Assurance and Commitment: Living Out Our Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Crosswind Community Church! Today, we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion, one that is as significant as the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the early church. Just as the Spirit moved then, He moves now, affirming the eternal truth that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead, declaring His divinity and fulfilling His purpose to save us.
We witnessed the baptism of a young man, a powerful testament to God's eternal plan and love. This moment is a reminder that God knew and chose us before the foundation of the world, to conform us to the likeness of His Son. Baptism is not just a ritual; it is a public declaration of our acceptance of Christ and His acceptance of us.
We then delved into the sobering reality of spiritual desertion, drawing parallels with the defection of soldiers to enemy territories. Just as it is shocking for a soldier to defect, it is heartbreaking when someone deserts Christ. John, in his epistle, addresses this by affirming that true believers cannot desert Christ because they have genuinely accepted Him. Those who leave were never truly part of the body of Christ.
John's message is one of assurance for believers. He emphasizes that those who have truly accepted Christ will never leave Him. This assurance is rooted in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. These fruits are evidence of our genuine connection to Christ.
We are living in the last hour, a time marked by false teachings and antichrists. John warns us to remain vigilant and hold fast to the true gospel. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is our guarantee of eternal life, a deposit that God will never lose. This assurance should give us confidence and peace, knowing that we are secure in Christ.
Finally, we are called to live out our faith daily, denying ourselves and taking up our cross. This means living for Christ, nurturing our relationship with Him, and remaining steadfast in our faith. As we do this, we can be confident and unashamed at His coming, knowing that we have remained in Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Significance of Baptism: Baptism is a profound declaration of faith, symbolizing our acceptance of Christ and His acceptance of us. It is a public affirmation of God's eternal plan and love for us, chosen before the foundation of the world. This act is a powerful reminder of our identity in Christ and our commitment to live for Him. [19:37]
2. The Reality of Spiritual Desertion: Just as it is shocking for a soldier to defect to an enemy, it is heartbreaking when someone deserts Christ. John assures us that true believers cannot desert Christ because they have genuinely accepted Him. Those who leave were never truly part of the body of Christ, highlighting the importance of a genuine, heartfelt commitment to Jesus. [34:39]
3. Assurance of Salvation: John emphasizes that those who have truly accepted Christ will never leave Him. This assurance is rooted in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. These fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control—are evidence of our genuine connection to Christ. [37:56]
4. Living in the Last Hour: We are living in a time marked by false teachings and antichrists. John warns us to remain vigilant and hold fast to the true gospel. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is our guarantee of eternal life, a deposit that God will never lose. This assurance should give us confidence and peace, knowing that we are secure in Christ. [42:41]
5. Daily Denial and Living for Christ: We are called to live out our faith daily, denying ourselves and taking up our cross. This means living for Christ, nurturing our relationship with Him, and remaining steadfast in our faith. As we do this, we can be confident and unashamed at His coming, knowing that we have remained in Him. [52:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[17:55] - The Significance of Baptism
[19:37] - Baptism Questions
[30:39] - The Reality of Defection
[31:45] - Examples of Defection
[32:54] - Spiritual Desertion
[34:39] - Heartbreak of Desertion
[35:21] - Difference Between Approaching and Accepting Christ
[36:09] - John 6:66 and Desertion
[37:17] - Assurance of Salvation
[37:56] - Confidence in Christ
[38:52] - Landing in Christ
[39:30] - Urgency of the Last Hour
[42:41] - False Teachings and Antichrists
[46:47] - Evidence of the Spirit
[49:34] - Godly Love and Joy
[52:31] - Daily Denial and Living for Christ
[57:00] - God's Guarantee
[59:56] - Confession and Conviction
[01:01:34] - Denying Self and Following Christ
[01:04:31] - Nurturing the Relationship
[01:06:26] - Promise of Eternal Life
[01:09:13] - Intimacy and Conflict
[01:12:07] - Time to Land the Plane
[01:14:05] - Stand for Christ
[01:16:45] - Welcome to the Family of God
[01:17:26] - Declaration of Faith Through Song
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 2:18-19 (NIV)
> "Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us."
2. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
> "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
3. Luke 9:23 (NIV)
> "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does John mean by "the last hour" in 1 John 2:18? How does he describe the presence of antichrists? [39:30]
2. According to Galatians 5:22-23, what are the fruits of the Spirit? How are these fruits evidence of our connection to Christ? [48:09]
3. In Luke 9:23, what does Jesus say is required to be His disciple? How does this relate to daily living for Christ? [01:03:21]
4. What assurance does John give to believers about their salvation in 1 John 2:19? How does this assurance relate to those who leave the faith? [44:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "the last hour" influence the way believers should live their lives today? [39:30]
2. What is the significance of the fruits of the Spirit in a believer's life? How do these fruits serve as evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence? [48:09]
3. What does it mean to "deny oneself and take up their cross daily" according to Luke 9:23? How can this be practically applied in a believer's life? [01:03:21]
4. How does John's assurance in 1 John 2:19 provide comfort to believers who may be worried about their salvation? What does this say about the nature of true faith? [44:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the concept of "the last hour." How can you remain vigilant and hold fast to the true gospel in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to avoid being swayed by false teachings? [39:30]
2. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family or community? [48:09]
3. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. Identify one area in your life where you need to deny yourself more. What practical steps can you take to follow Christ more closely in this area? [01:03:21]
4. John assures us that true believers will never desert Christ. How can this assurance impact your confidence in your faith? Share a time when you felt secure in your relationship with Christ despite challenges. [44:45]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually deserted or witnessed someone leaving the faith. How did this experience affect you? How can you support others in your community to remain steadfast in their faith? [34:39]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of nurturing our relationship with Christ. What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to strengthen your relationship with Him? [01:05:48]
7. Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person to help you exhibit the fruit of the Spirit? [52:31]
Devotional
Day 1: The Profound Declaration of Baptism
Baptism is a profound declaration of faith, symbolizing our acceptance of Christ and His acceptance of us. It is a public affirmation of God's eternal plan and love for us, chosen before the foundation of the world. This act is a powerful reminder of our identity in Christ and our commitment to live for Him. Baptism is not merely a ritual; it is a transformative experience that signifies our rebirth in Christ and our dedication to follow Him. It is a moment of profound spiritual significance, where we publicly declare our faith and commitment to Jesus, acknowledging His sacrifice and resurrection.
Baptism also serves as a reminder of God's eternal plan and love for us. Before the foundation of the world, God knew and chose us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. This divine selection underscores the depth of God's love and His desire for us to be part of His family. As we witness or participate in baptism, we are reminded of our own journey of faith and the ongoing process of being transformed into the image of Christ. [19:37]
Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Think about your own baptism or a baptism you have witnessed. How does this experience remind you of your identity in Christ and your commitment to live for Him daily?
Day 2: The Heartbreak of Spiritual Desertion
Just as it is shocking for a soldier to defect to an enemy, it is heartbreaking when someone deserts Christ. John assures us that true believers cannot desert Christ because they have genuinely accepted Him. Those who leave were never truly part of the body of Christ, highlighting the importance of a genuine, heartfelt commitment to Jesus. Spiritual desertion is a sobering reality that reminds us of the importance of a deep and authentic relationship with Christ. It is a call to examine our own faith and ensure that our commitment to Jesus is genuine and unwavering.
John's message provides assurance for believers, emphasizing that those who have truly accepted Christ will never leave Him. This assurance is rooted in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. These fruits are evidence of our genuine connection to Christ and serve as a testament to our enduring faith. As we navigate the challenges of life, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that our relationship with Christ is secure. [34:39]
1 John 2:19 (ESV): "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us."
Reflection: Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you feel your commitment to Christ wavering? How can you strengthen your relationship with Him to ensure it remains genuine and steadfast?
Day 3: Assurance of Salvation Through the Holy Spirit
John emphasizes that those who have truly accepted Christ will never leave Him. This assurance is rooted in the anointing of the Holy Spirit, which produces the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. These fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control—are evidence of our genuine connection to Christ. The presence of these fruits in our lives serves as a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and our secure relationship with Jesus.
The assurance of salvation is a source of great comfort and confidence for believers. It reminds us that our salvation is not based on our own efforts but on the finished work of Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As we see the fruit of the Spirit manifest in our daily actions and attitudes, we can be confident that we are truly connected to Christ and that our salvation is secure. This assurance allows us to live with peace and joy, knowing that we are held firmly in the hands of our Savior. [37:56]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: Consider the fruits of the Spirit in your own life. Which fruits are most evident, and which ones do you need to cultivate more? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you grow in these areas?
Day 4: Vigilance in the Last Hour
We are living in a time marked by false teachings and antichrists. John warns us to remain vigilant and hold fast to the true gospel. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is our guarantee of eternal life, a deposit that God will never lose. This assurance should give us confidence and peace, knowing that we are secure in Christ. In these challenging times, it is crucial to stay grounded in the truth of the gospel and to be discerning of the teachings we encounter.
John's warning serves as a reminder to be vigilant and to guard our hearts and minds against false teachings. The Holy Spirit, who dwells within us, provides the discernment and wisdom we need to navigate these challenges. As we remain rooted in the truth of the gospel, we can confidently face the trials and temptations of this world, knowing that our eternal life is secure in Christ. This vigilance is not just about avoiding false teachings but also about actively living out our faith and being a light to those around us. [42:41]
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (ESV): "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
Reflection: Reflect on the teachings and influences in your life. Are there any that you need to reevaluate in light of the true gospel? How can you stay vigilant and grounded in the truth of God's Word?
Day 5: Daily Denial and Living for Christ
We are called to live out our faith daily, denying ourselves and taking up our cross. This means living for Christ, nurturing our relationship with Him, and remaining steadfast in our faith. As we do this, we can be confident and unashamed at His coming, knowing that we have remained in Him. Daily denial involves a conscious decision to put Christ first in every aspect of our lives, prioritizing His will over our own desires and ambitions.
Living for Christ is a continuous journey of growth and transformation. It requires us to nurture our relationship with Him through prayer, reading the Word, and fellowship with other believers. As we remain steadfast in our faith, we can face the challenges of life with confidence, knowing that we are walking in alignment with God's will. This daily commitment to Christ not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a powerful testimony to those around us, drawing others to the love and grace of Jesus. [52:31]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What does it mean for you to deny yourself and take up your cross daily? Identify one specific area of your life where you can make a conscious effort to put Christ first today. How will you take action on this commitment?
Quotes
1. "This is the reason he lived perfectly. This is the reason he died painfully. This is the reason he rose triumphantly was to save him. That's why a moment that was in the heart of God before this young man was ever in the womb of his mother, before the foundation of the world, the Bible says God knew him and chose him to conform him into the likeness of his son." [17:55] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What leads to a person deserting Christ? I don't know. It's like, wow. You mean they just turn around and run to the other side? That's what they do. John says today in chapter 2, the second half, second portion of 1 John chapter 2. Andy just read it. Andy's the chairman of our elders, by the way. Can you imagine how heartbreaking that must have been to those who are in a congregation?" [34:39] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is one dramatic difference between the two of them. The emotional connection, the confusion as to why and all of that is the same. But there is a dramatic difference, okay? In deserting the Christ, there's one reason why you do that. And one reason why you do that. There's one reason only. Because you've approached him, but you've never accepted him. No one deserts the church, the universal body of Christ. That, I'll show you today, is not possible." [35:21] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The confidence we build off of today is, you can trust you will never leave him. You won't. If you know. John says 20 plus times in this little epistle, that you might know, that you might know, that you might know, that you might know, that you might know, okay? He wants you to know that you can know. You can trust this fact, you will never leave him, if you know you have arrived in him." [37:56] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Some of you are on the approach. You haven't yet landed in Christ. And you may have been on the approach for the last 35 years of your life, thinking that you've landed, but you haven't. But the good news is, is you haven't deserted Christ. You haven't turned your back on the gospel message yet. You just haven't landed in it. Today, you're going to land, okay? You're landing that plane. No more circling the runway. Time to put it down, baby." [38:52] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You have an anointing. You have evidence. Remember, the Gnostics were all about, well, if you haven't had this deep, mystical, meaningful experience like we have, then you're inferior to us. You need to listen to we who've had these deep, meaningful spiritual experiences and expressions that you've never had. Well, that's utter nonsense, because I got saved and I didn't speak in tongues. Now, some people still do, praise God. That is very normal, but it's not normative, for heaven's sakes, not all of us." [47:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The spirit of God who comes and produces the fruit in your life is also the escrow payment that guarantees your eternal life. That's exactly what the word deposit means, escrow, okay? And it guarantees, you know, the truth. If you go and buy a home, you write a $1,000 escrow check. That's probably 50 years ago. You write a $5,000 check or whatever it is, showing my age a little bit. If you don't close, say goodbye to your deposit. Rightly so." [55:21] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You can trust you will never leave him if you know you've acknowledged him. And there's the key. This is personal and private. Have it. Have you personally acknowledged him? Do you believe in your heart that God raised his son from the dead? Have you confessed with your mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord? Then you will be saved. You will be. It is an absolute promise and that promise is eternal life." [01:06:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The fact that you might be disappointed in God. The fact that you might be sitting here today very angry because you've lost something or someone you love. Let me tell you why you're mad at him. Because you know in your heart it didn't have to be that way. You know he could have done something about it. And he chose not to. And the reason you're angry is because you have an emotional connection with him." [01:09:51] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "As for you, the anointing you receive from him remains in you. And you don't need anybody to teach you. You don't need anybody. You've got the Spirit of God. Now, that means about your connection with Christ. It's in you, man. You don't need anybody to... It's there. You've got this. It remains in you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, as that anointing is real, not counterfeit, just as it has taught you, remain in him. Just remain." [01:11:12] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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