In what ways can we encourage others to maintain confidence in God's promises? The Anchor Verse “So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.” (Hebrews 10:35) Why Confidence Matters • Confidence is an obedient response to God’s revealed character—He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). • Confidence positions us to receive the “great reward” God attaches to faith (Hebrews 11:1; 6:17-19). • Confidence encourages others to stand firm, turning isolated believers into a fortified body (Philippians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 1:20). Ways to Help Others Hold Their Confidence • Spotlight God’s Character – Read aloud passages that underline His unchanging nature (Hebrews 13:8). – Remind them that every promise carries His integrity (Isaiah 55:11). • Rehearse His Track Record – Point to biblical history: “not one promise…has failed” (Joshua 23:14). – Share modern testimonies; real stories make ancient truths tangible. • Keep Promises Visible & Audible – Encourage displaying verses on mirrors, phones, dashboards. – Suggest recording Scripture in their own voice and playing it back (Colossians 3:16). • Speak Scripture Over Them – When discouragement surfaces, respond with the Word, not mere opinion (Psalm 119:50). – Use specific promises that match their situation (John 16:33 for trials, Proverbs 3:5-6 for decisions). • Cultivate Christ-Centered Community – Invite them to small groups where mutual encouragement flows naturally (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Model transparency: letting others see how you battle doubt gives them courage to do the same. • Encourage Active Obedience – Small faith steps—serving, giving, forgiving—reinforce that God backs His Word (James 1:22). – Celebrate each step; affirmation cements confidence. • Pray Back His Promises Together – Turn verses into petitions, anchoring requests in what God already said (Romans 4:20-21). – Agreement in prayer multiplies assurance that He will act. • Keep Eyes on the Reward – Remind them that present endurance yields eternal gain (2 Corinthians 4:17). – Link daily perseverance to the future “great reward” referenced in Hebrews 10:35. Living It Out This Week 1. Text a promise a day to someone lagging in hope. 2. Set a shared verse-of-the-week and check in on how it fortified you both. 3. Testify publicly—at church, online, or over coffee—about one fulfilled promise; it may be the lifeline another believer needs. Confidence grows where God’s character, His track record, and His promises are constantly remembered, spoken, and lived. Help others plant their feet there, and they will not throw away what brings such great reward. |
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