice to make.
- Every believer should adopt this verse to hold in their heart.
- We live IN Christ, and we die IN Christ. We gain either way.
(Shared from Philippians 1, Modified)
Being Confident Of God’s Divine Oath
Ezekiel spoke to the people saying, “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, you will no longer quote this proverb in Israel, “For every living soul belongs to me, the Father, as well as the Son–both alike, belong to Me.” (Ezekiel 18: 4)
Ezekiel in his words begins to share that we are all responsible for our own lives. We are not responsible for any unsaved loved ones. We are only responsible to God for me, myself, and I.
All that God asks of us is to turn toward Him. He says, “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” (Ezekiel 18: 22-23)
Later on, God answers His own questions, “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!” (Ezekiel 18: 32)
(Shared from Ezekiel 18, Modified)
Be Confident In Our Redemption
“Our Redeemer–the Lord Almighty is His name–is the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 47: 4)
- Yes, our Redeemer lives!
(Shared from Isaiah 47, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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