The Confidence Killer | Stephen Chandler | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

The Confidence Killer

Stephen Chandler

Union Church • May 25, 2026 • 40 min

Start a Devotional

Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

True confidence is rooted in God, whereas insecurity and arrogance are both manifestations of pride—being self-consumed rather than focused on God. When we shrink back from opportunities, compete with others, or demand immediate outcomes, we allow pride to kill our God-given confidence. By living by faith, celebrating others, and trusting God's timing even during delays, we walk in the bold, unshakable faith God desires for us.

Themes

God-Confidence vs. PrideOvercoming InsecurityTrusting God's TimingAbundance MindsetFreedom from ComparisonLiving by Faith

Pastor's Points

1.

The temptation to shrink is not humility.

2.

Their success shouldn't threaten my confidence.

3.

My faith is not in the outcome.

Key Points

1.
The temptation to shrink is not humility, but insecurity rooted in pride.
2.
Their success shouldn't threaten my confidence when we operate with an abundance mindset.
3.
My faith is not in the outcome, but in the character and perfect timing of God.
4.
Pride is defined not by volume or bragging, but by being completely consumed with self.
5.
Spiritualizing our insecurity keeps us hiding among baggage instead of stepping into open doors.
6.
Comparing ourselves to others creates a false standard that hinders us from reaching our true God-given potential.
7.
Taking matters into our own hands out of impatience is a form of pride that signals a lack of trust in God's timing.
8.
Celebrating the wins of others is one of the most effective ways to destroy comparison and pride in our hearts.

Sermon Moments

“The Florida golf course illustration: It's one thing to look dangerous like a six-foot iguana, but a completely different matter to actually be dangerous or truly confident.”

“The Oklahoma football drill memory: God resisting the proud is like a 300-pound lineman lining up to stop you from advancing further.”

“Saul hiding among the baggage on his coronation day, illustrating how insecurity causes us to shrink back from God's assignment.”

“King Saul eyeing David out of insecurity despite ruling for 43 years, demonstrating how a lack mindset produces jealousy.”

“How preachers often battle comparison when seeing other churches grow or receive large gifts.”

“The difference between a lack mindset (if they win, I lose) and an abundance mindset (God has limitless doors and blessings).”

“The 'even if He doesn't' faith of the three Hebrew boys, trusting God regardless of immediate outcomes.”

This Week

Turn off your emotions when hesitation or fear creeps in, stepping boldly through the doors God opens for you.

Stop shrinking back or spiritualizing insecurity, and actively step into the roles and opportunities God has assigned to you.

Eliminate comparison by competing against your own God-given potential rather than measuring yourself against others.

Intentionally celebrate and champion the promotions, wins, and successes of people around you this week.

Cultivate an abundance mindset, trusting that God's blessings for others will never diminish what He has planned for you.

Refuse to take matters into your own hands when God's timing seems delayed, maintaining full trust in His plan.

Worship God wholeheartedly for who He is, rather than using worship merely as a tool to try to manipulate a desired outcome.

Remember This

True God-given confidence requires overcoming self-consumed pride by walking in faith, celebrating others, and trusting God's timing above our desired outcomes.

A Challenge for You

Stop wrestling with God. Today is the day of salvation—surrender fully to Jesus and stop running from the center of who He called you to be.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.