God’s Word shows us that we can “know” we’re saved and prove it! Christians can have full assurance of their salvation – not based on feelings.
INTRODUCTION
“By this we know…”
1. WE GROW IN OUR OBEDIENCE
1 John 2:3-4
We cannot have assurance of salvation without obedience.
“Keep” = Treasure
“Obedience” = Micah 6:8, 1 Samuel 15:22, Hosea 6:6, Jeremiah 7:22-23
- “A long obedience in the same direction”
- Saul (OT) didn’t obey this way
2. WE GROW IN GOD’S LOVE
1 John 2:5
- Obedience and love are intertwined.
- John 14:15, Romans 13:10
“Perfected”
- maturing and purifying love
- different than “saving” love
- This love is accessed through obedience.
- John 14:21-23; 15:14
APPLICATION: “Lord, I want to obey you in all things. Would you show me any disobedience in my heart/soul/mind/strength? I surrender all to you.”
3. WE GROW IN CHRISTLIKENESS
1 John 2:6
- “in Him” is different than “in Christ” (John 15)
- John 14:15, Romans 13:10
“The walk of a disciple is gloriously different, but gloriously certain!” (Oswald Chambers)
What are some marks of Christlikeness?
- Humility
- Compassion
- Obedience
- Holiness / Righteousness
- Prayer / Dependence
- Wisdom
- Kindness
- Singlemindedness / Focuse
- Disciple-making
See Luke 9:23
“The only safe place for sheep is by the side of the shepherd, because the devil does not fear sheep; he just fears the shepherd.” (A. W. Tozer)
Roadblocks to Walking With/Like Jesus
- Misguided Expectations
- Misplaced Priorities
- Misdirected Focus
We can KNOW that we have been saved by Jesus Christ and that we have a living relationship with Him when we see that we are growing:
- in OUR OBEDIENCE
- in HIS LOVE
- in CHRISTLIKENESS
The WORLD will see that most displayed in the way we treat others.
See 1 John 2:7-11
(David Gibson / Dial In Ministries post)
“You cannot love your neighbor if you are a lazy neighbor.” Also, you cannot love your brother if you are a lazy brother.