Where To Find True Confidence (1 Samuel 10-11) | Rise and Ruin | Eric Saunders

McLean Bible Church, good morning. How McLean Bible Church, good morning. How are we doing this morning? are we doing this morning? are we doing this morning? We good? Listen, my name is Eric We good? Listen, my name is Eric We good? Listen, my name is Eric Saunders, one of the pastors around Saunders, one of the pastors around Saunders, one of the pastors around here. Just wanted to send a shoutout to here. Just wanted to send a shoutout to here. Just wanted to send a shoutout to everyone in the room, everyone who's everyone in the room, everyone who's everyone in the room, everyone who's watching from Arlington, Prince William, watching from Arlington, Prince William, watching from Arlington, Prince William, Loudoun, and Montgomery County, and Loudoun, and Montgomery County, and Loudoun, and Montgomery County, and everyone who's watching online as well. everyone who's watching online as well. everyone who's watching online as well. If you've got a Bible with you, go ahead If you've got a Bible with you, go ahead If you've got a Bible with you, go ahead and turn to 1 Samuel chapter 10. and turn to 1 Samuel chapter 10. and turn to 1 Samuel chapter 10. 1 Samuel chapter 10, we're going to jump 1 Samuel chapter 10, we're going to jump 1 Samuel chapter 10, we're going to jump off from verse 17 and move through off from verse 17 and move through off from verse 17 and move through chapter 11. chapter 11. chapter 11. 1 Samuel chapter 10, we're going to move 1 Samuel chapter 10, we're going to move 1 Samuel chapter 10, we're going to move down from verse 17 all the way through down from verse 17 all the way through down from verse 17 all the way through chapter 11. And while you turn, uh real chapter 11. And while you turn, uh real chapter 11. And while you turn, uh real quick, free up your hands. I want you quick, free up your hands. I want you quick, free up your hands. I want you guys to give it up yet again for fathers guys to give it up yet again for fathers guys to give it up yet again for fathers in the room. in the room. in the room. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Listen, we acknowledge y'all today, >> Listen, we acknowledge y'all today, >> Listen, we acknowledge y'all today, praise God for you. We're committed to praise God for you. We're committed to praise God for you. We're committed to pray for you as you show up to love and pray for you as you show up to love and pray for you as you show up to love and be present to your kids with the be present to your kids with the be present to your kids with the strength that God provides. Our God is strength that God provides. Our God is strength that God provides. Our God is willing to give you the grace that you willing to give you the grace that you willing to give you the grace that you need to be the father that he is calling need to be the father that he is calling need to be the father that he is calling you to be. And so, let's trust him you to be. And so, let's trust him you to be. And so, let's trust him together. together. together. But also, I want to acknowledge those But also, I want to acknowledge those But also, I want to acknowledge those who can't say happy Father's Day today.

who can't say happy Father's Day today. who can't say happy Father's Day today. Maybe your father wasn't around or he's Maybe your father wasn't around or he's Maybe your father wasn't around or he's no longer here, or maybe your father no longer here, or maybe your father no longer here, or maybe your father wasn't that great, or you want to be a wasn't that great, or you want to be a wasn't that great, or you want to be a father, father, father, but for some reason you can't be. but for some reason you can't be. but for some reason you can't be. I pray that you are comforted by the I pray that you are comforted by the I pray that you are comforted by the fact that you have a God in heaven who fact that you have a God in heaven who fact that you have a God in heaven who is your father, is your father, is your father, who sees you, and he loves you this who sees you, and he loves you this who sees you, and he loves you this morning. morning. morning. And so, with that said, we're going to And so, with that said, we're going to And so, with that said, we're going to spend some time talking about that spend some time talking about that spend some time talking about that father today. And so, let's take a father today. And so, let's take a father today. And so, let's take a moment to pray, and then we'll dive into moment to pray, and then we'll dive into moment to pray, and then we'll dive into the text together. Let's pray together. the text together. Let's pray together. the text together. Let's pray together. Oh Father, Oh Father, Oh Father, as we open your word today, as we open your word today, as we open your word today, help us to hear your word, understand help us to hear your word, understand help us to hear your word, understand your word, live your word for your glory your word, live your word for your glory your word, live your word for your glory alone. alone. alone. I pray these things in the name of I pray these things in the name of I pray these things in the name of Jesus. If you agree, say Jesus. If you agree, say Jesus. If you agree, say >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. So y'all, recently So y'all, recently So y'all, recently I saw a man at the gym I saw a man at the gym I saw a man at the gym ego lift. ego lift. ego lift. And I should have been helping, And I should have been helping, And I should have been helping, but I couldn't stop staring. but I couldn't stop staring. but I couldn't stop staring. And so this man loads three 45-lb plates And so this man loads three 45-lb plates And so this man loads three 45-lb plates on either side of the barbell. on either side of the barbell. on either side of the barbell. He claps his hands twice. I don't know He claps his hands twice. I don't know He claps his hands twice. I don't know why he did that.

why he did that. why he did that. And then he lays down underneath the And then he lays down underneath the And then he lays down underneath the bar, no spotter. bar, no spotter. bar, no spotter. And he attempts to lower that weight And he attempts to lower that weight And he attempts to lower that weight down to his chest down to his chest down to his chest and lift it back up to the sky. and lift it back up to the sky. and lift it back up to the sky. And I'm here to tell you that that And I'm here to tell you that that And I'm here to tell you that that weight made its way down, weight made its way down, weight made its way down, but it did not make its way back up. but it did not make its way back up. but it did not make its way back up. And I wondered, where did he get the And I wondered, where did he get the And I wondered, where did he get the confidence to believe that he could lift confidence to believe that he could lift confidence to believe that he could lift that kind of weight? that kind of weight? that kind of weight? You see, ego lifting is when you believe You see, ego lifting is when you believe You see, ego lifting is when you believe that you can lift a weight that's beyond that you can lift a weight that's beyond that you can lift a weight that's beyond your ability to your ability to your ability to >> Preach. >> Preach. >> Preach. >> And listen, I'm not the only one that's >> And listen, I'm not the only one that's >> And listen, I'm not the only one that's ever seen anyone ego lift. ever seen anyone ego lift. ever seen anyone ego lift. We've all seen it because we all do it. We've all seen it because we all do it. We've all seen it because we all do it. You might look at me and say, "Eric, You might look at me and say, "Eric, You might look at me and say, "Eric, what are you talking about?" Listen, we what are you talking about?" Listen, we what are you talking about?" Listen, we live in a world that puts impossible live in a world that puts impossible live in a world that puts impossible standards on the bar, standards on the bar, standards on the bar, and then the world tells you to lay down and then the world tells you to lay down and then the world tells you to lay down and lift it. and lift it. and lift it. Y'all, we live in a world in which it Y'all, we live in a world in which it Y'all, we live in a world in which it makes you feel like constantly you're makes you feel like constantly you're makes you feel like constantly you're not enough. not enough. not enough. Not pretty enough, or not rich enough, Not pretty enough, or not rich enough, Not pretty enough, or not rich enough, not strong enough, not intelligent not strong enough, not intelligent not strong enough, not intelligent enough, not powerful enough. And the enough, not powerful enough. And the enough, not powerful enough. And the only thing that the world can tell you only thing that the world can tell you only thing that the world can tell you to do as you lay underneath this bar to do as you lay underneath this bar to do as you lay underneath this bar with impossible weight on it with impossible weight on it with impossible weight on it is to believe in yourself.

is to believe in yourself. is to believe in yourself. The only thing that the world can tell The only thing that the world can tell The only thing that the world can tell you to do is to believe that you can you to do is to believe that you can you to do is to believe that you can lift that bar. lift that bar. lift that bar. But what if believing in yourself is not But what if believing in yourself is not But what if believing in yourself is not enough? The great American philosopher Tina Fey The great American philosopher Tina Fey once said that confidence is 10% hard work and 90% that confidence is 10% hard work and 90% delusion. delusion. delusion. In other words, when you know that In other words, when you know that In other words, when you know that you're not enough, you're not enough, you're not enough, just delude yourself into believing that just delude yourself into believing that just delude yourself into believing that you are. you are. you are. So clap your hands, So clap your hands, So clap your hands, lay down underneath that bar, lay down underneath that bar, lay down underneath that bar, But hear me this morning. But hear me this morning. But hear me this morning. There will always become a moment when There will always become a moment when There will always become a moment when delusion meets reality. delusion meets reality. delusion meets reality. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> Hello. >> There are some things in life >> There are some things in life >> There are some things in life that try as you might believing in that try as you might believing in that try as you might believing in yourself cannot accomplish. yourself cannot accomplish. yourself cannot accomplish. Listen, I'm a 5'5 adult male. Listen, I'm a 5'5 adult male. Listen, I'm a 5'5 adult male. And some of y'all just chuckle, but I And some of y'all just chuckle, but I And some of y'all just chuckle, but I say that with pride. Shout out to my say that with pride. Shout out to my say that with pride. Shout out to my short kings out there. short kings out there. short kings out there. But listen, I don't care how much But listen, I don't care how much But listen, I don't care how much delusion I can muster. I'm not playing delusion I can muster. I'm not playing delusion I can muster. I'm not playing in the NFL. I'm not playing in the NBA.

in the NFL. I'm not playing in the NBA. in the NFL. I'm not playing in the NBA. It isn't happening. Delusion can make me It isn't happening. Delusion can make me It isn't happening. Delusion can make me try though. try though. try though. And yet when my delusion-based And yet when my delusion-based And yet when my delusion-based confidence meets reality, I end up confidence meets reality, I end up confidence meets reality, I end up actually more insecure than I was actually more insecure than I was actually more insecure than I was before. Listen to me this morning. before. Listen to me this morning. before. Listen to me this morning. Everyone is on a search for confidence, Everyone is on a search for confidence, Everyone is on a search for confidence, and most people never truly find it and most people never truly find it and most people never truly find it because they're looking for it in the because they're looking for it in the because they're looking for it in the wrong place. wrong place. wrong place. You would never find true confidence by You would never find true confidence by You would never find true confidence by looking inside of yourself. Why is that? looking inside of yourself. Why is that? looking inside of yourself. Why is that? Because you are not enough for Because you are not enough for Because you are not enough for everything that life could possibly everything that life could possibly everything that life could possibly throw at you. throw at you. throw at you. But what if I told you that that's okay? But what if I told you that that's okay? But what if I told you that that's okay? What if I told you What if I told you What if I told you that it's okay because your confidence, that it's okay because your confidence, that it's okay because your confidence, your you are enoughness was never meant your you are enoughness was never meant your you are enoughness was never meant to be found by believing in yourself? to be found by believing in yourself? to be found by believing in yourself? You see 1 Samuel 10 and 11, we see a man You see 1 Samuel 10 and 11, we see a man You see 1 Samuel 10 and 11, we see a man named Saul laying under a bar that he named Saul laying under a bar that he named Saul laying under a bar that he cannot possibly lift, and the place were cannot possibly lift, and the place were cannot possibly lift, and the place were put on that bar by God himself. put on that bar by God himself. put on that bar by God himself. If you remember 1 Samuel chapter 8, If you remember 1 Samuel chapter 8, If you remember 1 Samuel chapter 8, Israel demands a king to be like the Israel demands a king to be like the Israel demands a king to be like the other nations who had a king.

other nations who had a king. other nations who had a king. And in their request for a king, they And in their request for a king, they And in their request for a king, they were they were rejecting God who was were they were rejecting God who was were they were rejecting God who was already their king. already their king. already their king. And in their response and in response to And in their response and in response to And in their response and in response to their request, God chooses Saul to rule their request, God chooses Saul to rule their request, God chooses Saul to rule over Israel. over Israel. over Israel. And and and let me tell you this And and and let me tell you this And and and let me tell you this morning, that crown was a weight too morning, that crown was a weight too morning, that crown was a weight too heavy for Saul. heavy for Saul. heavy for Saul. But here's what I want you to know But here's what I want you to know But here's what I want you to know today. today. today. The choice of Saul by God wasn't a petty The choice of Saul by God wasn't a petty The choice of Saul by God wasn't a petty choice. choice. choice. It wasn't God saying, "Here's your king. It wasn't God saying, "Here's your king. It wasn't God saying, "Here's your king. I'm going to step aside and let you I'm going to step aside and let you I'm going to step aside and let you watch him struggle." watch him struggle." watch him struggle." God wasn't like me at the pool with my God wasn't like me at the pool with my God wasn't like me at the pool with my 2-year-old last weekend. 2-year-old last weekend. 2-year-old last weekend. I was at the pool with my 2-year-old. I I was at the pool with my 2-year-old. I I was at the pool with my 2-year-old. I was holding him in water that was too was holding him in water that was too was holding him in water that was too tall for him. And for some reason, my tall for him. And for some reason, my tall for him. And for some reason, my 2-year-old, who's never swam a day in 2-year-old, who's never swam a day in 2-year-old, who's never swam a day in his life, tried to push away from me and his life, tried to push away from me and his life, tried to push away from me and said, "Daddy, I can swim." said, "Daddy, I can swim." said, "Daddy, I can swim." "Daddy, let me go. I can swim." And so, "Daddy, let me go. I can swim." And so, "Daddy, let me go. I can swim." And so, you know what I did? you know what I did? you know what I did? I dropped him.

I dropped him. I dropped him. I dropped him. That boy dropped like a I dropped him. That boy dropped like a I dropped him. That boy dropped like a rock. Listen, rock. Listen, rock. Listen, I immediately picked him back up. I I immediately picked him back up. I I immediately picked him back up. I promise. promise. promise. But I picked him back up. He's coughing But I picked him back up. He's coughing But I picked him back up. He's coughing and snot's all over the place. And I and snot's all over the place. And I and snot's all over the place. And I look at him and I tell him, look at him and I tell him, look at him and I tell him, "See what happened when I let you go? "See what happened when I let you go? "See what happened when I let you go? Hold on to me." Hold on to me." Hold on to me." >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Happy Father's Day, y'all. >> Happy Father's Day, y'all. >> Happy Father's Day, y'all. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> But listen, >> But listen, >> But listen, listen, listen, listen, that's not God here. that's not God here. that's not God here. Even though the people are resisting God Even though the people are resisting God Even though the people are resisting God as their king, he does not let them go. as their king, he does not let them go. as their king, he does not let them go. Catch what God says about his choice of Catch what God says about his choice of Catch what God says about his choice of Saul to Samuel back in chapter 9. Saul to Samuel back in chapter 9. Saul to Samuel back in chapter 9. This is what God says to Samuel. This is what God says to Samuel. This is what God says to Samuel. He says, "Tomorrow, about this time, I He says, "Tomorrow, about this time, I He says, "Tomorrow, about this time, I will send to you a man from the land of will send to you a man from the land of will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin. Benjamin. Benjamin. And you shall anoint him to be prince And you shall anoint him to be prince And you shall anoint him to be prince over the people of Israel. He shall save over the people of Israel. He shall save over the people of Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the my people from the hand of the my people from the hand of the Philistines. Philistines. Philistines. For I have seen my people because their For I have seen my people because their For I have seen my people because their cry has come to me." cry has come to me." cry has come to me." I want y'all to catch something. I want y'all to catch something. I want y'all to catch something. These people have said to God, "We don't These people have said to God, "We don't These people have said to God, "We don't need you. We can swim on our own." And need you. We can swim on our own." And need you. We can swim on our own." And I'm glad that God's not like me.

I'm glad that God's not like me. I'm glad that God's not like me. He never let Israel go. In this text, it He never let Israel go. In this text, it He never let Israel go. In this text, it says that he He give a king that will says that he He give a king that will says that he He give a king that will save the people. Calls them my people. save the people. Calls them my people. save the people. Calls them my people. And why does God do this? Because he And why does God do this? Because he And why does God do this? Because he said that he heard their cry. said that he heard their cry. said that he heard their cry. Y'all, do you see the character of God Y'all, do you see the character of God Y'all, do you see the character of God here? here? here? God determined, check this out, to use God determined, check this out, to use God determined, check this out, to use this symbol of the the people of this symbol of the the people of this symbol of the the people of Israel's resistance to be the tool of Israel's resistance to be the tool of Israel's resistance to be the tool of their salvation. God declares, you might not want me, God declares, you might not want me, but you can't get rid of me that easily. but you can't get rid of me that easily. but you can't get rid of me that easily. You are mine. You are mine. You are mine. And listen, if you're in Christ, you And listen, if you're in Christ, you And listen, if you're in Christ, you actually missed a spot to say amen, actually missed a spot to say amen, actually missed a spot to say amen, because what I just shared is not just because what I just shared is not just because what I just shared is not just Israel's story, that's your story. Israel's story, that's your story. Israel's story, that's your story. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> That's your story. Before you knew God, >> That's your story. Before you knew God, >> That's your story. Before you knew God, you resisted him. Before you knew God, you resisted him. Before you knew God, you resisted him. Before you knew God, you said, I can swim on my own. Before you said, I can swim on my own. Before you said, I can swim on my own. Before you knew God, you ran in the complete you knew God, you ran in the complete you knew God, you ran in the complete opposite direction. And instead of opposite direction. And instead of opposite direction. And instead of letting you drown in your own letting you drown in your own letting you drown in your own resistance, he pulled you close and resistance, he pulled you close and resistance, he pulled you close and said, you are mine. I'm not letting you said, you are mine. I'm not letting you said, you are mine. I'm not letting you go. go. go. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> You tried to run away from him, and yet >> You tried to run away from him, and yet >> You tried to run away from him, and yet he ran towards you in mercy.

he ran towards you in mercy. he ran towards you in mercy. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> All right, y'all, back to Israel. And so >> All right, y'all, back to Israel. And so >> All right, y'all, back to Israel. And so God raises up Saul as an instrument to God raises up Saul as an instrument to God raises up Saul as an instrument to rule over the people of God and to save rule over the people of God and to save rule over the people of God and to save his people. his people. his people. But there are clues in chapter 10 that But there are clues in chapter 10 that But there are clues in chapter 10 that Saul, while he's physically impressive, Saul, while he's physically impressive, Saul, while he's physically impressive, he's too small for the task. he's too small for the task. he's too small for the task. In chapters 10, before the text that In chapters 10, before the text that In chapters 10, before the text that we'll read today, Saul doesn't seem very we'll read today, Saul doesn't seem very we'll read today, Saul doesn't seem very king-like. king-like. king-like. He might look the part, but you look at He might look the part, but you look at He might look the part, but you look at the qualities of a king, the qualities of a king, the qualities of a king, someone who's assertive, someone who's a someone who's assertive, someone who's a someone who's assertive, someone who's a leader, someone who's decisive, someone leader, someone who's decisive, someone leader, someone who's decisive, someone who is confident, he demonstrates none who is confident, he demonstrates none who is confident, he demonstrates none of those qualities. of those qualities. of those qualities. If you look at chapter 10 and chapter 9, If you look at chapter 10 and chapter 9, If you look at chapter 10 and chapter 9, Saul drives none of the action in those Saul drives none of the action in those Saul drives none of the action in those chapters. chapters. chapters. He's sent by his dad to find the He's sent by his dad to find the He's sent by his dad to find the donkeys. donkeys. donkeys. And even when Saul is about to give up, And even when Saul is about to give up, And even when Saul is about to give up, it's his servant that says, let's go it's his servant that says, let's go it's his servant that says, let's go seek out Samuel. It's his servant that seek out Samuel. It's his servant that seek out Samuel. It's his servant that provides the required gift to Samuel. provides the required gift to Samuel. provides the required gift to Samuel. And yet, though Saul does not And yet, though Saul does not And yet, though Saul does not demonstrate the qualities of a king, demonstrate the qualities of a king, demonstrate the qualities of a king, God gave him enough to be confident God gave him enough to be confident God gave him enough to be confident anyway.

anyway. anyway. God declared him to be king through the God declared him to be king through the God declared him to be king through the mouth of the prophet Samuel. And God mouth of the prophet Samuel. And God mouth of the prophet Samuel. And God even provided Saul with uh three even provided Saul with uh three even provided Saul with uh three miraculous signs confirming that God miraculous signs confirming that God miraculous signs confirming that God knew what he was doing when he made Saul knew what he was doing when he made Saul knew what he was doing when he made Saul king. And in that moment, Saul has a king. And in that moment, Saul has a king. And in that moment, Saul has a choice. choice. choice. This is a huge task. This is a huge task. This is a huge task. The weight of the crown is heavy. The weight of the crown is heavy. The weight of the crown is heavy. Will Saul look in for the confidence Will Saul look in for the confidence Will Saul look in for the confidence that he needs for the task? that he needs for the task? that he needs for the task? Or will he look to God for the Or will he look to God for the Or will he look to God for the confidence that he needs for the task? confidence that he needs for the task? confidence that he needs for the task? And the same choice is before you this And the same choice is before you this And the same choice is before you this morning. morning. morning. So, let's do this. Let's look at verse So, let's do this. Let's look at verse So, let's do this. Let's look at verse 17 of chapter 10. Here it is. 17 of chapter 10. Here it is. 17 of chapter 10. Here it is. It says, "Now Samuel called the people It says, "Now Samuel called the people It says, "Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah. together to the Lord at Mizpah. together to the Lord at Mizpah. And he said to the people of Israel, And he said to the people of Israel, And he said to the people of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you from the hands of the delivered you from the hands of the delivered you from the hands of the Egyptians, and from the hands of all the Egyptians, and from the hands of all the Egyptians, and from the hands of all the kingdoms that were oppressing you. kingdoms that were oppressing you. kingdoms that were oppressing you. But today, you have rejected your God But today, you have rejected your God But today, you have rejected your God who saved you from all your calamities who saved you from all your calamities who saved you from all your calamities and your distresses.

and your distresses. and your distresses. And you have said to him, 'Set a king And you have said to him, 'Set a king And you have said to him, 'Set a king over us.' over us.' over us.' Now therefore, present yourselves before Now therefore, present yourselves before Now therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your the Lord by your tribes and by your the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands." thousands." thousands." Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Then Samuel brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken by lot. was taken by lot. was taken by lot. He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by He brought the tribe of Benjamin near by its clans, and the clan of the Matrites its clans, and the clan of the Matrites its clans, and the clan of the Matrites were taken by lot, and Saul, the son of were taken by lot, and Saul, the son of were taken by lot, and Saul, the son of Kish, was taken by lot. Kish, was taken by lot. Kish, was taken by lot. But when they sought him, he could not But when they sought him, he could not But when they sought him, he could not be found. So, they inquired again of the be found. So, they inquired again of the be found. So, they inquired again of the Lord, "Is there a man still to come?" Lord, "Is there a man still to come?" Lord, "Is there a man still to come?" And the Lord said, "Behold, And the Lord said, "Behold, And the Lord said, "Behold, he has hidden himself among the he has hidden himself among the he has hidden himself among the baggage." baggage." baggage." And they ran and took him from there. And they ran and took him from there. And they ran and took him from there. And when he stood among the people, he And when he stood among the people, he And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from was taller than any of the people from was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward. And Samuel said to his shoulders upward. And Samuel said to his shoulders upward. And Samuel said to all the people, all the people, all the people, "Do you see him whom the Lord has "Do you see him whom the Lord has "Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? chosen? chosen? There is none like him among all the There is none like him among all the There is none like him among all the people." people." people." And the people shouted, "Long live the And the people shouted, "Long live the And the people shouted, "Long live the king." king." king." See, you might wonder what's going on See, you might wonder what's going on See, you might wonder what's going on here. here. here. Saul has already declared I mean Samuel Saul has already declared I mean Samuel Saul has already declared I mean Samuel has already declared Saul king has already declared Saul king has already declared Saul king privately, privately, privately, and now he's declaring Saul king and now he's declaring Saul king and now he's declaring Saul king publicly.

publicly. publicly. He calls the whole nation together. He calls the whole nation together. He calls the whole nation together. They cast lots, which lots were They cast lots, which lots were They cast lots, which lots were something like dice with yes and no on something like dice with yes and no on something like dice with yes and no on them. them. them. And so, the question you might have is And so, the question you might have is And so, the question you might have is this, this, this, "Why doesn't Samuel just tell everybody "Why doesn't Samuel just tell everybody "Why doesn't Samuel just tell everybody that Saul's the king? that Saul's the king? that Saul's the king? Why did they go through this whole Why did they go through this whole Why did they go through this whole process of casting lots?" process of casting lots?" process of casting lots?" But I think it's this. But I think it's this. But I think it's this. Samuel wanted to show the nation that it Samuel wanted to show the nation that it Samuel wanted to show the nation that it was God's choice was God's choice was God's choice that Saul was king rather than his that Saul was king rather than his that Saul was king rather than his choice. choice. choice. So, catch this. The people of God gather So, catch this. The people of God gather So, catch this. The people of God gather together. together. together. The lot lands on Saul's tribe, then The lot lands on Saul's tribe, then The lot lands on Saul's tribe, then Saul's family, then Saul's him then Saul Saul's family, then Saul's him then Saul Saul's family, then Saul's him then Saul himself. And when it does, Saul is gone. himself. And when it does, Saul is gone. himself. And when it does, Saul is gone. Nobody can find Saul. Nobody can find Saul. Nobody can find Saul. And God has to tell them, And God has to tell them, And God has to tell them, "Hey y'all, the king that y'all wanted, "Hey y'all, the king that y'all wanted, "Hey y'all, the king that y'all wanted, he's hiding in the baggage." he's hiding in the baggage." he's hiding in the baggage." But here's the question that we should But here's the question that we should But here's the question that we should all have. all have. all have. Why did Saul hide?

Why did Saul hide? Why did Saul hide? Why? Why? Why? Some people think that it's because of Some people think that it's because of Some people think that it's because of humility that he hid, but I don't think humility that he hid, but I don't think humility that he hid, but I don't think so. Why? Go back to the last chapter. so. Why? Go back to the last chapter. so. Why? Go back to the last chapter. When Samuel reveals to Saul the big plan When Samuel reveals to Saul the big plan When Samuel reveals to Saul the big plan that God has for Saul's life, instead of that God has for Saul's life, instead of that God has for Saul's life, instead of simply believing the words of the simply believing the words of the simply believing the words of the prophet, watch how Saul responds. prophet, watch how Saul responds. prophet, watch how Saul responds. What does he say? What does he say? What does he say? Chapter 9 verse 21. Chapter 9 verse 21. Chapter 9 verse 21. Saul answered, "Am I not a Benjamite Saul answered, "Am I not a Benjamite Saul answered, "Am I not a Benjamite Benjamite from the least of the tribes Benjamite from the least of the tribes Benjamite from the least of the tribes of Israel? of Israel? of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all And is not my clan the humblest of all And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Israel. the clans of the tribe of Israel. the clans of the tribe of Israel. Why then have you spoken to me Why then have you spoken to me Why then have you spoken to me in this way? in this way? in this way? In other words, Saul expresses In other words, Saul expresses In other words, Saul expresses insecurity. insecurity. insecurity. So, think about when he's standing there So, think about when he's standing there So, think about when he's standing there and those lots are cast. The whole and those lots are cast. The whole and those lots are cast. The whole nation is standing there and then the nation is standing there and then the nation is standing there and then the lot lands on Benjamin. lot lands on Benjamin. lot lands on Benjamin. What does Saul say about Benjamin? What does Saul say about Benjamin? What does Saul say about Benjamin? I'm a one from Benjamin, the least of I'm a one from Benjamin, the least of I'm a one from Benjamin, the least of all the tribes. all the tribes. all the tribes. But then the lot lands on his clan. But then the lot lands on his clan. But then the lot lands on his clan. And remember what he said about his And remember what he said about his And remember what he said about his clan, that his clan is the humblest of clan, that his clan is the humblest of clan, that his clan is the humblest of all the clans in his tribe. You know all the clans in his tribe. You know all the clans in his tribe. You know what he hears?

what he hears? what he hears? He hears his insecurity. He hears his insecurity. He hears his insecurity. And Saul has a choice. Either he can And Saul has a choice. Either he can And Saul has a choice. Either he can respond to what God has called him respond to what God has called him respond to what God has called him or he can respond to what his insecurity or he can respond to what his insecurity or he can respond to what his insecurity has called him has called him has called him and he hides. Why is that? and he hides. Why is that? and he hides. Why is that? Because he chose in that moment to turn Because he chose in that moment to turn Because he chose in that moment to turn his insecurities up his insecurities up his insecurities up and to turn what God has called him and to turn what God has called him and to turn what God has called him down. down. down. And that brings me to my next point. And that brings me to my next point. And that brings me to my next point. True confidence comes when you live in True confidence comes when you live in True confidence comes when you live in response to who God said you are response to who God said you are response to who God said you are rather than who you say you are. rather than who you say you are. rather than who you say you are. True confidence comes when you live in True confidence comes when you live in True confidence comes when you live in response to who you say you are, who God response to who you say you are, who God response to who you say you are, who God said you are said you are said you are rather than who you think you are. rather than who you think you are. rather than who you think you are. Can I ask you a question this morning? Can I ask you a question this morning? Can I ask you a question this morning? I mean, I'm going to ask it anyway, I mean, I'm going to ask it anyway, I mean, I'm going to ask it anyway, right? right? right? But I'm going to ask you this. But I'm going to ask you this. But I'm going to ask you this. Where are you looking for confidence Where are you looking for confidence Where are you looking for confidence this morning? this morning? this morning? Where? Where? Where? For too many of you, you were looking in For too many of you, you were looking in For too many of you, you were looking in the wrong place for the answer. the wrong place for the answer. the wrong place for the answer. You are. You are. You are. For too many of you, you were like Saul For too many of you, you were like Saul For too many of you, you were like Saul looking to yourself for the answer to looking to yourself for the answer to looking to yourself for the answer to your confidence and when you do your confidence and when you do your confidence and when you do that will never produce true confidence.

that will never produce true confidence. that will never produce true confidence. It never will. It never will. It never will. Listen. Listen. Listen. You try to find your confidence in your You try to find your confidence in your You try to find your confidence in your looks and it might work until you get looks and it might work until you get looks and it might work until you get older. older. older. You try to find your confidence in your You try to find your confidence in your You try to find your confidence in your bank account and it works until you lose bank account and it works until you lose bank account and it works until you lose your job. your job. your job. You find your confidence in your family You find your confidence in your family You find your confidence in your family name, and it works until somebody in name, and it works until somebody in name, and it works until somebody in your family tarnishes that name. your family tarnishes that name. your family tarnishes that name. You find your confidence in your You find your confidence in your You find your confidence in your ability, and it works until somebody ability, and it works until somebody ability, and it works until somebody comes along, and they have more ability comes along, and they have more ability comes along, and they have more ability than you do. Listen, looking to yourself than you do. Listen, looking to yourself than you do. Listen, looking to yourself for confidence will only produce for confidence will only produce for confidence will only produce insecurity, anxiety, and despair, and insecurity, anxiety, and despair, and insecurity, anxiety, and despair, and you see that in the life of Saul. But, But, do you know where you can find true do you know where you can find true do you know where you can find true confidence? confidence? confidence? Listen, when your identity, when your Listen, when your identity, when your Listen, when your identity, when your understanding of who you are is rooted understanding of who you are is rooted understanding of who you are is rooted in who God has declared you to be. Listen, if you trust in in Christ, Listen, if you trust in in Christ, do you know who God has declared you to do you know who God has declared you to do you know who God has declared you to be? John 1:12 tells us, it says, "But to all John 1:12 tells us, it says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his who did receive him, who believed in his who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave them the right to become name, he gave them the right to become name, he gave them the right to become what?" Children of God.

what?" Children of God. what?" Children of God. Listen, you are a child of God this Listen, you are a child of God this Listen, you are a child of God this morning, the claim Bible church. morning, the claim Bible church. morning, the claim Bible church. And for too many of us, we refuse to And for too many of us, we refuse to And for too many of us, we refuse to take confidence in who God has declared take confidence in who God has declared take confidence in who God has declared us to be. us to be. us to be. >> Amen. who was the best Disney character? who was the best Disney character? And why is it Rafiki? And why is it Rafiki? And why is it Rafiki? >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Why is it Rafiki? >> Why is it Rafiki? >> Why is it Rafiki? If you don't know who Rafiki is, Rafiki If you don't know who Rafiki is, Rafiki If you don't know who Rafiki is, Rafiki is from The Lion King. In The Lion King, is from The Lion King. In The Lion King, is from The Lion King. In The Lion King, you guys know the story. Many of you you guys know the story. Many of you you guys know the story. Many of you guys do at least at least. Uh Simba guys do at least at least. Uh Simba guys do at least at least. Uh Simba loses his confidence in who he has been loses his confidence in who he has been loses his confidence in who he has been declared to be. He's the rightful king. declared to be. He's the rightful king. declared to be. He's the rightful king. He's depressed. His dad dies. Simba He's depressed. His dad dies. Simba He's depressed. His dad dies. Simba hides from his calling because he hides from his calling because he hides from his calling because he forgets his identity. forgets his identity. forgets his identity. Right? He's not responding to who he has Right? He's not responding to who he has Right? He's not responding to who he has already been who who has he has already already been who who has he has already already been who who has he has already been declared to be. been declared to be. been declared to be. And what does Rafiki do? And what does Rafiki do? And what does Rafiki do? Let me tell you what my boy Rafiki does. Let me tell you what my boy Rafiki does. Let me tell you what my boy Rafiki does. He goes, and he finds Simba He goes, and he finds Simba He goes, and he finds Simba and leads him on a journey for him to and leads him on a journey for him to and leads him on a journey for him to remember his identity.

remember his identity. remember his identity. There's a scene when Simba is being led There's a scene when Simba is being led There's a scene when Simba is being led by Rafiki through this thicket. by Rafiki through this thicket. by Rafiki through this thicket. And the work of Rafiki through the work And the work of Rafiki through the work And the work of Rafiki through the work of Rafiki of Rafiki of Rafiki Simba hears the voice of his father Simba hears the voice of his father Simba hears the voice of his father voiced by James Earl Jones voiced by James Earl Jones voiced by James Earl Jones whose voice sounds remarkably like mine. And his father declares this over Simba, And his father declares this over Simba, "Remember who you are. "Remember who you are. "Remember who you are. Remember who you are." Remember who you are." Remember who you are." Listen to me. Listen to me. Listen to me. Many of you are refusing to live in your Many of you are refusing to live in your Many of you are refusing to live in your calling as a child of God. calling as a child of God. calling as a child of God. And the spirit of God wants to lead you And the spirit of God wants to lead you And the spirit of God wants to lead you today to remember who you are. today to remember who you are. today to remember who you are. He does. It's time for you to remember He does. It's time for you to remember He does. It's time for you to remember who your father has declared you to be. who your father has declared you to be. who your father has declared you to be. In Christ, what has God declared about In Christ, what has God declared about In Christ, what has God declared about you? You are a child of God. You can you? You are a child of God. You can you? You are a child of God. You can walk with confidence today. walk with confidence today. walk with confidence today. A confidence that nothing in this world A confidence that nothing in this world A confidence that nothing in this world can give you. can give you. can give you. So, hear me today. If you remember that So, hear me today. If you remember that So, hear me today. If you remember that God has declared you to be his child, God has declared you to be his child, God has declared you to be his child, you wouldn't worry about the future you wouldn't worry about the future you wouldn't worry about the future because your father holds the future.

because your father holds the future. because your father holds the future. If you remember that God has declared If you remember that God has declared If you remember that God has declared over you that you are his child, you over you that you are his child, you over you that you are his child, you wouldn't be be so insecure because your wouldn't be be so insecure because your wouldn't be be so insecure because your father is the one who holds time and the father is the one who holds time and the father is the one who holds time and the universe in his hand. universe in his hand. universe in his hand. If you remember that the father declares If you remember that the father declares If you remember that the father declares over you that you are his child, you over you that you are his child, you over you that you are his child, you wouldn't be so up and down based off of wouldn't be so up and down based off of wouldn't be so up and down based off of people's opinions about you because you people's opinions about you because you people's opinions about you because you would know that the father loves you, would know that the father loves you, would know that the father loves you, that his love doesn't change, and his that his love doesn't change, and his that his love doesn't change, and his love is infinitely better than anybody love is infinitely better than anybody love is infinitely better than anybody else's. else's. else's. Listen, if God calls you his child, it Listen, if God calls you his child, it Listen, if God calls you his child, it is time for you to live in response to is time for you to live in response to is time for you to live in response to what he's declared about you rather than what he's declared about you rather than what he's declared about you rather than what you declare about you. Let's keep moving. Let's keep moving. Verse 25. Verse 25. Verse 25. And Samuel told the people the rights And Samuel told the people the rights And Samuel told the people the rights and duties of kingship, and he wrote and duties of kingship, and he wrote and duties of kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the them in a book and laid it up before the them in a book and laid it up before the Lord. Lord. Lord. Then Samuel sent all the people Then Samuel sent all the people Then Samuel sent all the people each one to his home. each one to his home. each one to his home. Saul also went to his home at Gibeah. Saul also went to his home at Gibeah. Saul also went to his home at Gibeah. And with him went men of valor whose And with him went men of valor whose And with him went men of valor whose hearts God had touched. hearts God had touched. hearts God had touched. But some worthless fellows said, But some worthless fellows said, But some worthless fellows said, "How can this man save us?"

"How can this man save us?" "How can this man save us?" And they despised him and brought him no And they despised him and brought him no And they despised him and brought him no present. But he, namely Saul, present. But he, namely Saul, present. But he, namely Saul, held his peace. held his peace. held his peace. So, let me tell you what's happening So, let me tell you what's happening So, let me tell you what's happening here. Samuel helps the people of God here. Samuel helps the people of God here. Samuel helps the people of God understand what the king should do. understand what the king should do. understand what the king should do. Everybody goes home, including Saul. And Everybody goes home, including Saul. And Everybody goes home, including Saul. And you have the usual crowds around Saul. you have the usual crowds around Saul. you have the usual crowds around Saul. You have the encouragers and you have You have the encouragers and you have You have the encouragers and you have the doubters. the doubters. the doubters. But I want you to pay attention to verse But I want you to pay attention to verse But I want you to pay attention to verse 27. 27. 27. It says this. It says, "Worthless It says this. It says, "Worthless It says this. It says, "Worthless fellows said, 'How can this man save fellows said, 'How can this man save fellows said, 'How can this man save us?'" us?'" us?'" They despised him and brought him no They despised him and brought him no They despised him and brought him no present. But Saul held his peace. present. But Saul held his peace. present. But Saul held his peace. Catch this, y'all. Catch this, y'all. Catch this, y'all. Many people point to Saul holding his Many people point to Saul holding his Many people point to Saul holding his peace as a good thing. peace as a good thing. peace as a good thing. They think that Saul is being humble in They think that Saul is being humble in They think that Saul is being humble in the face of criticism. the face of criticism. the face of criticism. It could be that, but I'm not so sure. It could be that, but I'm not so sure. It could be that, but I'm not so sure. Here's why. Here's why. Here's why. Something similar happens earlier in the Something similar happens earlier in the Something similar happens earlier in the book of Samuel. I don't know if you guys book of Samuel. I don't know if you guys book of Samuel. I don't know if you guys remember this. remember this. remember this. The last men who were called worthless The last men who were called worthless The last men who were called worthless were the prophet Eli's sons. were the prophet Eli's sons. were the prophet Eli's sons. I don't know if you remember 1 Samuel 2, I don't know if you remember 1 Samuel 2, I don't know if you remember 1 Samuel 2, right? These were men who were using right? These were men who were using right? These were men who were using their position of authority for their their position of authority for their their position of authority for their own selfish ends, and the text calls own selfish ends, and the text calls own selfish ends, and the text calls them worthless, and Eli, their dad, was them worthless, and Eli, their dad, was them worthless, and Eli, their dad, was judged because he did nothing to stop judged because he did nothing to stop judged because he did nothing to stop them.

them. them. In other words, the fact that Eli held In other words, the fact that Eli held In other words, the fact that Eli held his peace to his worthless sons was not his peace to his worthless sons was not his peace to his worthless sons was not a good thing. That was a bad thing. a good thing. That was a bad thing. a good thing. That was a bad thing. And I think something similar is going And I think something similar is going And I think something similar is going on here. on here. on here. These worthless men are declaring that These worthless men are declaring that These worthless men are declaring that Saul can't save, and there would have Saul can't save, and there would have Saul can't save, and there would have been a response been a response been a response that Saul could have easily given. that Saul could have easily given. that Saul could have easily given. What Saul should have said was this, What Saul should have said was this, What Saul should have said was this, "You're right, I can't, but God can." "You're right, I can't, but God can." "You're right, I can't, but God can." He could have easily said that, but he He could have easily said that, but he He could have easily said that, but he says nothing. Why is that? says nothing. Why is that? says nothing. Why is that? Well, I think it's because those Well, I think it's because those Well, I think it's because those worthless men are looking at Saul and worthless men are looking at Saul and worthless men are looking at Saul and saying that he's weak. saying that he's weak. saying that he's weak. And Saul is doing the same exact thing. And Saul is doing the same exact thing. And Saul is doing the same exact thing. He's looking at himself He's looking at himself He's looking at himself and all he's thinking is I'm too weak and all he's thinking is I'm too weak and all he's thinking is I'm too weak for the task. for the task. for the task. And let me tell you this morning, that's And let me tell you this morning, that's And let me tell you this morning, that's not humility. not humility. not humility. That's a lack of faith. That's a lack of faith. That's a lack of faith. Let me tell you this. Let me tell you this. Let me tell you this. Faithlessness declares I'm weak, so God Faithlessness declares I'm weak, so God Faithlessness declares I'm weak, so God can't use me. can't use me. can't use me. Humility also declares I'm weak, Humility also declares I'm weak, Humility also declares I'm weak, but praise God, he uses weak things.

but praise God, he uses weak things. but praise God, he uses weak things. And that leads me to my next point. True And that leads me to my next point. True And that leads me to my next point. True confidence comes from trusting in God's confidence comes from trusting in God's confidence comes from trusting in God's ability rather than your own. ability rather than your own. ability rather than your own. True confidence comes from trusting in True confidence comes from trusting in True confidence comes from trusting in God's ability rather than your own. God's ability rather than your own. God's ability rather than your own. Listen, King Saul is a man whose body Listen, King Saul is a man whose body Listen, King Saul is a man whose body stretches high to the sky. stretches high to the sky. stretches high to the sky. He looks so impressive, but he's He looks so impressive, but he's He looks so impressive, but he's unstable because he's rooted in the unstable because he's rooted in the unstable because he's rooted in the shallow soil of insecurity. shallow soil of insecurity. shallow soil of insecurity. And many of us are rooted in the same And many of us are rooted in the same And many of us are rooted in the same soil. soil. soil. Too many of us are living life Too many of us are living life Too many of us are living life faithlessly because you are meditating faithlessly because you are meditating faithlessly because you are meditating on what you can't do rather than what on what you can't do rather than what on what you can't do rather than what God can do. God can do. God can do. Listen, when God declares that you are a Listen, when God declares that you are a Listen, when God declares that you are a child of God, he's going to call you to child of God, he's going to call you to child of God, he's going to call you to do SOME THINGS THAT FEEL IMPOSSIBLE do SOME THINGS THAT FEEL IMPOSSIBLE do SOME THINGS THAT FEEL IMPOSSIBLE SIMPLY BECAUSE you are a child of God. SIMPLY BECAUSE you are a child of God. SIMPLY BECAUSE you are a child of God. And here's my question. Where will you And here's my question. Where will you And here's my question. Where will you look for the strength to do the things look for the strength to do the things look for the strength to do the things that God has told you to do? >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> So, I grew up >> So, I grew up >> So, I grew up and um in my formative years, and um in my formative years, and um in my formative years, um my father, he was nowhere to be seen.

um my father, he was nowhere to be seen. um my father, he was nowhere to be seen. And listen, man, I'm not bashing my dad. And listen, man, I'm not bashing my dad. And listen, man, I'm not bashing my dad. I love him. I believe my dad tried the I love him. I believe my dad tried the I love him. I believe my dad tried the best that he could best that he could best that he could with the hand that he was dealt. with the hand that he was dealt. with the hand that he was dealt. My dad didn't know the Lord, and there's My dad didn't know the Lord, and there's My dad didn't know the Lord, and there's only so much you can do when you don't only so much you can do when you don't only so much you can do when you don't know him know him know him with the life that he had. with the life that he had. with the life that he had. But let me tell you, man, my mom was But let me tell you, man, my mom was But let me tell you, man, my mom was incredible. My mom was full of faith and incredible. My mom was full of faith and incredible. My mom was full of faith and love for us. I know the Lord today love for us. I know the Lord today love for us. I know the Lord today because of my mother. because of my mother. because of my mother. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> And as faithful and as loving as my mom >> And as faithful and as loving as my mom >> And as faithful and as loving as my mom was, she could not replace my dad. was, she could not replace my dad. was, she could not replace my dad. She couldn't teach me how to be a man. She couldn't teach me how to be a man. She couldn't teach me how to be a man. My mom was a faithful mother, My mom was a faithful mother, My mom was a faithful mother, but I didn't see what a faithful father but I didn't see what a faithful father but I didn't see what a faithful father looked like growing up. looked like growing up. looked like growing up. And so God in his grace and providence And so God in his grace and providence And so God in his grace and providence and wisdom, and wisdom, and wisdom, he decided to get make me the father of he decided to get make me the father of he decided to get make me the father of three boys. three boys. three boys. And listen, it is easy for me to stare And listen, it is easy for me to stare And listen, it is easy for me to stare into the faces into the faces into the faces of these precious image bearers of God of these precious image bearers of God of these precious image bearers of God and to focus on my weakness. I can't tell you how many times that I can't tell you how many times that I've looked at these boys' faces and I've looked at these boys' faces and I've looked at these boys' faces and I've been tempted to meditate on my I've been tempted to meditate on my I've been tempted to meditate on my inadequacy.

inadequacy. inadequacy. That I don't have what it takes. That I don't have what it takes. That I don't have what it takes. I mean, look at my history. I don't have I mean, look at my history. I don't have I mean, look at my history. I don't have a dad that showed me how to do this. I'm a dad that showed me how to do this. I'm a dad that showed me how to do this. I'm in over my head. And what I love about in over my head. And what I love about in over my head. And what I love about God is that in those moments, he is God is that in those moments, he is God is that in those moments, he is faithful to remind me that he knew my faithful to remind me that he knew my faithful to remind me that he knew my history when he gave me the task. history when he gave me the task. history when he gave me the task. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> In those moments, he tells me to stop >> In those moments, he tells me to stop >> In those moments, he tells me to stop staring at my weakness staring at my weakness staring at my weakness and start staring at how big he is. and start staring at how big he is. and start staring at how big he is. In those moments, he tells me that it is In those moments, he tells me that it is In those moments, he tells me that it is time to focus on what I have rather than time to focus on what I have rather than time to focus on what I have rather than what I didn't. In those times, he what I didn't. In those times, he what I didn't. In those times, he reminds me that he's given me the spirit reminds me that he's given me the spirit reminds me that he's given me the spirit of God. He's given me his word and he's of God. He's given me his word and he's of God. He's given me his word and he's given he me his promise that he will given he me his promise that he will given he me his promise that he will supply for all of my needs. And in those supply for all of my needs. And in those supply for all of my needs. And in those moments, God is faithful to say, "It's moments, God is faithful to say, "It's moments, God is faithful to say, "It's okay that you're weak. okay that you're weak. okay that you're weak. But stop meditating on your weakness and But stop meditating on your weakness and But stop meditating on your weakness and start meditating on my power." start meditating on my power." start meditating on my power." And you might look at me today. Yes, And you might look at me today. Yes, And you might look at me today. Yes, amen. amen. amen. And you might look at me and you might And you might look at me and you might And you might look at me and you might say, "Did this man just stand in that say, "Did this man just stand in that say, "Did this man just stand in that pulpit and preach a sermon to himself?" pulpit and preach a sermon to himself?" pulpit and preach a sermon to himself?" I sure did. And now I'm going to turn I sure did. And now I'm going to turn I sure did. And now I'm going to turn around and now I'm going to preach to around and now I'm going to preach to around and now I'm going to preach to you. God you. God you. God as a child of God, God is going to give as a child of God, God is going to give as a child of God, God is going to give you things that are going to feel you things that are going to feel you things that are going to feel impossible.

impossible. impossible. It's going to feel like he put too much It's going to feel like he put too much It's going to feel like he put too much weight on the bar. You're going to feel weight on the bar. You're going to feel weight on the bar. You're going to feel like you aren't enough. like you aren't enough. like you aren't enough. Because God's going to call you to Because God's going to call you to Because God's going to call you to forgive people forgive people forgive people that that what that person did that that what that person did that that what that person did it feels impossible to forgive. it feels impossible to forgive. it feels impossible to forgive. God's going to call you to love people God's going to call you to love people God's going to call you to love people and keep doing it even when people keep and keep doing it even when people keep and keep doing it even when people keep disappointing you. Feels impossible. disappointing you. Feels impossible. disappointing you. Feels impossible. God's going to call you to open your God's going to call you to open your God's going to call you to open your mouth and share the gospel when the mouth and share the gospel when the mouth and share the gospel when the thought of opening your mouth and doing thought of opening your mouth and doing thought of opening your mouth and doing that scares you half to death. And in that scares you half to death. And in that scares you half to death. And in those moments where you feel wholly those moments where you feel wholly those moments where you feel wholly incapable of doing what God has called incapable of doing what God has called incapable of doing what God has called you to do, of performing the task that you to do, of performing the task that you to do, of performing the task that God has placed in front of you, it is God has placed in front of you, it is God has placed in front of you, it is time for you to do what Saul did. It's time for you to do what Saul did. It's time for you to do what Saul did. It's time for you to stop looking at yourself time for you to stop looking at yourself time for you to stop looking at yourself and your own strength. It is time for and your own strength. It is time for and your own strength. It is time for you to boast in the strength of the you to boast in the strength of the you to boast in the strength of the Lord. Lord. Lord. It is. Listen, you can't forgive on your It is. Listen, you can't forgive on your It is. Listen, you can't forgive on your own, but you'll be but but but but you own, but you'll be but but but but you own, but you'll be but but but but you you can't forgive on your own until you you can't forgive on your own until you you can't forgive on your own until you begin to understand that the one who begin to understand that the one who begin to understand that the one who forgave you gives you the power to forgave you gives you the power to forgave you gives you the power to forgive others.

forgive others. forgive others. You can't love on your own until you You can't love on your own until you You can't love on your own until you meditate on the fact that God never gave meditate on the fact that God never gave meditate on the fact that God never gave up loving you. up loving you. up loving you. Listen, you can't open your mouth and Listen, you can't open your mouth and Listen, you can't open your mouth and share the gospel on your own until you share the gospel on your own until you share the gospel on your own until you remember remember remember that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ laid down his life declaring the gospel laid down his life declaring the gospel laid down his life declaring the gospel to you. Listen, it is time for you to to you. Listen, it is time for you to to you. Listen, it is time for you to stop looking to yourself for the stop looking to yourself for the stop looking to yourself for the strength to do what God has called you strength to do what God has called you strength to do what God has called you to do, and it's time for you to boast in to do, and it's time for you to boast in to do, and it's time for you to boast in the strength of the Lord. the strength of the Lord. the strength of the Lord. He supplies the strength for for He supplies the strength for for He supplies the strength for for whatever he commands. We can trust him. whatever he commands. We can trust him. whatever he commands. We can trust him. And catch this, we actually see God do And catch this, we actually see God do And catch this, we actually see God do this this this in Saul's life. in Saul's life. in Saul's life. He flexes his strength in chapter 11. He flexes his strength in chapter 11. He flexes his strength in chapter 11. Let me set it up. In chapter 11 Let me set it up. In chapter 11 Let me set it up. In chapter 11 the Ammonites attack Jabesh, a town in the Ammonites attack Jabesh, a town in the Ammonites attack Jabesh, a town in Israel, and Jabesh immediately falls. Israel, and Jabesh immediately falls. Israel, and Jabesh immediately falls. They go to King Nahash, the king of the They go to King Nahash, the king of the They go to King Nahash, the king of the Ammonites, and they ask him, "What are Ammonites, and they ask him, "What are Ammonites, and they ask him, "What are your terms for our surrender? your terms for our surrender? your terms for our surrender? What are your terms?" And I want you to What are your terms?" And I want you to What are your terms?" And I want you to catch that even in that statement, how catch that even in that statement, how catch that even in that statement, how little faith Jabesh has.

little faith Jabesh has. little faith Jabesh has. Why would they believe Why would they believe Why would they believe that a God who had rescued them from that a God who had rescued them from that a God who had rescued them from Egypt Egypt Egypt would forsake them now? would forsake them now? would forsake them now? Why would they believe that? And then Why would they believe that? And then Why would they believe that? And then catch this, this King Nahash, when catch this, this King Nahash, when catch this, this King Nahash, when Jabesh comes to him Jabesh comes to him Jabesh comes to him saying, "What are the terms of of of of saying, "What are the terms of of of of saying, "What are the terms of of of of our surrender?" Nahash, who catch this, our surrender?" Nahash, who catch this, our surrender?" Nahash, who catch this, his name in Hebrew means serpent, we'll his name in Hebrew means serpent, we'll his name in Hebrew means serpent, we'll come back to that. come back to that. come back to that. He says, "Here are the terms of your He says, "Here are the terms of your He says, "Here are the terms of your surrender. surrender. surrender. I'll let you live, but I want to scoop I'll let you live, but I want to scoop I'll let you live, but I want to scoop out all of the right eyes of all the men out all of the right eyes of all the men out all of the right eyes of all the men in Jabesh." in Jabesh." in Jabesh." Savage. Savage. Savage. But let me tell you the significance of But let me tell you the significance of But let me tell you the significance of that. that. that. In battle, your left eye was always In battle, your left eye was always In battle, your left eye was always covered by your shield. The only way covered by your shield. The only way covered by your shield. The only way that you could see, the only way that that you could see, the only way that that you could see, the only way that you could fight was through your right you could fight was through your right you could fight was through your right eye. So, by him demanding the right eyes eye. So, by him demanding the right eyes eye. So, by him demanding the right eyes of all the men at Jabesh, he's shaming of all the men at Jabesh, he's shaming of all the men at Jabesh, he's shaming those men. those men. those men. By demanding the right eye, he's By demanding the right eye, he's By demanding the right eye, he's creating men who can no longer fight. creating men who can no longer fight. creating men who can no longer fight. Men that will always be slaves to the Men that will always be slaves to the Men that will always be slaves to the Ammonites forever. Catch that.

Ammonites forever. Catch that. Ammonites forever. Catch that. The people of Jabesh are desperate. They The people of Jabesh are desperate. They The people of Jabesh are desperate. They go to the rest of Israel for help. And go to the rest of Israel for help. And go to the rest of Israel for help. And look what happens in in verse five. look what happens in in verse five. look what happens in in verse five. It says this. It says this. It says this. It says, "Now behold, Saul was coming It says, "Now behold, Saul was coming It says, "Now behold, Saul was coming from the field behind the oxen. from the field behind the oxen. from the field behind the oxen. And Saul said, 'What is wrong with the And Saul said, 'What is wrong with the And Saul said, 'What is wrong with the people that they're weeping?' people that they're weeping?' people that they're weeping?' And so they told him the news of the men And so they told him the news of the men And so they told him the news of the men of Jabesh, and the spirit of God rushed of Jabesh, and the spirit of God rushed of Jabesh, and the spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and upon Saul when he heard these words, and upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled." his anger was greatly kindled." his anger was greatly kindled." Y'all, I want you to catch what happens. Y'all, I want you to catch what happens. Y'all, I want you to catch what happens. Saul, this man who looked so impressive Saul, this man who looked so impressive Saul, this man who looked so impressive on the outside, but was so weak on the on the outside, but was so weak on the on the outside, but was so weak on the inside, finally rises to the challenge. inside, finally rises to the challenge. inside, finally rises to the challenge. Y'all, he he gets angry at God's people Y'all, he he gets angry at God's people Y'all, he he gets angry at God's people being oppressed. being oppressed. being oppressed. And you see in the rest of the text of And you see in the rest of the text of And you see in the rest of the text of how Saul unites the people of Israel. He how Saul unites the people of Israel. He how Saul unites the people of Israel. He brings them together. He encourages the brings them together. He encourages the brings them together. He encourages the people and they together defeat the people and they together defeat the people and they together defeat the Ammonites. The question you should have Ammonites. The question you should have Ammonites. The question you should have is where did that come from? is where did that come from? is where did that come from? How did Saul do that? How did Saul do that? How did Saul do that? I want you to look at verse six.

I want you to look at verse six. I want you to look at verse six. You see it in the phrase You see it in the phrase You see it in the phrase the spirit of the Lord rushed upon Saul. the spirit of the Lord rushed upon Saul. the spirit of the Lord rushed upon Saul. Man, can I show you something real Man, can I show you something real Man, can I show you something real quick? What I love about this text is quick? What I love about this text is quick? What I love about this text is that the spirit of God moved in a man that the spirit of God moved in a man that the spirit of God moved in a man who had demonstrated very little faith who had demonstrated very little faith who had demonstrated very little faith up until that moment. up until that moment. up until that moment. THE SPIRIT OF GOD RUSHES upon him to THE SPIRIT OF GOD RUSHES upon him to THE SPIRIT OF GOD RUSHES upon him to save a people who had demonstrated very save a people who had demonstrated very save a people who had demonstrated very little faith up until THAT MOMENT. little faith up until THAT MOMENT. little faith up until THAT MOMENT. Y'ALL, EVERYBODY IN this whole situation Y'ALL, EVERYBODY IN this whole situation Y'ALL, EVERYBODY IN this whole situation is helpless and faithless until the is helpless and faithless until the is helpless and faithless until the spirit of God moves. spirit of God moves. spirit of God moves. Y'all, nobody deserves God's salvation. Y'all, nobody deserves God's salvation. Y'all, nobody deserves God's salvation. And God by his spirit grants it. And God by his spirit grants it. And God by his spirit grants it. Revealing this truth. Revealing this truth. Revealing this truth. True confidence is ours only by grace True confidence is ours only by grace True confidence is ours only by grace alone. alone. alone. True confidence is ours only by grace True confidence is ours only by grace True confidence is ours only by grace alone. Y'all, nobody in this text alone. Y'all, nobody in this text alone. Y'all, nobody in this text deserves salvation and guess what? deserves salvation and guess what? deserves salvation and guess what? Nobody in this room deserves salvation. Nobody in this room deserves salvation. Nobody in this room deserves salvation. That's the same with us. That's the same with us. That's the same with us. We are like Israel in this text. We are like Israel in this text. We are like Israel in this text. Surrendering to the serpent because we Surrendering to the serpent because we Surrendering to the serpent because we have so little faith and so little hope.

have so little faith and so little hope. have so little faith and so little hope. We have sinned against a holy God and as We have sinned against a holy God and as We have sinned against a holy God and as a result we are deserving of our a result we are deserving of our a result we are deserving of our destruction and instead of allowing that destruction and instead of allowing that destruction and instead of allowing that to happen, God in his grace sent a king to happen, God in his grace sent a king to happen, God in his grace sent a king to save that's better than Saul ever was to save that's better than Saul ever was to save that's better than Saul ever was and that king is King Jesus. and that king is King Jesus. and that king is King Jesus. Y'all, Jesus came. Y'all, Jesus came. Y'all, Jesus came. I love it and Jesus came confident I love it and Jesus came confident I love it and Jesus came confident in who God had declared him to be. He in who God had declared him to be. He in who God had declared him to be. He didn't shrink back from it. Remember didn't shrink back from it. Remember didn't shrink back from it. Remember when Jesus was baptized? when Jesus was baptized? when Jesus was baptized? His father declared over him, "This is His father declared over him, "This is His father declared over him, "This is my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased. my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased. my beloved son in whom I'm well pleased. You see, Jesus found his confidence in You see, Jesus found his confidence in You see, Jesus found his confidence in the words and authority of his father. the words and authority of his father. the words and authority of his father. And guess what? My Jesus didn't hide And guess what? My Jesus didn't hide And guess what? My Jesus didn't hide from his mission either. from his mission either. from his mission either. He set his face towards Jerusalem, He set his face towards Jerusalem, He set his face towards Jerusalem, facing our enemy, the serpent, all by facing our enemy, the serpent, all by facing our enemy, the serpent, all by himself on the cross, winning our himself on the cross, winning our himself on the cross, winning our victory. victory. victory. You see, Jesus died You see, Jesus died You see, Jesus died on the cross, on the cross, on the cross, paying the penalty of our sin in our paying the penalty of our sin in our paying the penalty of our sin in our place, and rose again, crushing the place, and rose again, crushing the place, and rose again, crushing the serpent's head, saving us from the serpent's head, saving us from the serpent's head, saving us from the tyranny of sin and death, so that anyone tyranny of sin and death, so that anyone tyranny of sin and death, so that anyone who will place their faith and trust in who will place their faith and trust in who will place their faith and trust in Jesus can be saved today.

Jesus can be saved today. Jesus can be saved today. You could be saved today. You could have You could be saved today. You could have You could be saved today. You could have the confidence that you've been looking the confidence that you've been looking the confidence that you've been looking for your entire life. Where do you find for your entire life. Where do you find for your entire life. Where do you find it? Not in you. You find it in Christ. it? Not in you. You find it in Christ. it? Not in you. You find it in Christ. You find it in Christ. And what I love You find it in Christ. And what I love You find it in Christ. And what I love about chapter 11 at the end is that the about chapter 11 at the end is that the about chapter 11 at the end is that the people at the end of the chapter, people at the end of the chapter, people at the end of the chapter, man, they celebrate Saul. man, they celebrate Saul. man, they celebrate Saul. And listen, while Saul tells everyone And listen, while Saul tells everyone And listen, while Saul tells everyone that victory came from the Lord, Saul that victory came from the Lord, Saul that victory came from the Lord, Saul eventually fails as king. eventually fails as king. eventually fails as king. King Saul was not a worthy place for the King Saul was not a worthy place for the King Saul was not a worthy place for the people to put their confidence. But I'm people to put their confidence. But I'm people to put their confidence. But I'm here to tell you today that King Jesus here to tell you today that King Jesus here to tell you today that King Jesus is. is. is. And so, my question for you today is And so, my question for you today is And so, my question for you today is this: Will you put your confidence in this: Will you put your confidence in this: Will you put your confidence in Jesus and Jesus alone? Jesus and Jesus alone? Jesus and Jesus alone? Listen, if you have not trusted in Listen, if you have not trusted in Listen, if you have not trusted in Christ for your salvation, Christ for your salvation, Christ for your salvation, your confidence is in something your confidence is in something your confidence is in something that is not as secure as it looks. that is not as secure as it looks. that is not as secure as it looks. Listen, your confidence is based in a Listen, your confidence is based in a Listen, your confidence is based in a delusion that will soon meet reality. delusion that will soon meet reality. delusion that will soon meet reality. Listen, place your confidence in your Listen, place your confidence in your Listen, place your confidence in your looks, your money, your resourcefulness, looks, your money, your resourcefulness, looks, your money, your resourcefulness, your family, your intellect, and your family, your intellect, and your family, your intellect, and whatever you might want to put it in. It whatever you might want to put it in. It whatever you might want to put it in. It might feel good for a while, but you're might feel good for a while, but you're might feel good for a while, but you're in for a major disappointment. And what in for a major disappointment. And what in for a major disappointment. And what I fear for us here in the DMV area is I fear for us here in the DMV area is I fear for us here in the DMV area is that for many of you, your that for many of you, your that for many of you, your accomplishments have blinded you to the accomplishments have blinded you to the accomplishments have blinded you to the fact that you fall short where it fact that you fall short where it fact that you fall short where it matters, that you fall short of the matters, that you fall short of the matters, that you fall short of the glory of God.

glory of God. glory of God. That's a bar that you can't lift off That's a bar that you can't lift off That's a bar that you can't lift off your chest, but Christ has come to lift your chest, but Christ has come to lift your chest, but Christ has come to lift it for you. it for you. it for you. He has come, died, and risen again so He has come, died, and risen again so He has come, died, and risen again so that you can repent and trust in Jesus that you can repent and trust in Jesus that you can repent and trust in Jesus alone to be your confident. And so you might wonder, "Okay, Eric, And so you might wonder, "Okay, Eric, I'm a Christian. What do you have for I'm a Christian. What do you have for I'm a Christian. What do you have for me?" me?" me?" I got the same question for you. I got the same question for you. I got the same question for you. Christian, Christian, Christian, are you living with confidence in Christ are you living with confidence in Christ are you living with confidence in Christ alone? alone? alone? Are you? Are you? Are you? Listen, for many of you, Listen, for many of you, Listen, for many of you, the question maybe isn't who you have the question maybe isn't who you have the question maybe isn't who you have confidence in because I guarantee you if confidence in because I guarantee you if confidence in because I guarantee you if I asked you that, for many of you, I asked you that, for many of you, I asked you that, for many of you, you're able to give the Sunday school you're able to give the Sunday school you're able to give the Sunday school answer. You're able to say, "Yeah, answer. You're able to say, "Yeah, answer. You're able to say, "Yeah, Jesus." Jesus." Jesus." But maybe the question should be this. But maybe the question should be this. But maybe the question should be this. Maybe it's not who you have confidence Maybe it's not who you have confidence Maybe it's not who you have confidence in. in. in. Maybe it's this. What do you have Maybe it's this. What do you have Maybe it's this. What do you have confidence for? confidence for? confidence for? What do you have confidence for? What do What do you have confidence for? What do What do you have confidence for? What do I mean? I mean? I mean? Far too many of us are looking for Far too many of us are looking for Far too many of us are looking for confidence from God to do things that we confidence from God to do things that we confidence from God to do things that we can do in the flesh.

So listen, when I was young, you know, So listen, when I was young, you know, when I lived with my father, my father when I lived with my father, my father when I lived with my father, my father owned owned owned a 1976 Corvette Stingray. a 1976 Corvette Stingray. a 1976 Corvette Stingray. Man, it was beautiful, it was fast, it Man, it was beautiful, it was fast, it Man, it was beautiful, it was fast, it was powerful, but I never really saw my was powerful, but I never really saw my was powerful, but I never really saw my dad drive it anywhere. dad drive it anywhere. dad drive it anywhere. The Corvette has so much power, so much The Corvette has so much power, so much The Corvette has so much power, so much ability, and all my dad All I saw my dad ability, and all my dad All I saw my dad ability, and all my dad All I saw my dad do was look at it. He would wash it on do was look at it. He would wash it on do was look at it. He would wash it on the weekends, the weekends, the weekends, and he would drive it around a block and he would drive it around a block and he would drive it around a block that had a 45 mph speed limit, that had a 45 mph speed limit, that had a 45 mph speed limit, or 15 mph speed limit. or 15 mph speed limit. or 15 mph speed limit. Y'all, my dad had a Corvette with so Y'all, my dad had a Corvette with so Y'all, my dad had a Corvette with so much power and ability, and he used it much power and ability, and he used it much power and ability, and he used it for far too little. for far too little. for far too little. Christian, Christian, Christian, you have access to the spirit of God, you have access to the spirit of God, you have access to the spirit of God, the same power that rose Christ from the the same power that rose Christ from the the same power that rose Christ from the dead. That power dwells in you. But for dead. That power dwells in you. But for dead. That power dwells in you. But for far too many of us, all of our prayers, far too many of us, all of our prayers, far too many of us, all of our prayers, all of our wants, all of our efforts are all of our wants, all of our efforts are all of our wants, all of our efforts are toward the spirit of God giving you toward the spirit of God giving you toward the spirit of God giving you confidence to live the American dream. Listen, the spirit of God has so much Listen, the spirit of God has so much power and you attempt to use him for the power and you attempt to use him for the power and you attempt to use him for the confidence for something far too little.

confidence for something far too little. confidence for something far too little. Hear me this morning, the American dream Hear me this morning, the American dream Hear me this morning, the American dream to have a house and two kids and husband to have a house and two kids and husband to have a house and two kids and husband or wife or whatever you want, it's not a or wife or whatever you want, it's not a or wife or whatever you want, it's not a bad thing. bad thing. bad thing. What I'm telling you is this, it's a What I'm telling you is this, it's a What I'm telling you is this, it's a small thing. small thing. small thing. It's a small thing. It's a small thing. It's a small thing. That's too little weight on the bar. That's too little weight on the bar. That's too little weight on the bar. Listen, you hear me. Listen, you hear me. Listen, you hear me. You don't need the spirit of God to be You don't need the spirit of God to be You don't need the spirit of God to be successful at your career. You don't successful at your career. You don't successful at your career. You don't need the spirit of God to have a nice need the spirit of God to have a nice need the spirit of God to have a nice home. home. home. You don't have need the spirit of God to You don't have need the spirit of God to You don't have need the spirit of God to get married. You don't need the spirit get married. You don't need the spirit get married. You don't need the spirit of God to procreate. of God to procreate. of God to procreate. Why do I say that? Because there are Why do I say that? Because there are Why do I say that? Because there are many people who don't have the spirit of many people who don't have the spirit of many people who don't have the spirit of God that are doing those things. God that are doing those things. God that are doing those things. My question for you is this, don't you My question for you is this, don't you My question for you is this, don't you want to experience God's power in your want to experience God's power in your want to experience God's power in your life? life? life? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Don't you? Don't you want to spend your >> Don't you? Don't you want to spend your >> Don't you? Don't you want to spend your life accomplishing things that will life accomplishing things that will life accomplishing things that will outlive you and last for eternity? outlive you and last for eternity? outlive you and last for eternity? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Listen, procreating is a small thing. >> Listen, procreating is a small thing. >> Listen, procreating is a small thing. Raising them kids for the glory of God, Raising them kids for the glory of God, Raising them kids for the glory of God, that's big. that's big. that's big. Listen, owning a home is a very small Listen, owning a home is a very small Listen, owning a home is a very small thing. thing. thing. Using your resources to show God's glory Using your resources to show God's glory Using your resources to show God's glory TO THE ENTIRE COSMOS, that's a big TO THE ENTIRE COSMOS, that's a big TO THE ENTIRE COSMOS, that's a big thing.

thing. thing. Getting a promotion is a small thing. Getting a promotion is a small thing. Getting a promotion is a small thing. Leveraging your work so that people see Leveraging your work so that people see Leveraging your work so that people see Christ in you, the hope of glory, that's Christ in you, the hope of glory, that's Christ in you, the hope of glory, that's big and that's too big for you. big and that's too big for you. big and that's too big for you. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> That bar is on your chest and you can't >> That bar is on your chest and you can't >> That bar is on your chest and you can't lift it, but praise God that he's given lift it, but praise God that he's given lift it, but praise God that he's given you the strength by his spirit to get it you the strength by his spirit to get it you the strength by his spirit to get it off your chest. How do I know that? off your chest. How do I know that? off your chest. How do I know that? Because 2 PETER 1:3 SAYS THIS, Because 2 PETER 1:3 SAYS THIS, Because 2 PETER 1:3 SAYS THIS, GOD SAID HIS DIVINE power has given YOU GOD SAID HIS DIVINE power has given YOU GOD SAID HIS DIVINE power has given YOU ALL THAT YOU NEED ALL THAT YOU NEED ALL THAT YOU NEED in Christ Jesus, including doing the in Christ Jesus, including doing the in Christ Jesus, including doing the things that he has called you to do. God things that he has called you to do. God things that he has called you to do. God is calling you to live a life bigger is calling you to live a life bigger is calling you to live a life bigger than you. than you. than you. Do you feel like you're enough you're Do you feel like you're enough you're Do you feel like you're enough you're not enough? not enough? not enough? Good. Welcome to the club. Good. Welcome to the club. Good. Welcome to the club. But God is able to meet you in your But God is able to meet you in your But God is able to meet you in your insufficiency with his strength and insufficiency with his strength and insufficiency with his strength and sufficiency this morning. sufficiency this morning. sufficiency this morning. Do you believe that? Do you believe that? Do you believe that? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Listen. >> Listen. >> Listen. What we need to do What we need to do What we need to do is time for us is time for us is time for us to believe what God has said about you. to believe what God has said about you. to believe what God has said about you. You're a child of God. You're a child of God. You're a child of God. It is time for us to trust in his power It is time for us to trust in his power It is time for us to trust in his power and not our own.

and not our own. and not our own. And it's time for us to rest in his And it's time for us to rest in his And it's time for us to rest in his grace. grace. grace. Let's do that together McLean Bible Let's do that together McLean Bible Let's do that together McLean Bible Church. Church. Church. So with that said So with that said So with that said got some questions for you to consider got some questions for you to consider got some questions for you to consider on the screen. on the screen. on the screen. And as we close I want you to take a And as we close I want you to take a And as we close I want you to take a moment to simply reflect on those. moment to simply reflect on those. moment to simply reflect on those. And then once you do either myself or And then once you do either myself or And then once you do either myself or someone at your location someone at your location someone at your location will take it from there. Let's do that will take it from there. Let's do that will take it from there. Let's do that now. Oh Father I pray that you will give us Oh Father I pray that you will give us the heart the heart the heart of that old hymn writer who said of that old hymn writer who said of that old hymn writer who said This is all my hope and peace nothing This is all my hope and peace nothing This is all my hope and peace nothing but the blood of Jesus. but the blood of Jesus. but the blood of Jesus. This is all my righteousness This is all my righteousness This is all my righteousness nothing but the blood of Jesus. nothing but the blood of Jesus. nothing but the blood of Jesus. God help us to be confident in you.

God help us to be confident in you. God help us to be confident in you. On Christ the solid rock we stand. On Christ the solid rock we stand. On Christ the solid rock we stand. All other ground is shifting sand. All other ground is shifting sand. All other ground is shifting sand. Father forgive us for finding Father forgive us for finding Father forgive us for finding the sources of our confidence in places the sources of our confidence in places the sources of our confidence in places that the world tells us to. that the world tells us to. that the world tells us to. And Father I pray for those And Father I pray for those And Father I pray for those who are finding their confidence in who are finding their confidence in who are finding their confidence in places other than you and the work of places other than you and the work of places other than you and the work of your son. your son. your son. Father, I pray God that you will shift Father, I pray God that you will shift Father, I pray God that you will shift the foundations underneath their feet the foundations underneath their feet the foundations underneath their feet and that those that experiencing that and that those that experiencing that and that those that experiencing that will find that that is not you being will find that that is not you being will find that that is not you being mean, that's you being kind. mean, that's you being kind. mean, that's you being kind. That you are revealing that there is no That you are revealing that there is no That you are revealing that there is no confidence, there is no security found confidence, there is no security found confidence, there is no security found in the things of this world. in the things of this world. in the things of this world. There's no security found in money, There's no security found in money, There's no security found in money, there's no security found in health, there's no security found in health, there's no security found in health, there's no security there's no security there's no security that could extend beyond the grave found that could extend beyond the grave found that could extend beyond the grave found in those things. Our security, our in those things. Our security, our in those things. Our security, our righteousness, our identity, all that we righteousness, our identity, all that we righteousness, our identity, all that we are is found in Christ and Christ alone.

are is found in Christ and Christ alone. are is found in Christ and Christ alone. So Father, will you help us today? So Father, will you help us today? So Father, will you help us today? Help us to depend on you. Help us to depend on you. Help us to depend on you. I pray that you will make us confident I pray that you will make us confident I pray that you will make us confident people people people knowing that regardless of what happens knowing that regardless of what happens knowing that regardless of what happens to us, to us, to us, we are held in the palm of your we are held in the palm of your we are held in the palm of your sovereign hand and you will work all sovereign hand and you will work all sovereign hand and you will work all things for the good of those who love things for the good of those who love things for the good of those who love you, you, you, who been called according to your who been called according to your who been called according to your purpose. Help us to believe it. purpose. Help us to believe it. purpose. Help us to believe it. I pray these things in the only way that I pray these things in the only way that I pray these things in the only way that I can, that's the matchless name of I can, that's the matchless name of I can, that's the matchless name of Jesus Christ. So in his name I pray and Jesus Christ. So in his name I pray and Jesus Christ. So in his name I pray and you agree and say you agree and say you agree and say Amen. Amen.