CONFIDENCE IN GOD - PART 1

TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2023

Paul was indeed speaking by the Spirit of God when he expressed that we are a letter from Christ, the result of the Word, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts (Paraphrased). Under the influence of divine inspiration, he expressed that our competence comes from God because our confidence is in Him. More below!

2 Corinthians 3:4 New International Version (NIV) "Such confidence we have through Christ before God."

Confidence is the feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on someone or something. The opposite in meaning is distrust or scepticism. It is different from the word, "boldness", since boldness is the willingness to take risks and act courageously. However, both words have one thing in common, which is the quality of exuding a strong, mettlesome, or spirited appearance.

Just after Paul used the word, "confidence" in our referenced Scripture, notice that he noted in the next verse: "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5 NIV). This points to the true meaning of confidence which is "the feeling of having faith in or relying on someone." We rely on God's ability and we demonstrate our faith in Christ, not in ourselves. So our confidence is in Christ Jesus and God the Father. Hallelujah!

The Greek word for confidence is "pepoithésis" which is synonymous with the terms - trust and reliance. When people have confidence in themselves or in their effort, it is known as a confidence that leans on "human understanding" or "self persuasion" or "arm of flesh." But our confidence in God is a Spirit-produced persuasion. To instantiate this verity, Paul expounded these two kinds of confidence in Philippians 3:3-8. And it reads:

"For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ" (NIV).

Why did apostle Paul consider all of his human qualifications, achievements or attainments as nothing for the sake of Christ? This is because all of his confidence was concentrated on Christ Jesus alone, not on flesh or earthly reasons. Confidence is a precious asset or commodity in the body of Christ. So do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward (Hebrews 10:35 ESV). Stay tuned for part 2. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Psalm 20:7; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 13:5-6.

Exuberant Declaration: My confidence is in Christ Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith. It transcends all human thoughts and comprehension because Christ is a higher ground and dimension. Hence, it is my operation by faith in God that brings forth the lasting peace and prosperity I enjoy by the inspiration of the Spirit. Praise God!