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

Main message: True confidence is not found in self but in who God has declared you to be and in his power; Christians are called to trust Christ and the Spirit for the heavy, gospel-sized tasks God gives them rather than resting in self-reliance or worldly measures.

Key points:

• The world pressures you to "ego lift" — believe in yourself — but self-confidence is ultimately delusional and will fail when reality hits.
• Saul is God’s chosen king (1 Samuel 10–11) but is inwardly insecure: he hides when publicly chosen and is passive toward critics, revealing faithlessness not humility.
• God’s Spirit can empower weak, faithless people: the Spirit "rushed upon" Saul in chapter 11, enabling him to lead Israel to victory — showing salvation and success come by God’s grace, not human adequacy.
• True confidence = living in response to who God says you are (child of God) and trusting God’s ability, not your own strength.
• Application: put your confidence in Christ (not accomplishments, looks, money, etc.), rely on the Spirit to do what is too big for you, and aim your life at eternal, gospel-centered purposes rather than merely the American dream.

Scriptures mentioned: 1 Samuel 8, 1 Samuel 9, 1 Samuel 10–11, 1 Samuel 2, John 1:12, 2 Peter 1:3