Build Confidence: Philippians 1

 

Philippians 1 — Confidence

 

Confidence is a quality that when built into our lives, we can accomplish life goals and build character against the odds.   Confidence can be a skill, a source of motivation, a test of integrity, a tenacious determination to get back up and keep moving forward.

 

Oftentimes confident people are thought of as those who drive action, inspire change and impact history.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or Harriet Tubman who were confident in what they believed could be true and risking their lives to bring freedom to those held captive by injustice and slavery. 

 

But confidence does not come unless there is a need for it.  Confidence isn’t the belief that we won’t meet obstacles but it is recognizing that difficulties are an inescapable part of life, that we need confidence to face.   Although, confidence is not the answer by itself,  rather, it is where, what or who you place your confidence in that really matters.

 

Paul in Philippians 1, shares four ways in which he builds confidence. 

 

First,  Paul was Confident in the GOOD WORK that was started and was being completed in Christ Jesus. (1:6;9;) for this Paul strengthens his faith in the promise of the process.   The good work is when the Holy Spirit is causing your love to abound, your ability to prove that which is excellent and to live with sincerity and without offense.  Paul says I am confident that God is making you a more loving, discerning, and even more being marked with integrity of character.

 

Second, Paul was Confident in the PARTNERSHIP in the Gospel (v. 7-8; 24-25)  This deepened his sense of community built on the grace of Christ. Paul’s heart for the Philippians church was marked by the “affection of Christ”.  He wanted to convey his unconditional love, his willingness to forgive, his empathetic compassion, his undying commitment, and the eternal nature of his relationship with them.  Also, Paul understood the “Better Together” principle.  (v. 24-25; 27) He was confident that while together they were better.   He’s confident that he would remain with them as long as he was needed for their progress and he was confident that they would do the same. Even though our confidence is not putting trust in people, it is still trusting in the grace of Christ working through people.

 

Third, Paul was confident in the GOSPEL PREACHED.  (v. 12-18) for even in chains boldness to preach was growing even more.  As you read the stories of the early church, it is obvious that persecution advanced the Gospel.  And here now, Paul is in chains, ready to be sentenced to death and this has inspired courage in many to preach the Gospel with even more boldness.   Paul is confident that this message will not be squashed.  He is confident that this Gospel will change the world.  He is confident that nothing, not even man’s own selfish ambition can stop the transformation and salvation of people’s hearts through the Gospel.

 

Lastly, Paul was confident in LIFE AFTER DEATH. (v. 19-22) for Paul had a magnified eternal perspective of the glory of Christ.  It is widely held that Paul was beheaded for his faith.  Imprisoned, persecuted, falsely accused, and yet he was confident that in death, life with Christ would be fully experienced.  Paul told Timothy, I am already being poured out like a drink offering, for I have fought the good fight of faith and finished the race, and have kept the faith.  Now I have a crown of righteousness in which the Lord has prepared and will award for me. (2 Tim. 4:6-8) Paul is one of the men who are the cloud of witnesses that help us to lay aside every weight, every sin, every hindrance, and run with endurance the race that is set before us…for even Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith, had joy that was set before him, and endured the cross with confidence, despising the shame, and would eventually sit down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb. 12:1-2)

 

So, how do you gain the confidence that Paul had?

 

#1. STRENGTHEN YOUR FAITH in the Promise of God’s Good Work.   be confident He is working IN you.

#2. DEEPEN YOUR CONNECTION to Spiritual Community. be confident He is working AROUND you.

#3. PREACH WITH BOLDNESS in the face of Persecution be confident He is working THROUGH you.

#4. MAGNIFY YOUR PERSPECTIVE OF CHRIST in life and in death.be confident He is working FOR you.