In what ways can we demonstrate the "striding" confidence in our faith journey? Key Verse Hebrews 10:35: “So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.” Setting the Scene Confidence here is not self-generated bravado; it is a settled, forward-moving assurance rooted in Christ’s finished work. The Greek word translated “confidence” (parrēsia) speaks of boldness, freedom of speech, and open access. Think of it as walking with long, deliberate strides because you know exactly where the path leads and Who walks beside you. Foundations for Striding Confidence • Anchored in Salvation – John 10:28-29: “I give them eternal life … no one will snatch them out of My hand.” – Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” • Fueled by Truth – 2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is God-breathed, equipping us for every good work. • Empowered by the Spirit – 2 Corinthians 3:4-5: “Such confidence before God is ours through Christ… our competence comes from God.” Practical Ways to Demonstrate Striding Confidence 1. Daily Approach God Boldly – Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” – Make prayer your first response, not last resort. Talk to the Father plainly and expectantly. 2. Stand Firm on Promises, Not Circumstances – 2 Corinthians 5:7: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – When feelings waver, rehearse specific promises aloud (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 41:10). 3. Obey Promptly and Publicly – James 1:22: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” – Confidence shows up in quick obedience—sharing the gospel, forgiving an offender, tithing faithfully, serving where needed. 4. Speak Truth Without Apology – Acts 4:29-31: the early believers prayed for boldness, and “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” – Share Scripture naturally in conversations; let your convictions be clear yet gracious. 5. Persevere Through Trials – Hebrews 10:36: “You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” – Trials become platforms for visible confidence when we refuse to quit or compromise. 6. Cultivate a Thankful Perspective – Philippians 4:6-7: Prayer with thanksgiving ushers in God’s peace that guards heart and mind. – Gratitude reframes challenges as opportunities for God to prove Himself again. 7. Walk in Moral Integrity – Proverbs 28:1: “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” – A clear conscience energizes boldness; hidden sin siphons it away. Regular confession keeps your stride strong. 8. Invest in the Body of Christ – Hebrews 10:24-25: consider how to spur one another on … not neglecting to meet together. – Gather, serve, and encourage. Shared faith multiplies confidence; isolation erodes it. 9. Pray Big, Kingdom-Sized Prayers – 1 John 5:14-15: “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” – Ask for conversions, awakenings, healings—requests that only God can fulfill. 10. Anticipate Eternal Reward – 2 Timothy 4:8: “There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness.” – Future hope fuels present boldness; every stride is headed toward a guaranteed finish line. Guardrails That Protect Confidence • Stay Saturated in Scripture (Psalm 1:2-3) • Keep Short Accounts with God and People (1 John 1:9; Matthew 5:23-24) • Reject Fear-Based Narratives (2 Timothy 1:7) • Remember Past Faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-12) The Ripple Effect When believers stride confidently: – The gospel advances (Philippians 1:12-14). – Fellow Christians are emboldened (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8). – A watching world notes the difference (1 Peter 3:15-16). Closing Challenge Hold your head high, fix your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), and keep taking those long, faith-filled steps. The path is sure, the Companion is faithful, and the reward is certain. |
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