Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Confidence, in a biblical context, refers to a firm trust or belief in God and His promises. It is an assurance that stems from faith in God's character, His Word, and His faithfulness. Confidence is not self-reliance but a reliance on God, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. Biblical Foundation: The Bible frequently addresses the concept of confidence, often linking it to faith and trust in God. Confidence is portrayed as a virtue that believers should cultivate, rooted in the understanding of God's nature and His covenant with His people. Key Scriptures: 1. Philippians 1:6 · "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This verse emphasizes the believer's confidence in God's ongoing work in their lives, assuring them of His commitment to their spiritual growth and ultimate salvation. 2. Hebrews 10:35-36 · "So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward. You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." Here, confidence is linked to perseverance and the fulfillment of God's promises, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. 3. Proverbs 3:26 · "for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare." This verse highlights the protective aspect of confidence in God, assuring believers of His guidance and safety. 4. 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 · "Such confidence before God is ours through Christ. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God." This passage underscores that true confidence is not self-derived but is granted through Christ, emphasizing dependence on God's sufficiency. Theological Implications: Confidence in the biblical sense is deeply theological, as it is intertwined with the doctrines of God's sovereignty, providence, and faithfulness. It reflects a believer's understanding of God's unchanging nature and His eternal purposes. Confidence is both a gift and a response to God's revelation, cultivated through prayer, study of Scripture, and the work of the Holy Spirit. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to cultivate confidence through: · Prayer and Communion with God: Regular prayer strengthens trust in God, allowing believers to express their dependence on Him and seek His guidance. · Studying Scripture: Engaging with the Bible reinforces the promises of God, providing a foundation for confidence in His plans and purposes. · Community and Fellowship: Being part of a faith community offers support and encouragement, helping believers to maintain their confidence in God through shared experiences and testimonies. · Obedience and Faithfulness: Living in obedience to God's commands and being faithful in small things builds confidence, as believers witness God's faithfulness in their lives. Challenges to Confidence: Believers may face challenges to their confidence, such as doubt, fear, and external circumstances. The Bible acknowledges these struggles but encourages believers to overcome them by focusing on God's promises and His past faithfulness. Conclusion: Confidence, as presented in the Bible, is a profound trust in God that transcends circumstances. It is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, enabling believers to live boldly and with assurance in God's eternal promises. Topical Bible Verses Philippians 1:6Being confident of this very thing, that he which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Topicalbible.org Romans 2:19 Ephesians 3:12 Psalm 27:3 2 Corinthians 5:6 Philippians 1:14 Library Philippians i. 1, 2 Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace ... Fighting the Good Fight of Faith Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence Matt. xxi. 12, 13 Hebrews xi. 7 Acts xxviii. 17-20 Written from Rome The Afterglow Colossians iii. 18-25 Resources What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.org How can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.org Being: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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