Confidence and Assurance in Our Relationship with God
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound assurance and confidence that comes from a relationship with God, as outlined in 1 John chapter 5. Life is filled with uncertainties, much like the unexpected hurricane during my recent travels, but amidst these uncertainties, there are truths we can hold onto with certainty. John emphasizes the importance of knowing—knowing that we have eternal life, knowing the promises of God, and knowing the power of prayer. This confidence is not rooted in our own abilities or circumstances but in the assured promises of God, the answered prayers we experience, and the eternal life we have through Jesus Christ.
We delved into the concept of eternal life, which is not merely about living forever but about experiencing the presence, peace, and joy of God. This assurance is grounded in the finished work of Christ, not our own efforts. When doubts arise, we are encouraged to stand on the promises of God, for it is written that nothing can separate us from His love. Our confidence is further strengthened by answered prayers. When we pray according to His will, God hears us, and we can approach Him with freedom and honesty, knowing that He is eager to respond.
Moreover, we discussed the importance of avoiding idols, which can subtly take the place of God in our lives. Generosity is a powerful antidote to idolatry, as it aligns our hearts with God's mission and opens doors for the gospel. We are reminded that our security is not found in earthly possessions or status but in the person of Jesus Christ. Accepting Jesus is the foundation of our confidence and assurance, as He is the true God and eternal life.
As we approach the Christmas season, let us be intentional in inviting others to experience this confidence and assurance in Christ. Whether through sharing devotionals, participating in missions, or simply extending an invitation to church, we have the opportunity to share the love and hope of Jesus with those around us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Assured Promises: Our confidence in God is rooted in the assured promises found in His Word. Eternal life is not just about duration but about experiencing God's presence and peace. This assurance is based on the finished work of Christ, not our own efforts. [46:18]
2. Answered Prayers: When we pray according to God's will, He hears us. We have the freedom to approach God with honesty, knowing that He is eager to respond. Our prayers should be continuous, filled with faith and expectation. [52:58]
3. Avoiding Idols: Idolatry can subtly take the place of God in our lives. Generosity is a powerful way to guard our hearts against idols and align ourselves with God's mission. Our security is found in Jesus, not in earthly possessions. [01:01:33]
4. Confidence in Christ: Accepting Jesus is the foundation of our confidence and assurance. He is the true God and eternal life. Our security is not in a place but in the person of Jesus Christ. [01:16:12]
5. Living with Purpose: God has placed us on this earth for a purpose. We are called to be a help, not a hindrance, to His work. Our lives should reflect the assurance and confidence we have in Christ, impacting those around us. [59:29]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [44:05] - Travel Story and Life's Uncertainties
- [46:18] - Confidence in God's Assured Promises
- [48:12] - Eternal Life and Assurance
- [49:24] - Living by Faith, Not Fear
- [50:27] - Grace Greater Than Sin
- [51:53] - Confidence from Answered Prayers
- [52:58] - Freedom in Prayer
- [53:41] - Praying with Expectation
- [55:06] - Interceding for Others
- [57:07] - Understanding Sin Unto Death
- [59:29] - Purpose and Assurance in Christ
- [01:01:33] - Avoiding Idols and Generosity
- [01:04:07] - Global and Local Missions
- [01:11:58] - Generosity and Legacy
- [01:16:12] - Security in Jesus
- [01:18:38] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 1 John 5:13-21
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- Romans 8:28-30
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 5:13, what is the purpose of John's writing? How does this relate to the concept of eternal life? [46:18]
2. What does the sermon say about the nature of eternal life beyond just living forever? [48:12]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of prayer in building confidence in God? [52:58]
4. What examples of idolatry are mentioned in the sermon, and how can generosity help guard against it? [01:01:33]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the assurance of eternal life impact a believer's daily life and decisions? [48:12]
2. In what ways does praying according to God's will influence the outcome of our prayers? [52:58]
3. How can believers identify and avoid idols in their lives, according to the sermon? [01:01:33]
4. What does it mean to have confidence in Christ, and how is this different from self-confidence? [01:16:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced uncertainty. How did your faith in God's promises help you navigate that situation? [46:18]
2. Consider your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more honesty and expectation in your prayers this week? [52:58]
3. Identify one area in your life where you might be placing something or someone above God. What steps can you take to realign your priorities? [01:01:33]
4. As we approach the Christmas season, think of one person you can invite to experience the confidence and assurance in Christ. How will you extend that invitation? [01:04:07]
5. How can you practice generosity this week in a way that aligns with God's mission and opens doors for the gospel? [01:13:03]
6. Reflect on your current walk with God. What is one specific action you can take to deepen your relationship with Him this week? [01:01:33]
7. How can you live with purpose and assurance in Christ, impacting those around you in your daily interactions? [59:29]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Assurance in God's Promises
In a world filled with uncertainties, the assurance of God's promises provides a steadfast anchor for the soul. Eternal life is not merely about an unending existence but about experiencing the fullness of God's presence, peace, and joy. This assurance is rooted in the finished work of Christ, not in our own efforts or achievements. When doubts arise, believers are encouraged to stand firm on the promises of God, for nothing can separate them from His love. This confidence is not self-derived but is a gift from God, grounded in His unchanging nature and His Word. [46:18]
"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10, ESV)
Reflection: What specific promise from God's Word can you hold onto today to anchor your soul amidst life's uncertainties?
Day 2: The Power of Answered Prayers
Prayer is a powerful means of communication with God, and when aligned with His will, it becomes a source of great confidence and assurance. Believers are encouraged to approach God with honesty and freedom, knowing that He is eager to respond. This relationship with God through prayer is not about presenting a wish list but about aligning one's heart with His will and purposes. Continuous prayer, filled with faith and expectation, opens the door to experiencing God's presence and power in everyday life. [52:58]
"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to align your prayers with God's will? How can you begin to pray with expectation and faith today?
Day 3: Guarding Against Idolatry
Idolatry can subtly creep into one's life, taking the place of God and diverting attention from His mission. Generosity is a powerful antidote to idolatry, as it aligns the heart with God's purposes and opens doors for the gospel. True security is not found in earthly possessions or status but in the person of Jesus Christ. By focusing on generosity and aligning with God's mission, believers can guard their hearts against the subtle influences of idolatry and find true fulfillment in Christ. [01:01:33]
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What is one possession or status symbol that you find yourself clinging to for security? How can you practice generosity today to realign your heart with God's mission?
Day 4: Confidence in Christ
Accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is the foundation of a believer's confidence and assurance. Jesus is the true God and eternal life, and security is found not in a place but in the person of Christ. This confidence allows believers to live with purpose and assurance, knowing that their identity and future are secure in Him. By embracing this truth, believers can navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and purpose, impacting those around them with the love and hope of Christ. [01:16:12]
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today to strengthen your confidence and assurance in Him?
Day 5: Living with Purpose
God has placed each believer on earth for a purpose, calling them to be a help, not a hindrance, to His work. Lives should reflect the assurance and confidence found in Christ, impacting those around them with His love and hope. As believers approach the Christmas season, they are encouraged to be intentional in inviting others to experience this confidence and assurance in Christ. Whether through sharing devotionals, participating in missions, or simply extending an invitation to church, there are countless opportunities to share the love and hope of Jesus with those around them. [59:29]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live out your God-given purpose today to impact someone with the love and hope of Christ?
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Quotes
"One day you can be out in the sunshine and it's 87 degrees. And the next day you can be hunkering down for a hurricane. And so, I want you to see that in 1 John, 39 times John says, these things have I written that you may know. Everybody say no. No. There's a lot in life that's uncertain. A lot in life that we don't know." [00:46:18] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It says right here that we have assured promises. Now, God doesn't want you to live with a lack of confidence or to live in constant confusion. No. There's some things you can know in this life. All right? And, you know, Ben Franklin said the only thing that's certain in life is what? That's right. Taxes and death." [00:47:43] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Eternal life means more than a period of time. It means more than forever. Everybody's going to live forever somewhere. No, eternal life means that you spend eternity with God. It means that you experience his presence, his peace, his joy, his forgiveness, and it's all based on it is written." [00:48:50] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Think about all the blessings we miss because we do not ask, we do not pray. I mean, James said what? You have not because you ask not. The hymn writer got it right. What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear. What a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer." [00:53:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Now, when it says here, ask, it's continuous action. You ask and you ask in faith and you continue to ask. And God will answer. He hears and he answers. He answers either with yes, no, or wait. But he always answers." [00:54:36] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Assurance is not based on a past experience, but on a present walk with God. Here it is. I know I'm saved. I'm going to heaven, not because of something I did years ago, but because I talked to him this morning. I'm walking with him today." [01:01:31] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Idolatry is putting someone or something in the place of God, and God must be first. He cannot be second. How do you guard yourself from idols? The best way to guard your heart from idolatry is generosity." [01:03:29] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Security is not found in a place. It's in a person. It's in the Son of God. It's in Jesus. The angels fell from heaven. There's no security in a place called heaven. No, there's security in a person. There's no security in a place called heaven. There's no security in a person called Jesus, the Son of God." [01:16:29] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God has given us eternal life and this life is in his Son. The one who has the Son has life. And the one who does not have the Son. If you don't have the Son of God, you do not have life. I told you it's a gift." [01:15:56] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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