Confidence

The word we are focusing on is confidence. The word in the Greek is translated as assurance, trust, boldness and to exercise courage. It is very important that we keep our confidence every day. Without confidence we will start to doubt, doubting ourselves and everything we are doing. We also might start doubting our Father and the road He would have us on, which would really get us into trouble. Confidence is built through the word of God and knowing that what we believe is true and faithful.

1 John 3:7-24

3:7 deceive G 4105; to cause to go astray. Righteousness means doing what is right. God’s word teaches us what is right and wrong. If we stick to His word no one can deceive us.

3:8 (compare: John 8:44, Luke 10:19, Heb 2:14). Satan was a sinner from the beginning and Christ came to destroy those works and offer us salvation. He also gave us power over Satan and his works, but we must
have confidence enough to utilize that power.

3:9 we are speaking of those that are habitual sinners. God’s children have the desire not to sin; when they do they repent. We have the confidence to stick with what is right in the face of many who don’t.

3:10 it is easy to tell the children of God from those of Satan. The good works and deeds will separate the two sides. Remember the two greatest commands: love God, love thy neighbor (compare: Mark 12:28-32).

3:11-12 (compare: Rev 2:9, Rev 3:9, John 8:44). Cain was the offspring of the serpent (Satan) which was in the Garden of Eden. Cain’s offspring are called Kenites in the word of God. The only 2 churches that Christ found no fault with taught who the Kenites were.

3:13-14 (compare: John 15:17-27). If you are following the word and trying to do what is right the world will hate you. Who cares! Have the confidence to know that God blesses His own and always takes care of them.

3:15 murderer G 443; manslayer. God is judge and demands those that commit premeditated murder to be sent to Him. The person may find salvation but it will be with God.

3:16-17 be willing to live the word and its values. Those in the most need are those that have not the truth or hope in this life. What are we doing with the things God has given us?

3:18-19 we must be doers of the word and not hearers only! If we have the means to help then we should help those in need (with seeds of truth or material things).

3:20-21 heart G 2588; feelings, thoughts. We all know whether we are guilty of habitual sin or not. If we simply don’t care about the things we do then we have no confidence in God. If we always try and do what is right then we have confidence in God and His salvation.

3:22 if you trust in God and do your best to please Him, blessings will come our way.

3:23 do we believe on the name of Jesus Christ? Do we have confidence that belief in Him brings salvation?

3:24 the Holy Spirit watches out for our best interests. God is there for us, do you have the confidence to believe it?

Hebrews 3:1-19

3:1-2 Jesus died on the cross for us, He didn’t try and get out of it; He was faithful!

3:3 Jesus, as the head of the many membered body is to be honored more than all.

3:4 God created the materials to build houses, this should give us confidence.

3:5 Moses was faithful to God in delivering the law as was commanded of him.

3:6 don’t overlook the “IF” in this verse. Being a member of His house is conditional. We must have the confidence to believe and do the things commanded of us.

3:7-9 (compare: Num 14:22). TODAY is the day to accept Him! Don’t be as those that tempted God 10 times in the wilderness. They complained when Moses was receiving the law on Sinai and formed a golden calf, they complained about the manna twice and they complained about the water twice. God judged the whole generation to die in the wilderness.

3:10-11 only Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter into the promise land. What can we learn from this; have confidence in our Father!

3:12-13 don’t depart from God and allow your hearts to become hardened against what is right.

3:14 it is important to keep our confidence strong and know what awaits us is worth it.

3:15-16 the majority provoked God except for Joshua and Caleb.

3:17-19 hear His voice TODAY! He sent us a letter (the bible), study it and build your confidence. Don’t get caught lacking confidence because you might not make it to the promise land.

Hebrews 10:33-35

10:33-34 gazingstock G 2301; a spectacle. Expect trouble when you stand for God. But understand that the reward that awaits those that stick with Him is eternal life.

10:35 hang onto your beliefs and don’t lose confidence! With God on our side, there are none who can overcome us. The rewards for victory are beyond our comprehension.