Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hey there, friend,
have you been chasing a version
of confidence that feels shallowand temporary?
Join us for today's show, wherewe will explore the true
essence of lasting confidence,equipping your heart with
feelings of dignity and deepself-worth.
Are you feeling a bit swampedwith your weekly Bible study
prep, wondering how to make yourlessons both engaging and
(00:24):
impactful, searching for freshinsights to inspire and
spiritually nourish your group?
Well, you are in the rightplace.
Our Sound Wisdom Bible studylessons are here to make your
preparation easier, revive yourteaching and profoundly enrich
your group's faith journey.
Before we get started, I'd liketo give a shout out to Renee
(00:44):
Booe.
She says episode 54 is on fire.
Teachings on the freedom Jesusgives us is so, so needed.
I find that so many of myclients don't truly know the
freedom God offers.
I love how Paula teaches onthis topic and backs it up with
scripture.
Thank you, Renee, it's so goodto hear from a sister in Christ.
(01:06):
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(01:26):
What a joy it is for me to hearfrom our listeners.
Let's embark on this adventuretogether.
But first let me tell you aboutmy Faith Building Club.
You'll find over eight monthsof printable resources crafted
just for Christians.
These include everything fromprayer and devotional journals
to detailed Bible study lessonsand reading plans, all designed
to deepen your connection withthe Word and bring fresh
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perspectives on your weeklystudies.
You can find these valuableresources at
faithbuildingclubcom.
No spaces.
Hi.
I'm Paula, a follower of Jesus,a grandma of six and a retired
pastor with a heart forempowering believers.
Ready to get started.
Grab your Bible, your printableresources and prepare your
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heart for insights from God.
Let me tell you about Sarah.
She was known for herinfectious laughter and her
unwavering faith, but she oftenfound herself comparing her life
to the seemingly perfectInstagram post of others.
Ever been there before.
One Sunday, after aparticularly uplifting sermon
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about finding worth in God'seyes, Sarah decided to take a
stand.
She gathered her friends for a"Confidence in Christ dinner in
her home, where they sharedstories of their struggles and
triumphs, prayed together andlaughed until their sides hurt
as they left the dinner, sarahrealized that true confidence
wasn't about having the perfectlife or the most likes on social
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media.
It was about embracing theunique, beautiful mess that God
had created in each of them.
From that day forward, sarahand her friends found a new
sense of dignity and self-worth,knowing that their confidence
was rooted in something fargreater than the fleeting trends
of the world.
Welcome to our Bible studylesson, True Confidence Rooted
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in Faith.
The concept of confidence canbe elusive and commonly
misunderstood, especially forChristian women striving to live
out their faith.
The modern narrative frequentlypushes a brand of confidence
rooted in personal achievements,physical appearance and social
status.
However, as followers of Christ, where does our true confidence
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lie?
This lesson dives into theheart of true confidence, a
confidence not built on worldlymeasures but rooted in the
unshakable promises of God.
Throughout this lesson, we willexplore key biblical passages
such as Proverbs 31.
25, which describes a woman whois clothed with strength and
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dignity, and Hebrews 10.
35-36, where believers areencouraged to not throw away
your confidence and it will berichly rewarded.
These scriptures and othersprovide a foundation for
understanding how trueconfidence manifests in the life
of a Christian woman.
By looking at biblical examplesand applying their lessons, we
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will discover how to cultivate adeep, enduring confidence that
empowers us to face life'schallenges and opportunities
with boldness in faith.
Join me now as we uncover thebeauty and strength of true
confidence through the lens ofScripture tailored for Christian
women in this modern age.
Okay, now you might want tolook up some of these Bible
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passages before we get started,Proverbs 31.
25, Hebrews 10.
35 through 36, Proverbs 3.
26, Genesis 18.
12 through 14, 1 Samuel 1.
10 through 20.
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True confidence, especiallywithin a Christian context, is
markedly different from theself-assurance promoted by the
world.
It is not a trait thatfluctuates with the rise and
fall of personal achievements,nor is it dependent on external
validation.
True confidence is a stabletrust and reliance on God and
His eternal promises, regardlessof circumstances.
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This confidence transcendshuman ability and understanding,
rooting itself in the identitygiven to us by Christ.
In the Bible, the story ofEsther is a compelling
illustration of true confidencein action.
As a young Jewish woman in thePersian Empire, Esther could
have easily been overwhelmed byfear and insecurity.
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However, her confidence was notplaced in her situation or her
own capabilities, but in theguidance and providence of her
God.
Her brave decision to approachthe king, risking her life to
save her people, showcases aprofound level of confidence
born from her faith.
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We see that in Esther 4.16.
Similarly, Ruth exhibits aquiet but powerful confidence in
her decision to leave herhomeland and commit herself to
the God of Israel and hermother-in-law Naomi.
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Ruth's actions reflect a deeptrust in God as she steps into
an uncertain future,illustrating how true confidence
is often expressed throughcourageous choices in times of
vulnerability.
That's Ruth 1.
16 through 18.
Take a few moments now toreflect on your own life.
Where do you tend to place yourconfidence most often?
In your abilities, in others orin God?
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How does this affect your dailydecisions and feelings of
security?
Considering Esther's and Ruth'sstories, what aspects of their
confidence in God can you applyin your current life challenges?
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How does understanding youridentity in Christ impact your
confidence, especially insituations where you might
naturally feel inadequate?
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The Bible is replete with versesthat lay the foundation for a
Christian's confidence.
This confidence is not rootedin our own abilities or
circumstances, but in thesteadfast character and promises
of God.
For Christian women, navigatingthe complexities of modern life
with this biblical assurance isvital to maintaining spiritual
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health and witness.
One pivotal scripture isProverbs 3.
26, which says, For the Lordwill be your confidence and will
keep your foot from beingcaught.
This verse reassures us thatour security and success do not
depend on human wisdom, but onGod's guidance and protection.
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Another key verse Philippians 4.
13, says I can do all thingsthrough Christ, who strengthens
me, and this one is often citedfor encouragement.
It emphasizes that ourcapability to face life's
challenges comes directly fromour reliance on Christ's power,
and not our own.
These scriptures are not merewords, but are promises that
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have been proven true in thelives of countless believers.
They offer a profound sense ofsecurity as we face professional
setbacks, personal trials orspiritual battles.
By anchoring our confidence inthese truths, we can move
forward in life with a couragethat is both empowering and
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counter-cultural.
What steps can you take todeepen your understanding of
God's character, therebystrengthening your confidence in
His promises?
How can you incorporate theassurance found in Proverbs 3.26
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and Philippians 4.13 into yourdaily life, especially in areas
where you feel vulnerable oruncertain?
Can you recall a time whenrelying on God's promises
changed your approach or outcomein a challenging situation?
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In the journey of faith,Christian women often encounter
various challenges that canshake their confidence.
These obstacles might includesocietal pressures, personal
insecurities and unexpected lifetrials.
Understanding these challengesand equipping oneself with
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biblical truths are crucialsteps toward maintaining a
steadfast confidence in God.
Societal expectations, forinstance, can place undue
pressure on women to conform tospecific standards of success,
beauty or behavior.
These external pressures candistort our view of what true
worth and confidence should bebased on.
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Additionally, personalinsecurities often stem from
past failures or negativeexperiences which can hinder our
spiritual and personal growth.
Life's trials such as illness,loss or financial hardship
further test our confidence inGod's goodness and plans.
The biblical stories of Sarahand Hannah provide profound
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insights into overcoming thesechallenges.
Sarah, despite her initialdoubt and laughter at God's
promise, ultimately experiencedGod's faithfulness when she bore
Isaac.
We see that in Genesis 18.
12 through 14.
Hannah, plagued by personalgrief and societal scorn due to
her barrenness, persistentlyprayed and trusted in God's
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provision, which was fulfilledin the birth of Samuel.
We see that in 1 Samuel 1.
10-20.
What are the primary sources ofpressure or insecurity that
threaten your confidence?
How do these align with orcontradict God's truths?
Reflect on Sarah's or Hannah'sstory.
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How does their experience withGod's faithfulness encourage you
to trust in God during yourtrials?
What are practical ways you canreaffirm your confidence in God
when faced with societalexpectations, personal
insecurities or life's trials?
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Cultivating true confidence isessential for Christian women
because it serves as a spiritualanchor in a world full of
uncertainties and pressures.
This kind of confidence stemsfrom an intimate and enduring
relationship with God, shaped bytrust and reliance on His
promises.
When true confidence isnurtured, it empowers women to
rise above societal expectationsand personal limitations,
allowing them to act withcourage and clarity in alignment
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with their faith.
It also enhances their abilityto witness to others, providing
a living testimony to the peaceand strength that come uniquely
from a life surrendered toChrist.
By deepening their confidencein God, women can navigate the
complexities of modern life withgrace and resilience, making
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informed decisions that reflecttheir spiritual convictions and
ultimately bring glory to God.
This journey of cultivatingconfidence not only transforms
their own lives, but alsoinfluences those around them,
spreading hope and encouragementthrough every action rooted in
faith.
How has being part of aChristian community affected
your confidence in God?
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Can you identify ways to deepenthese relationships?
Proverbs 31.25 says she isclothed with strength and
dignity and she laughs withoutfear of the future.
This verse reminds us of thepowerful and resilient spirit of
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a virtuous woman.
As you embrace this verse, seekto embody the strength and
dignity that it speaks oftrusting in God's plan for your
life.
May you find comfort andcourage in knowing that your
faith in God's promises willallow you to face the future
with joy and without fear.
May this study inspire you tolive with confidence, knowing
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that you are enough, blessedwith the love and grace of your
Heavenly Father.
Here are a few practical stepsto cultivating true confidence.
First, maintain a daily prayerroutine that focuses not only on
request but also onthanksgiving and acknowledgement
of God's past faithfulness.
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Then start and end your day bymeditating on scriptures that
reinforce God's promises andyour identity in Christ.
On a regular basis, meet with acommunity of like-minded
believers who encourage andchallenge you to grow in your
faith.
Keep a spiritual journal torecord prayers, insights from
scripture and testimonies ofGod's answers and interventions.
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Incorporate worship into yourdaily routine as it refocuses
your mind from the problems athand to God's sovereignty and
grace.
Engage in acts of servicewithin your community or church
which can shift the focus fromself to serving others,
reinforcing the purpose andconfidence that comes from
living out God's commands.
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Continually educate yourself onbiblical teachings and
Christian living through books,podcasts and sermons that
emphasize reliance on God.
Have a mentor or accountabilitypartner to discuss your
challenges and spiritual growthwith.
Use biblical affirmations toreinforce God's view of you,
combating negative thoughts andself-doubt, and then recognize
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the importance of Sabbath restin your routine to reflect,
rejuvenate and restore yourspirit under God's care.
Which of these practices are youcurrently not engaging in but
feel called to start?
What has been preventing youfrom starting and how can you
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overcome these hurdles?
Make sure you open up yourresource, because there are a
lot of journaling questions foryou to answer in this lesson.
Grab your pen and paper orstylus and embark on your
personal journey of discoverywith God.
Download your resources now atfaithbuildingclub.
com.
I hope today's discussionbrought you inspiration and
insight.
If you found it valuable, couldyou spare just 30 seconds to
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com, (no spaces).
Your support means so much andit will help us spread God's
word.
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It truly warms my heart to knowour sessions are making a
difference.
See you on the next episode ofSound Wisdom.
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Until then, keep your Biblesopen and your coffee mugs ready
.
Adding a little fuel makes ourscripture journey even more
delightful.