Problems Christians Face Lack of Confidence Problems Christians Face

Confidence A feeling or belief that you can trust that something is true. Certainty. Acts 28:31 – Paul preached with confidence Romans 15:14 – confident of brethren full of good works 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Philippians 1:6

Confidence May include the way you feel about yourself and your abilities May include how you feel about others Associated with our boldness and courage Over-confident – Romans 2:19, Proverbs 14:16

Lack of confidence We have doubts about our abilities or others We are timid and let this keep us from standing up for truth, teaching others or improving ourselves Mark 4:37-41 Matthew 14:30 Matthew 17:17-22

When we lack confidence: Lack of Confidence When we lack confidence: We have doubts – unhealthy When we doubt, we may not try When we don’t try, we eventually give up This affects your mindset – low self-esteem, maybe depression, self-despising, defeat. A downward spiral

Begins with our mindset Building Confidence Begins with our mindset 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Romans 12:2 Colossians 3:1-2

Increase (develop) your faith Building Confidence Increase (develop) your faith Lack of confidence IS a lack of faith – in something (God or yourself) We need faith – Hebrews 11:6 2 Peter 1:5

Increase (develop) your faith Building Confidence Increase (develop) your faith What is faith? Trust – total trust Consider David facing Goliath – 1 Samuel 17 (45-46) 2 Timothy 1:12 Romans 8:37-39 Hebrews 4:14-16

Building Confidence Abide in Him 1 John 2:28 Live to serve God Walk in the light – 1 John 1:6-7 1 John 3:18-21

Don’t trust in the wrong things Building Confidence Don’t trust in the wrong things Philippians 3:3-4 – have no confidence in the flesh 1 Timothy 6:17 - Riches James 4:13-16 - yourself

Trust in the right things Building Confidence Trust in the right things Trust in God – Jeremiah 17:7-8 Proverbs14:26 Ephesians 3:13, 20-21 boldness in Christ He is able…

Trust in the right things Building Confidence Trust in the right things Trust in His word Hebrews 4:12 (Romans 1:16) Acts 28:31 – Paul preached with confidence 2 Peter 1:19 – the word confirmed

Trust in the right things Building Confidence Trust in the right things Trust in our hope beyond this life 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 In yourself – with humility, but belief that you can do what is needed Philippians 4:13

Building Confidence Repent as needed If your lack of confidence is because of sin, repent (take care of it 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 2 Timothy 2:19

Building Confidence Increase in knowledge If your lack of confidence is in your ability to teach or defend – study! 2 Timothy 2:15 2 Peter 3:15 Hebrews 5:12-14

Find strength in brethren Building Confidence Find strength in brethren “Two by two” We can build each other up and encourage each other Galatians 5:10, 2 Corinthians 7:16 Hebrews 6:9 Philippians 1:14

Building Confidence Pray about it Turn to God for help, pray for one another Acts 4:29-30 James 1:5-6 1 John 5:14 Philippians 4:6-7

Building Confidence Get to work You have to try! Being busy lends to success which builds confidence. No one ever won without trying!

Building Confidence Don’t give up! We can never quit! Hebrews 10:35-39 – do not cast away your confidence Hebrews 3:6, 14 – hold fast our confidence

How is your confidence?