What does it look like to have confidence that is rooted in God rather than in ourselves? Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore righteous confidence by considering why dependence on the Lord is a good foundation. The guys contrast biblical confidence with the world’s message to believe in yourself, discussing expressive individualism and the anxiety of looking inward. They turn to Martin Luther’s understanding of an alien righteousness, emphasizing that his confidence came not from his own performance but from Christ’s righteousness given to him. David’s confrontation with Goliath then offers a picture of confidence rooted in knowing that God can deliver His people.
Ray shares a story from his years preaching in the square, when he became friends with a gang and later found himself preaching to prisoners after footage from his film was used as evidence in a gang fight. His confidence in preaching the gospel in that prison came from knowing the authorities backed him, illustrating the confidence Christians can have because of what they have behind them in Christ. The guys then turn to Jeremiah 9 and John 17, discussing the importance of knowing the Lord and how He uses weak people so attention remains on Christ.
That foundation leads directly into confidence in gospel witness. The guys consider why Christians can still struggle to speak about the gospel even when they know its power and have seen its testimonies. They discuss spiritual warfare and obstacles, including rejection, anxiety, and insecurity. Ray uses a waitress confidently approaching a table to illustrate Christians confidently bringing the message of eternal life. The guys emphasize the quality of the gospel seed rather than the skill of the sower and distinguish confidence in the Lord from self-confidence. They return to God’s omnipotence and the grace He gives for each day.
God’s pattern of removing human strength becomes the focus as the guys discuss Elisha’s servant seeing the horses and chariots of fire and Israel’s deliverance. They consider C.S. Lewis’s observation that pride can keep people focused on themselves in all areas of life. They then turn to God’s greatness and the confidence of knowing Him and approaching Him as a child. They reflect on Christ becoming man to redeem sinners, God’s love at the cross, and the certainty that God wins. They close with God’s promises to strengthen His people. The guys encourage Christians to return to the foundation of knowing who they are, who God is, and who they are in Him.
