Your Kingdom, Power & Glory: Quietness + Confidence = STRENGTH

Summary of the Message: “Kingdom, Power, Glory: Quietness + Confidence = Strength” by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min.

I. INTRODUCTION: THE DISCIPLE’S REQUEST AND THE KINGDOM CONTEXT

A. The Request: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray” (Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9–13)

• Jesus models prayer for His disciples—not the Lord’s prayer, but our prayer.
• The prayer closes with a reminder of divine ownership and sovereignty: “For Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever.”

B. Meaning of the Three Realms of God

1. Kingdom – God’s rule and authority.
2. Power – God’s ability to accomplish His will.
3. Glory – God’s majesty and divine presence.

• These belong to God alone; not to governments, politicians, or human systems.
• Believers operate in a higher kingdom, with higher power, for the glory of God.

II. THE KINGDOM IS LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD

A. The Bright Light of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 5:14)

• Jesus said, “You are the light of the world; a city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
• Christ has transferred His light to His followers.
• Application:
  • You are already visible—so shine.
  • Others are already watching, so be the light.
  • “You may as well shine!”

III. THE KINGDOM IS TRANSFORMATIVE

A. The Call of the Disciples (Matthew 4:18–20)

• Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
• Transformation begins when we follow; God makes us.
• The Kingdom changes identity and purpose.

B. Cooperation with God’s Transforming Power

• Transformation requires yielding, not striving.
• God’s kingdom forms new purpose, power, and personhood.

IV. THE KINGDOM IS FULL OF STRENGTH

(Isaiah 30:15–16)

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength; But you would not…”

A. The Prophetic Context

• Judah sought political alliances (Egypt) instead of trusting God.
• God rebuked them: “You take counsel, but not of Me.”
• The warning: reliance on worldly systems leads to weakness and dependence.

B. Worldly Systems vs. God’s Kingdom

• Earthly systems concentrate power and wealth among a few.
• God’s kingdom strengthens, uplifts, and liberates people.
• True strength is found only in God’s rule.

V. THE FALSE STRENGTH OF SPEED AND STRIVING

A. The Futility of Running Faster

• “We will flee on swift horses…” — but “those who pursue you shall be swift.”
• You cannot outrun anxiety, distraction, or fear.
• The faster you run, the faster your troubles seem to chase you.
• Principle: The answer is not speed but stillness.

B. Modern Application

• People try to fix weakness by posturing strength—pretending to be powerful.
• Strength doesn’t come from acting strong but from quietness of heart and confidence in God.

VI. TRUE STRENGTH ILLUSTRATED: HARRIET TUBMAN

A. Example of Spiritual Strength

• Physically small (about 5 feet tall), formerly enslaved, but mighty in faith.
• Escaped 90 miles to freedom and returned to rescue ~70 others.
• Served as a scout and spy during the Civil War and later as an activist.

B. The Source of Her Strength

• Quote: “I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight.”
• Her strength came from God, not size or status.
• True strength is moral, spiritual, and rooted in trust and courage.

VII. RETURNING, RESTING, AND KNOWING GOD

A. Returning and Rest (Isaiah 30:15)

• Returning = repentance — turning back to God.
• Rest = tranquility and settledness.
• Deliverance comes through surrender, not striving.
• Rest is not inactivity—it is trusting the power of another (God).

B. Quietness and Confidence

• Quietness: Calm heart; stillness of spirit.
• Confidence: Assurance in God’s character and promises.
• “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
  • You know only after you be still.
  • Stillness allows God’s presence to fill the heart.

C. Results of Quiet Confidence

• “The work of righteousness will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17).
• When God is with you, you can move without fear.
• If you are still fearful—sit back down until peace returns.

VIII. THE HUMAN TENDENCY TO MOVE FASTER

A. God Says: “Rest.” Humanity Says: “No.”

• Israel said, “We will flee on swift horses.”
• Principle: The human reflex is to move faster rather than trust deeper.
• Lesson: You need stillness, not speed.

B. Trust in God, Not in Systems

• “Some trust in chariots, and