Confidence in Christ Outline taken from Ready References, page 24 Preached at West Side on May 13, 2007 Print pages: 13,22,24

Confidence in Christ Distinction: Confidence, not Arrogance Humility (James 4:6; Proverbs 6:16-19)

James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

Confidence in Christ Distinction: Confidence, not Arrogance Humility (James 4:6; Proverbs 6:16-19) Christ is the Basis for our Confidence Confidence through faith (Ephesians 3:11-12)

Ephesians 3:11-12 According to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

Confidence in Christ Distinction: Confidence, not Arrogance Humility (James 4:6; Proverbs 6:16-19) Christ is the Basis for our Confidence Confidence through faith (Ephesians 3:11-12) Jesus is our Helper (Hebrews 13:5b-6)

Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Confidence in Christ Distinction: Confidence, not Arrogance Humility (James 4:6; Proverbs 6:16-19) Christ is the Basis for our Confidence Confidence through faith (Ephesians 3:11-12) Jesus is our Helper (Hebrews 13:5b-6) In Christ we have Power (2 Timothy 1:7-8)

2 Timothy 1:7-8 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God.

Confidence in Christ Distinction: Confidence, not Arrogance Humility (James 4:6; Proverbs 6:16-19) Christ is the Basis for our Confidence Confidence through faith (Ephesians 3:11-12) Jesus is our Helper (Hebrews 13:5b-6) In Christ we have Power (2 Timothy 1:7-8) We look to Him (Hebrews 12:2-3)

Hebrews 12:2-3 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Confidence in Christ Distinction: Confidence, not Arrogance Humility (James 4:6; Proverbs 6:16-19) Christ is the Basis for our Confidence Confidence through faith (Ephesians 3:11-12) Jesus is our Helper (Hebrews 13:5b-6) In Christ we have Power (2 Timothy 1:7-8) We look to Him (Hebrews 12:2-3) Our confidence will be rewarded (Hebrews 10:35-39)

Hebrews 10:35-39 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: 37 “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. 38 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Paul: An Example of Boldness Christ was his Strength 2 Timothy 4:16-18

2 Timothy 4:16-18 At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!

Paul: An Example of Boldness Christ was his Strength 2 Timothy 4:16-18 He was not ashamed of the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:8-9; Romans 1:16

2 Timothy 1:8-9 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

Paul: An Example of Boldness Christ was his Strength 2 Timothy 4:16-18 He was not ashamed of the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:8-9; Romans 1:16 He exhibited no fear in his daily life Philippians 1:12-14

Philippians 1:12-14 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Paul: An Example of Boldness Christ was his Strength 2 Timothy 4:16-18 He was not ashamed of the Gospel 2 Timothy 1:8-9; Romans 1:16 He exhibited no fear in his daily life Philippians 1:12-14 He spoke boldly and with confidence Ephesians 6:17-20

Ephesians 6:17-20 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

We can be confident, because in Christ we have POWER! Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:6-7