Confidence You can recognize those who possess true confidence rather than mere arrogance. Their confidence is grounded not only in acquired knowledge but also in extensive experience—putting what they know into practice. They have been there and done that; this is not their first rodeo. They are the athletes, technicians, musicians, and producers who can be depended upon to excel in both performance and execution. They approach their responsibilities with a strong sense of assurance because they know they are thoroughly prepared for the task at hand. The potential that comes with new birth in Christ is unlimited and powerful. Living out that potential, however—and demonstrating the fullness of the nature we have received—requires confidence. What has been faithfully practiced from the Word of God—walking in love, giving, diligence, holiness, and obedience—will become evident in a way of life that demonstrates all that grace has accomplished. Knowing what God has said is essential, but acting upon His Word and continually seeking to please Him produces something greater: a life that visibly reflects His nature. True children of God will reveal glimpses of the Holy One in every area of life. Through continually walking with Him and responding in obedience to His will, they develop great confidence. That confidence enables them not merely to know His will, but to carry it out with power and might. Factual Notes Factual In the truth of godliness, confidence is established Titus 1:1-2 (NLT) 1 This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. It’s in the action that child identity is secured. 1 John 2:28-29 (NKJV) 28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him. Salvation is offered in a grace that empowers His deeds Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. How to Actions, not just thoughts or feelings produce confidence 1 John 3:18-22 (NLT) 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. 20 Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything. 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. Confidence in God implies no confidence elsewhere Psalms 40:4 (NLT) 4 Oh, the joys of those who trust the LORD, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. Where you’ve been looking is reflected in the image of your life. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TPT) 18 We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. With every thought and action there is a confidence building opportunity: Does it reflect the image of God? Is my confidence enhanced? Am I drawn to or repelled from the glory of God? Can the world tell that I am different, a child of God? Glory Doing what pleases produces great confidence in approaching Him. 1 John 3:21-22 (NLT) 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. Through living in God, confidence is established to face Him. 1 John 4:17 (NLT) 17 And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Bold confidence to enter. Hebrews 10:19-23 (NLT) 19 And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. 20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. 21 And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, 22 let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Overview The truth of godly living produces confidence. The practice of righteousness is how we're known as children of God. Grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness with a purpose of being purified for His good works. Acts of love produce confidence to receive from God. To gain confidence from godly living implies losing confidence in the world. It's in beholding His glory that we are enabled to reflect His glory in our actions. Doing what pleases God results in confidence to approach Him boldly to receive. It's when our moment to moment living reflects His will that we're being prepared for meeting Him face to face. Because of the blood of Jesus that removes all punishment for sin, we can come boldly into His presence to live transformed and righteous. Prayer Father, Thank You for grace in forgiveness that has removed all power of sin to keep me from your presence. And thank You, also, for the grace that teaches me to live there in Your presence with confidence. Let confidence rise as I behold You in this place to ask with confidence in Your promises. May my life continually fulfill Your will in all I think, say, and do. In Jesus’ Name Amen Declarations I am open and receptive to the truth of godly living with expectation of great confidence it will bring. My assurance of being God child is established as I live in the righteousness I’ve been made to be in Him. Grace is teaching me to be purified and prepared for pleasing God in all I do. With every choice of love, I acquire confidence to receive from God. I have no confidence in the flesh and care nothing for what it would promise. I love to draw near to behold God’s glory and reflect Him in all I do. Pleasing God is my passion with expectation of His reward. In every moment I am preparing to meet my Savior face to face with confidence. Jesus’ blood has made the way for me to come boldly to live transformed and righteous for His glory.