The Christian's Confidence

Title: “The Christian’s Confidence” Script: Romans 8:28-39

Type: Expos. Doctrinal Series Where: GNBC 5-29-22

Intro: Confidence takes many forms, from the arrogance of Floyd Mayweather to the quiet self-assurance of Jane Goodall. True confidence—as opposed to the false confidence people project to mask their insecurities—has a look all its own. When it comes to confidence, one thing is certain: truly confident people always have the upper hand over the doubtful and the skittish, because they inspire others and they make things happen. I think Henry Ford said it best: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” (Forbes Leadership, Travis Bradberry). Leadership guru John Maxwell has said: “our first step to success is having the confidence that you will succeed. In fact, the only reason we take the first step is because we have confidence. The journey begins by us not saying, I just want to take one step and quit. The journey begins with one step. And that begins with having confidence. Sometimes, with my sense of humor, people ask me, John, what do you do? And sometimes I just tell them, I'm a lid lifter. I come into people's lives and help them see possibilities and lift the lid in their life.” (Maxwell Minute). Well friend, I see a lot of Christians who seem to have very little confidence in their spiritual lives. Fearful and timid. If I can use Maxwell’s moniker, today, I would like to help “take the lid” off of not our lives, but our theological understanding so you can walk in the confidence Christ has ordained you and me to walk in.

Prop: Examining Rom. 8:28-39 we’ll better appreciate the confidence every believer has in Christ.

BG: 1. “Confidence” – Series on great doctrines. Often referred to as the “Perseverance of the Saints”, but I think when that term is used, half of all Christians immediately turn off their ears. I have entitled “The Believer’s Confidence.”

2. Romans – The great masterpiece and theological work by Paul. Foundational to any Christian’s life.

3. We will look at this section in 3 cement blocks of truth containing 5 parts each, upon which the believer’s confidence is built.

Prop: Let’s examine Rom. 8:28-39 so to better understand and appreciate the Confidence every Believer has in Christ.

I. The Believer’s Confidence is Based on 5 Unshakeable Convictions. V.28

A. Let’s Consider this First Verse and its Importance for the Believer’s Confidence.

1. Confidence and Conviction go hand in hand.

a. V.28 is one of the best known verses in the entire Bible. “On it, believers of every age and place have stayed their minds. It has been likened to a pillow on which we rest our weary heads.” (Stott, Romans, p. 246)

b. Look at how v. 28 begins: “We know”. Paul began v. 22 in the same way about creation’s groanings looking forward to redemption. Here we see that the “we know” is in connection with God’s providential care. Illust: Many people are quite anxious today. We don’t know many things about the future…Will my child be safe at school? Can I afford to fill up my car, how far will my retirement fund value fall, will there be food shortages, will the war break out wider, Monkeypox, will I be able to get a mortgage?... On a personal level people are hurting desperately right now. Anxiety. Fear, Depression. Gender Confusion. Lack of purpose. Lack of confidence. Rejection of God only adds to this poisonous worrisome concoction. Christian, don’t GIVE IN TO FEAR! Remember: “WE KNOW!” Conviction breeds confidence.

B. What Are These 5 Unshakeable Convictions? (Break down v. 28)

1. God works in our lives. – God is at work in every Christian’s life! Christian, we often cannot see the trees for the forest when it comes to our lives. However, God is at work! You are maturing. You are growing! Why? Because “God is ceaselessly, energetically, and purposefully active on your behalf.” (Stott, p. 247) What problem or struggle do you and I have that can withstand God’s ceaseless attention?

2. God works for the good of His people. Think about this. God is at work for your and my good. Now, God is wholly good, so all of His works are an expression of the essential attribute of His Person, which is His goodness! Everything God does is calculated to advance His good plan for our lives, ultimately, our salvation! Illust: If you are an athlete, your coach will often build workouts that test your limits. May be painful. But last for a set period of time with the purpose of making your stronger, building endurance, refining essential skills. It's for the athlete’s good. Make him/her better. That is what God is doing in our lives.

3. God works for our good in all things. Illust: now that fictional coach I just referred to is attempting to improve one specific area of his/her athlete. Running, swimming, pitching or fielding, free throw shooting, etc. But look at what Paul says about God’s purposes here: He is at work for our good in ALL THINGS! So, this passage can be properly understood that in everything God is working (panta) for His people’s good. Yes, those “all things” include even the sufferings of v. 17 and the groanings of v. 23. Listen Christian, even the negative things we experience in this life…death of a loved one, sickness, dementia, senseless tragedy…you will in the blanks. I am NOT saying those aren’t real and that they aren’t awful. They are. However, I want you to have utter confidence that even everything that is negative in this life can be seen to have a positive purpose in the execution of God’s eternal plan.” (Nygren, p. 338). Illust: My mother was diagnosed with brain cancer when about 50 yrs. Died 9 weeks later. The seriousness of her commitment to Christ was night and day difference. At the time we were devastated. However, what if lived another 30 years and been lukewarm? She would still be dead today and would not be sure of eternal condition.