Summary of the Message: “Kingdom, Power, Glory: Quietness + Confidence = Strength” by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. I. INTRODUCTION: THE DISCIPLE’S REQUEST AND THE KINGDOM CONTEXT A. The Request: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray” (Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9–13) Jesus models prayer for His disciples—not the Lord’s prayer, but our prayer. The prayer closes with a reminder of divine ownership and sovereignty: “For Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever.” B. Meaning of the Three Realms of God Kingdom – God’s rule and authority. Power – God’s ability to accomplish His will. Glory – God’s majesty and divine presence. These belong to God alone; not to governments, politicians, or human systems. Believers operate in a higher kingdom, with higher power, for the glory of God. II. THE KINGDOM IS LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD A. The Bright Light of God’s Kingdom (Matthew 5:14) Jesus said, “You are the light of the world; a city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Christ has transferred His light to His followers. Application: You are already visible—so shine. Others are already watching, so be the light. “You may as well shine!” III. THE KINGDOM IS TRANSFORMATIVE A. The Call of the Disciples (Matthew 4:18–20) Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Transformation begins when we follow; God makes us. The Kingdom changes identity and purpose. B. Cooperation with God’s Transforming Power Transformation requires yielding, not striving. God’s kingdom forms new purpose, power, and personhood. IV. THE KINGDOM IS FULL OF STRENGTH (Isaiah 30:15–16) “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength; But you would not…” A. The Prophetic Context Judah sought political alliances (Egypt) instead of trusting God. God rebuked them: “You take counsel, but not of Me.” The warning: reliance on worldly systems leads to weakness and dependence. B. Worldly Systems vs. God’s Kingdom Earthly systems concentrate power and wealth among a few. God’s kingdom strengthens, uplifts, and liberates people. True strength is found only in God’s rule. V. THE FALSE STRENGTH OF SPEED AND STRIVING A. The Futility of Running Faster “We will flee on swift horses…” — but “those who pursue you shall be swift.” You cannot outrun anxiety, distraction, or fear. The faster you run, the faster your troubles seem to chase you. Principle: The answer is not speed but stillness. B. Modern Application People try to fix weakness by posturing strength—pretending to be powerful. Strength doesn’t come from acting strong but from quietness of heart and confidence in God. VI. TRUE STRENGTH ILLUSTRATED: HARRIET TUBMAN A. Example of Spiritual Strength Physically small (about 5 feet tall), formerly enslaved, but mighty in faith. Escaped 90 miles to freedom and returned to rescue ~70 others. Served as a scout and spy during the Civil War and later as an activist. B. The Source of Her Strength Quote: “I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight.” Her strength came from God, not size or status. True strength is moral, spiritual, and rooted in trust and courage. VII. RETURNING, RESTING, AND KNOWING GOD A. Returning and Rest (Isaiah 30:15) Returning = repentance — turning back to God. Rest = tranquility and settledness. Deliverance comes through surrender, not striving. Rest is not inactivity—it is trusting the power of another (God). B. Quietness and Confidence Quietness: Calm heart; stillness of spirit. Confidence: Assurance in God’s character and promises. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). You know only after you be still. Stillness allows God’s presence to fill the heart. C. Results of Quiet Confidence “The work of righteousness will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17). When God is with you, you can move without fear. If you are still fearful—sit back down until peace returns. VIII. THE HUMAN TENDENCY TO MOVE FASTER A. God Says: “Rest.” Humanity Says: “No.” Israel said, “We will flee on swift horses.” Principle: The human reflex is to move faster rather than trust deeper. Lesson: You need stillness, not speed. B. Trust in God, Not in Systems “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7) Wealth, systems, and networks can change—but God remains faithful. Even abundance (money, success) is no substitute for trust in the Lord. IX. THE POWER OF STILLNESS A. Stillness Is Productive, Not Passive God’s kingdom is productive—just not busy. Stillness reorders priorities and aligns you with God’s presence. It helps you reframe life’s situations through faith: “It’s bad, but God’s got it.” “It’s chaotic, but God’s got me.” B. Illustration: Captain “Sully” Sullenberger During the “Miracle on the Hudson,” he acted calmly under pressure. His stillness allowed his training—and God’s grace—to work. Lesson: You can’t perform CPR, pilot a plane, or save a life while frantic. Stillness lets knowledge, faith, and grace operate effectively. X. THE INVITATION TO REST IN CHRIST (Matthew 11:28) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” A. God’s Offer vs. Humanity’s Resistance Many hear this call but refuse it—choosing “swift horses” instead. Jesus invites us to stop striving and receive His rest. XI. APPLICATION AND RESPONSE 1. Return to God Daily Repent, realign, and rest—make it a daily rhythm. Don’t wait for crisis to return; stay aligned continuously. 2. Seek Strength Through Quiet Time Prayer and meditation on God’s Word. Meditate—turn truth over and over until it shapes your heart. 3. Value Stillness with God Over Speed Without Him Resist the culture of hurry. Strength grows in quiet confidence, not constant motion. 4. Trust That When You Stop Striving, God Starts Moving Let surrender activate divine strength. Faith rests, and rest becomes power. XII. CONCLUSION AND PRAYER Summary Statement: “Quietness + Confidence = Strength.” God’s kingdom is not built on noise, speed, or display—but on returning, resting, and trusting. Closing Prayer Highlights: Thank God for His kingdom, power, and glory. Ask for grace to practice stillness, repentance, and confidence. Celebrate examples of spiritual strength (like Harriet Tubman). Reaffirm trust in God’s rule: “Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever.”
