Lesson 05 — The Confidence Principle

University Objectives… (Reviewed)
_________ the Word!
___________ the Word!
_________ the Word!

Semper Vivus: __________________ ____________

“This __________ is ___________!”

“University” Defined: “
An institution of ________________ at the highest ____________.”

Principle Five (of Twelve)
The ___________________ Principle

I can find ultimate purpose in life only by learning the essentials of quiet confidence in God’s plan for my life. I must accept His will as my will, flowing in His plan as a cloud with the wind. I must claim in confidence each heavenly promise as my title deed to property I have never seen. I hereby resolve to choose this course of action daily, and in God’s power I consider it done.

Primary Passage…
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. — Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV)

Foundational Premise…

“Premise” Defined:
“A proposition upon which an ___________________ is based or from which a ___________________ is drawn.”

Premise…
A believer’s quality of self-acceptance and confidence to meet the _____________________ of ________ is in direct _____________________ to that believer’s confidence and __________ in God.

“Confidence” Defined:
A. Trust or _________ in a ________________ or thing.
B. A feeling of __________________, especially of self-assurance.
C. The state or ____________ of being ______________.

Scripture:
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. — Hebrews 11:1 (AMPC)

A Fivefold View of Faith…

Scripture:
This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. — 1 John 5:2-5 (NIV)

1. View One: The ________________ “
Assurance” defined: “The state of being _______________; freedom from _____________.”

Scripture:
Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. — Acts 17:30-31 (NKJV)

2. View Two: The ___________________
“Confirmation” defined: “The act of establishing ___________________; to substantiate the ___________________ of an event, happening or _________________.”

Scripture:
For He [Jesus] received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts… — 2 Peter 1:17-19 (NKJV)

3. View Three: The _________ ________
“Title Deed” defined: “The reality of ____________________; the instrument that constitutes _________________ of ownership.”

Scripture:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. — 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NKJV)

4. View Four: The __________
“Proof” defined: “The evidence establishing __________________.”

Scripture:
No one wants to deal with these facts. But anyone who examines this evidence will come to stake his life on this: that God himself is the truth. — John 3:33 (MSG)

5. View Five: The ________________
“Conviction” defined: “The state of being ___________________.”

Scripture:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. — Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

Thieves of Faith

Scripture:
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. — John 10:9-10 (NIV)

My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins. See how many enemies I have and how viciously they hate me! Protect me! Rescue my life from them! Do not let me be disgraced, for in you I take refuge. — Psalm 25:17-20 (NLT)

1. Thief One: _________________
The Enemy of __________________
The Cause: Excessive _________________ thinking.

Scripture:
A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit. — Proverbs 15:13 (NLT)

I live in terror now. My honor has blown away in the wind, and my prosperity has vanished like a cloud. And now my life seeps away. Depression haunts my days. — Job 30:15-16 (NLT)

Come quickly, Lord, and answer me, for my depression deepens. Don’t turn away from me, or I will die. — Psalm 143:7 (NLT)

2. Thief Two: ____________
The Enemy of ________________
The Cause: Refusing to __________________ .

Scripture:
Don’t secretly hate your neighbor. If you have something against him, get it out into the open; otherwise you are an accomplice in his guilt. Don’t seek revenge or carry a grudge against any of your people. Love your neighbor as yourself. I am God. — Leviticus 19:17-18 (MSG)

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. — Ephesians 4:30-31 (NIV)

3. Thief Three: ____________
The Enemy of ________________
The Cause: Attention turned ______________.

Scripture:
First pride, then the crash—the bigger the ego, the harder the fall. It’s better to live humbly among the poor than to live it up among the rich and famous. — Proverbs 16:18-19 (MSG)

Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits. — Romans 12:16 (AMPC)

Talk Back Time: (Share what you’ve learned with your small group.)
In what ways do you believe our faith is like a title deed to property we have never seen? How does an attitude of pride and arrogance rob us of our faith?

Pray Back Time: (Pray what you’ve learned in your small group.)
Ask God to give you faith and self-confidence for a specific task or issue you (or someone you know) is facing. Declare specifically in prayer something you are claiming as a “title deed” to an answer you have yet to see.

Thieves of Faith (Continued)

4. Thief Four: __________
The Enemy of ____________________
The Cause: Misdirecting our ____________.

Scripture: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. — Proverbs 3:25-26 (NIV)

5. Thief Five: __________
The Enemy of __________________________
The Cause: Believing ______________ lie.

Scripture:
My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about  mourning. — Psalm 38:4-6 (NIV)

When troubles ganged up on me, a mob of sins past counting, I was so swamped by guilt I couldn’t see my way clear. More guilt in my heart than hair on my head, so heavy the guilt that my heart gave out. — Psalm 40:12 (MSG)

6. Thief Six: ________________
The Enemy of _________________________
The Cause: Persistent __________________ confessions.

Scripture:
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth… — Proverbs 15:23a (NIV)

The Lord gave me this message: “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” “O Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!” The Lord replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you.” — Jeremiah 1:4-7 (NLT)

Seeds of Faith
Sowing and Reaping a Harvest of Confidence in Christ

Scripture:
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. — Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)

Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you. — Hosea 10:12 (NIV)

1. Overcoming ________________
Plant seeds of _________!

Scripture:
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. — Isaiah 61:3 (NLT)

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. — 2 Corinthians 4:8 (NLT)

A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. — Proverbs 17:22 (NKJV)

Timeless Insights
From Science Digest: “Studies show that laughter—the kind we associate with good humor—can be an indication of mental and physical well-being…”

“…Scientists studying the effects of laughter on people have reported a measurable effect, not just on lungs, but on other important organs.”

More on Laughter…
“Laughter reduces health-sapping tensions and relaxes the tissues as well as exercises the most vital organs.”
“Laughter is good for both body and mind. It eliminates nervous tensions which upset body functions.”

The Power of a Good Laugh!
Six Benefits of Laughter

1. It benefits the ____________.
2. It clears the respiratory _______________.
3. It provides a healthful emotional _____________.
4. It combats ________________.
5. It provides an opportunity to discharge unnecessary ______________.
6. It helps combat shyness, _____________ and ______________.

A Final Word on Laughter…
“The ability to laugh is a measure of man’s adjustment to his environment, whereas the inability to respond positively to situations that would make normal people laugh indicates trouble.”

“It has been documented that laughter, along with a well-rounded sense of humor, is one of the surest signs of intelligence.” — Dr. Jacob Levine, Clinical Professor of Psychology

2. Overcoming _____________
Plant seeds of _____________________!

Scripture:
Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. — Luke 6:37-38 (NKJV)

In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part. — Matthew 6:14-15 (MSG)

3. Overcoming __________
Plant seeds of _________________!

Scripture:
True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. — Proverbs 22:4 (NLT)

…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — 1 Peter 5:5b (NIV)

4. Overcoming __________
Plant seeds of __________________!

Scripture:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. — 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

“Courage! Take heart! God is here, right here, on his way to put things right and redress all wrongs. He’s on his way! He’ll save you!” — Isaiah 35:4 (MSG)

5. Overcoming ____________
Plant seeds of ______________________!

Scripture:
Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God.” Suddenly the pressure was gone—my guilt dissolved, my sin disappeared. — Psalm 32:5 (MSG)

It was sin that made death so frightening and law-code guilt that gave sin its leverage, its destructive power. But now in a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! — 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (MSG)

In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. — John 16:33 (MSG)

6. Overcoming _________________
Plant seeds of _____________________!

Scripture:
May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you! And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you. May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers. — 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (MSG)

May Jesus himself and God our Father, who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you… — 2 Thessalonians 2:16 (MSG)

Ready for Anything…

Scripture:
I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. — Philippians 4:13 (AMPC)

Look up these passages in your Bible, underline key phrases or put a box around them. Put a number “5” in the margin of your Bible by that passage and circle it. Then, go back to your primary passage (Hebrews 11:1-3) and in the margin write these verses beside it or at the bottom of the page. In this way you will begin to cross-reference your Bible.

• Hebrews 11:1-3
• 2 Chronicles 20:10-21
• Isaiah 7:8-10
• Matthew 6:29-31
• Matthew 8:9-11
• Matthew 9:21-23
• Mark 11:21-23
• Luke 7:8-10
• Luke 8:24-26
• Luke 12:27-29
• Luke 17:5-7
• Luke 18:41-43
• Acts 3:15-17
• Acts 14:8-10
• Acts 16:4-6
• Romans 1:4-6
• Romans 1:16-18
• Romans 3:27-29
• Romans 4:15-20
• Romans 5:1-3
• Romans 10:16-18
• 1 Corinthians 2:4-6
• 1 Corinthians 16:12-14
• Galatians 2:15-17
• Galatians 2:19-21
• Ephesians 2:7-9
• Ephesians 3:11-18
• Ephesians 4:12-14
• Colossians 1:3-6
• 1 Timothy 6:11-13
• 2 Timothy 4:6-8
• Hebrews 10:21-23
• Hebrews 11:38-40
• Hebrews 12:1-3
• James 1:2-4
• James 2:21-25
• James 5:14-16
• Psalms 71:4-6
• Isaiah 32:16-18
• Jeremiah 17:7-8
• Hebrews 3:5-7
• Hebrews 4:15-16
• Hebrews 13:5-7
• 1 John 3:20-22
• 1 John 5:13-15

Principle Five Reviewed

I can find ultimate purpose in life only by learning the essentials of quiet confidence in God’s plan for my life. I must accept His will as my will, flowing in His plan as a cloud with the wind. I must claim in confidence each heavenly promise as my title deed to property I have never seen. I hereby resolve to choose this course of action daily, and in God’s power I consider it done.

The Confidence Principle

Primary Passage…
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. — Hebrews 11:1-3 (NIV)

Talk Back Time: (Share what you’ve learned with your small group.)
Why do you think laughter (or a “merry heart”) can affect our physical bodies like a medicine? In what ways do you see unforgiveness as being an especially great enemy to our faith and confidence in Christ?

Pray Back Time: (Pray what you’ve learned in your small group.)
As you look over the list of “seeds of faith” plant one or more of those seeds through a specific prayer for an issue, need or even a person. The list includes seeds of joy (for depression), forgiveness (for hatred), humility (for pride), courage (for fear), assurance (for guilt), and confidence (for inferiority).