Practical Lessons for Understanding the Word of God
Confidence that Conquers
KEY PASSAGE: Philippians 4:10-13 | SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 18:21 | Acts 4:10-13 | 2 Corinthians 3:5 Galatians 2:20; 6:14 | Philipians 1:6 | 1 John 1:9; 5:14-15
SUMMARY:
A persons confidence level is one of the most reliable predictors of whether or not that individual will succeed in life.
I have known people with impressive talents, educations, backgrounds, and opportunities who failed to fulfill Gods will for their lives. Why? They lacked confidence, which proved detrimental to them. Other people Ive known lacked impressive credentials but achieved great success. They did so because they had learned to rely on Gods power working through them. In Philippians 4:13, Paul wrote, I can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens me. Although this verse is one of the most popular ones in the New Testament, many people never learn how to properly apply it. Some believe it means they should be assured of their own abilities, or they think it promises them success at whatever they choose, whether or not it is Gods will. But the confidence described in this verse comes from the Father and is for the express purpose of fulfilling His will for our lives.
the disciples were considered to be uneducated (Acts 4:13). Paul expressed his assurance that God would continue His work within believers in Philippi (Phil. 1:6). John encouraged the early church that the Father would surely answer their prayers (1 John 5:14-15). Like them, you and I can have every confidence His promises are true and always reliable.
The Power of Confession
Proverbs 18:21 says, Death and life are in the power of the tongue. What we say matters. We can either speak life-giving words or ones that bring death to God-given dreams and goals. Statements such as I cant do it,Im not good enough, or Im going to fail affirm your feelings of inadequacy and almost guarantee you will not succeed. Also, you will probably feel more drained of energy and drive if you constantly say Im not healthy,Im tired, or Im getting old. Even statements such as Thats just my luck or I cant afford it can be evidence of disregarding the sovereignty of God and His gracious provision for all your needs. Negative words and attitudes will almost always make you feel unmotivated and depressed. In contrast, positive confessions have the ability to energize you. Thats why you should replace negative comments with affirming statements such as I will reach my goals,Im going to get well,God will provide enough, and I choose to obey God no matter what. Often, being positive will encourage you and give you a fresh energy for obeying the Lord.
LIFE PRINCIPLES NOTES | LP110130
SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPLES:
The Confidence of the Apostles
Early church leaders displayed a supernatural confidence in the Lords ability to empower, protect, and provide for them. When Peter and John were brought before the council for preaching the gospel, the Jewish governing body was very impressed with their confident replies because
I can do all things through Him.
Was Paul being arrogant when he made this statement? No. He was aware of his shortcomings and often felt inadequate in his own strength (2 Cor. 3:5). However, Paul had been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20) and had died to his old way of living. His confidence was not in himself but in the power of God. In Philippians 4:13, the phrase all things does not include willful rebellion against the Lord. God will never strengthen you to disobey Him. Of course, some believers are sure they can reach many of their chosen goals without relying on the Lord, but disobedience always has a price. Those who move ahead without the Fathers guidance often experience failure in other areas of life, such as the dissolution of their marriages or other close relationships. When you are confident in the Lord, you wont necessarily be more skilled than others in similar roles. Regardless of how you perceive yourself, be careful not to compare yourself to someone else. Everyone is unique. God looks to see how faithful you have been to do His will, not how your abilities measure up to someone elses. Even if you arent as skilled in a particular area, you are perfectly equipped to fulfill all He asks you to do. When the Lord calls you to do something, He takes the responsibility to equip and enable you to obey. That means you can do whatever God asks of you. Resist the temptation to respond by saying I cant when He calls you to serve Him. Also, let go of the limitations others place on you such as Youll never succeed or Youre going to end up regretting it. God is the one who determines your future. Choose to believe the Lords promises, and let go of the hindrances of the past. Consider this: Paul had actually sanctioned the killing of Christians before his conversion. At first, the early church feared him and didnt want to accept him as a fellow believer. On numerous occasions, the authorities whipped him and put him in jail. Despite the setbacks, he kept preaching and teaching the gospel. He never gave up. Arent
you grateful? His faithful reliance on Christ enabled him to disciple many believers and write letters of instruction that still edify Christians today as part of the New Testament. God doesnt play favorites. What He was willing to do in response to Pauls obedience, He is willing to do in response to yours. It doesnt matter how old you are, what disadvantages you may face, or what your past has been. In Christ, you are offered a brand new start. Ask God what He wants to do with your life, and set your mind on obeying Him.
The Foundation of Our Confidence
The promise in Philippians 4:13 is ours based on three things. The first is our position in Christ if we accept His gift of salvation, we are Gods children and He is our heavenly Father. The second is our perception of who Jesus isHe is the Sovereign Ruler of this universe. He controls all that happens and is fully capable of equipping us. The third is His promiseour Lord is always with us, both providing for and empowering us. If you have experienced new life in Jesus, this assurance is for you:I can do all things through [Christ] who strengthens me (Phil. 4:13).
CONCLUSION:
I challenge you to begin claiming this promise in Philippians 4:13 as your own. Really believe it. Accept it by faith on the basis of your personal relationship with Christ and the promises He has made in His Word. If you do, the Father will reveal His perfect will for your life every day. Instead of hesitating in fear or uncertainty, you can move ahead in perfect confidence that you have His assistance, direction, and provision to fulfill anything He calls you to do.
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