 |  |
"confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out
of joint" (Prov. 25: 19).
If we are to be confident, our trust must be placed in the Lord Who is worthy of our
confidence.
Paul could have had a confidence based on his Jewish birth and faith, but he rejected
this:
"For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ
Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh" (Phil. 3: 3).
He counted as loss for Christ all those claims he had in the flesh, for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord, that he might gain Christ (Phil. 3: 7, 8).
In his daily life, he relied on the strength that he received from God:--
". . . . . all men forsook me . . . . . notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me, and
strengthened me . . . . ." (II Tim. 4: 16, 17).
Timothy was a faithful man, but it seems that he needed some words of
encouragement. So we find in the letters that Paul wrote to him several messages to urge
him onward in his life and ministry. Here are some of those words of exhortation:--
"Let no man despise thy youth" (I Tim. 4: 12).
"Neglect not the gift that is in thee" (I Tim. 4: 14).
"Stir up the gift of God" (II Tim. 1: 6).
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a
sound mind" (II Tim. 1: 7).
"Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (II Tim. 2: 1).
So if any are by nature timid and at times suffer from depression, or any kind of fear,
consider the advice given to Timothy. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but may we
be confident since we have received the gift of grace that is in Christ Jesus. His strength
is sufficient for our every need.
Let us rejoice in the wonderful privilege we have which enables us to approach the
Father, for we have access by one Spirit unto the Father (Eph. 2: 18).
"In Whom (Christ Jesus our Lord) we have boldness and access with confidence by
the faith of Him. Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you . . . . ."
(Eph. 3: 12, 13).
There are several passages in Philippians that speak of confidence and trust, so in
conclusion, let us remember these words:--
"Be confident of this very thing, that He that hath begun a good work in you will
perform it (complete it) until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1: 6).