Ep. 415 - How to Develop Righteous Confidence

Ep. 415 - How to Develop Righteous Confidence

November 5, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

What does it look like to have confidence that is rooted in God rather than in ourselves? Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore righteous confidence by considering why dependence on the Lord is a good foundation. The guys contrast biblical confidence with the world's message to believe in yourself, discussing expressive individualism and the anxiety of looking inward. They turn to Martin Luther's understanding of an alien righteousness, emphasizing that his confidence came not from his own performance but from the righteousness of Christ given to him. David's confrontation with Goliath then provides a picture of confidence rooted in knowing that God is able to deliver His people.Ray shares a story from his years preaching in the square, when he became friends with a gang and later found himself preaching to prisoners after footage from his film was used as evidence in a gang fight. His confidence in preaching the gospel in that prison came from knowing that the authorities were backing him, illustrating the confidence Christians can have because of what they have behind them in Christ. The guys then turn to Jeremiah 9 and John 17, discussing the importance of knowing the Lord and how He uses weak people so attention remains on Christ.That foundation leads directly into confidence in gospel witness. The guys consider why Christians can still struggle to speak about the gospel even when they know its power and testimonies. They discuss spiritual warfare and obstacles including rejection, anxiety, and insecurity. Ray uses a waitress confidently approaching a table as an illustration of Christians confidently bringing the message of eternal life. The guys emphasize the quality of the gospel seed rather than the skill of the person sowing it and distinguish confidence in the Lord from self-confidence. They return to God's omnipotence and the grace He gives for each day.God's pattern of removing human strength becomes the focus as the guys discuss Elisha's servant seeing the horses and chariots of fire and Israel's deliverance. They consider C.S. Lewis's observation that pride can keep people focused on themselves in all areas of life. They then turn to the greatness of God and confidence in knowing Him and approaching Him as a child. They reflect on Christ becoming man to redeem sinners, God's love at the cross, and the certainty that God wins. They close with God's promises to strengthen His people. The guys encourage Christians to return to the foundation of  knowing who they are, who God is, and who they are in Him.Send us Fan MailThanks for listening! If you’ve been helped by this podcast, we’d be grateful if you’d consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro