Finding Assurance: Overcoming Doubt in Faith
Summary
In this lecture, I explored the reasons why many Christians struggle with assurance of faith. We began by reading from Romans 8:33-35, which emphasizes the security we have in Christ. Assurance is a deep-seated confidence in our salvation, yet many believers find themselves in a painful struggle, questioning their relationship with God. Over the years, I've counseled numerous individuals who have been trapped in this cycle of doubt, and my prayer is that through understanding these reasons, they might find freedom.
The first reason for a lack of assurance is our history and present experience of sin. Sin can cloud our perception of God's grace, making us question our salvation. Whether it's past sins or ongoing struggles, they can lead us to doubt the authenticity of our faith. Secondly, false conceptions of God's character and His gospel can hinder assurance. Understanding that God is for us, as Paul writes, is crucial. God delights in mercy and desires to assure us of His love.
Thirdly, confusion between justification and sanctification can lead to doubt. Justification is by faith alone, not by our works or sanctification. This distinction is vital for assurance, as it places our confidence in Christ's finished work rather than our imperfect efforts. Fourth, a lack of confessing Christ openly can keep us in darkness. Public confession and participation in the sacraments are means of grace that strengthen our assurance.
Disobedience and backsliding are the fifth reason. Persistent sin and neglect of spiritual disciplines can quench the Spirit and rob us of assurance. Ignorance of the evidences of grace is the sixth reason. Understanding the marks of grace, such as those found in the Beatitudes and the fruit of the Spirit, can provide assurance. Seventh, a doubting or negative disposition can impact assurance. Some personalities are more prone to doubt, and external influences can exacerbate this.
Eighth, looking for the wrong kind of experience can lead to disappointment. Assurance should not be based on extraordinary experiences but on the ordinary means of grace. Ninth, failing to acknowledge what God has done can keep us in darkness. Recognizing and embracing God's work in our lives is essential. Finally, being attacked by Satan can undermine assurance. Satan uses doubt and fear to keep us from the joy of assurance, but he is a defeated foe.
Key Takeaways:
- Sin and Assurance: Our past and present sins can cloud our assurance, leading us to question our salvation. It's crucial to remember that our struggles with sin do not negate God's grace. Instead, they should drive us to rely more on Christ's finished work. [06:38]
- Understanding God's Character: Assurance is deeply rooted in understanding God's character. God delights in mercy and desires to assure us of His love. Recognizing God as a loving Father who seeks to assure His children can transform our perspective on assurance. [09:08]
- Justification by Faith Alone: Confusing justification with sanctification can lead to doubt. Justification is by faith alone, not by our works. This distinction is vital for assurance, as it places our confidence in Christ's finished work rather than our imperfect efforts. [12:23]
- Confessing Christ Openly: Public confession and participation in the sacraments are means of grace that strengthen our assurance. When we openly confess Christ, we affirm our faith and receive the assurance that comes from obedience. [14:59]
- Spiritual Disciplines and Assurance: Neglecting spiritual disciplines can quench the Spirit and rob us of assurance. Engaging in regular Bible study, prayer, and meditation fosters a deeper relationship with God and strengthens our assurance. [15:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:29] - Introduction to Assurance
- [01:35] - The Pain of Doubt
- [02:46] - A Prayer for Deliverance
- [03:30] - Reason 1: Sin and Assurance
- [06:38] - Reason 2: Misunderstanding God's Character
- [10:11] - Reason 3: Justification vs. Sanctification
- [14:27] - Reason 4: Confessing Christ
- [15:31] - Reason 5: Disobedience and Backsliding
- [17:05] - Reason 6: Evidences of Grace
- [18:32] - Reason 7: Negative Disposition
- [20:58] - Reason 8: Wrong Experiences
- [23:08] - Reason 9: Acknowledging God's Work
- [24:17] - Reason 10: Satan's Attacks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Romans 8:33-35
- Romans 7:19-24
- Micah 7:18
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Romans 8:33-35, what assurances do believers have about their relationship with God?
2. How does the sermon describe the impact of past and present sin on a believer's assurance of faith? [06:38]
3. What role does understanding God's character play in a believer's assurance, as discussed in the sermon? [09:08]
4. How does the sermon differentiate between justification and sanctification, and why is this distinction important for assurance? [12:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In Romans 8:33-35, Paul emphasizes that no one can bring a charge against God's elect. How does this passage reinforce the idea of assurance in the face of doubt?
2. The sermon mentions that false conceptions of God's character can hinder assurance. How might a misunderstanding of God's nature affect a believer's confidence in their salvation? [07:02]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of public confession and participation in sacraments. How might these practices strengthen a believer's assurance of faith? [14:59]
4. How does the sermon suggest that a negative disposition or personality can impact one's assurance of faith? [18:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own experiences with sin. How have past or present struggles with sin affected your assurance of faith, and how can you remind yourself of God's grace in these moments? [06:38]
2. Consider your understanding of God's character. How can you deepen your knowledge of God as a loving Father who delights in mercy, and how might this change your perspective on assurance? [09:08]
3. Have you ever confused justification with sanctification in your spiritual journey? How can you focus more on Christ's finished work rather than your own efforts to find assurance? [12:23]
4. Think about your participation in public confession and sacraments. How can you be more intentional in these practices to strengthen your assurance of faith? [14:59]
5. Evaluate your spiritual disciplines. Are there any areas where you have been neglectful, and how can you re-engage in regular Bible study, prayer, and meditation to foster a deeper relationship with God? [15:58]
6. If you have a tendency towards a negative disposition, how can you work on recognizing and celebrating God's work in your life to combat doubt and fear? [18:32]
7. Reflect on any extraordinary experiences you might be seeking for assurance. How can you shift your focus to the ordinary means of grace to find assurance in your faith journey? [20:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Sin's Shadow on Assurance
Our past and present sins can often cloud our assurance, leading us to question our salvation. It's crucial to remember that our struggles with sin do not negate God's grace. Instead, they should drive us to rely more on Christ's finished work. When we focus on our failures, we may lose sight of the fact that God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Assurance is not about our perfection but about trusting in the perfect work of Christ. [06:38]
"For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more." (Hebrews 8:12, ESV)
Reflection: What past or present sin is causing you to doubt your salvation? How can you bring this to God today and trust in His grace to cover it?
Day 2: Understanding God's Merciful Character
Assurance is deeply rooted in understanding God's character. God delights in mercy and desires to assure us of His love. Recognizing God as a loving Father who seeks to assure His children can transform our perspective on assurance. When we grasp the depth of God's love and His desire for us to be secure in Him, our doubts can be replaced with confidence in His promises. [09:08]
"The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." (Exodus 34:6, ESV)
Reflection: How does your understanding of God's character influence your sense of assurance? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of His love and mercy today?
Day 3: The Distinction Between Justification and Sanctification
Confusing justification with sanctification can lead to doubt. Justification is by faith alone, not by our works. This distinction is vital for assurance, as it places our confidence in Christ's finished work rather than our imperfect efforts. Understanding that our standing before God is secure because of Christ's righteousness, not our own, can bring great peace and assurance. [12:23]
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you confused your spiritual growth (sanctification) with your standing before God (justification)? How can you rest in the assurance that comes from being justified by faith alone?
Day 4: The Power of Public Confession
Public confession and participation in the sacraments are means of grace that strengthen our assurance. When we openly confess Christ, we affirm our faith and receive the assurance that comes from obedience. This public declaration of faith not only strengthens our own assurance but also encourages others in their faith journey. [14:59]
"Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven." (Matthew 10:32, ESV)
Reflection: Have you been hesitant to confess your faith openly? What is one step you can take this week to publicly affirm your faith in Christ?
Day 5: Spiritual Disciplines as Assurance Builders
Neglecting spiritual disciplines can quench the Spirit and rob us of assurance. Engaging in regular Bible study, prayer, and meditation fosters a deeper relationship with God and strengthens our assurance. These practices are not about earning God's favor but about nurturing our relationship with Him and experiencing His presence more fully. [15:58]
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:2, ESV)
Reflection: Which spiritual discipline have you been neglecting? How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine to deepen your assurance in God's promises?
Quotes
"Some people are genuine Christians, they long for assurance, but they can't ever seem to find it, to embrace it. Perhaps you're one of those people. The question of assurance of faith is one that can even become painful for such people. You count numberless times how you've cried out to God, 'Do I love the Lord, or no? Am I His, or am I not?'" [00:01:35]
"Sin often gets in the way of assurance. Past sin and present sin. On the one hand, if we've grown up without being conscious of a day when we didn't love God and His Son, we can still struggle with present wickedness, with the struggle of Romans 7. 'The good that I would I find myself not doing; the evil that I would not I find myself doing, Oh, wretched man that I am!'" [00:03:30]
"The anchor of Paul's assurance, and I read to you from Romans 8, is that 'God is for us. He sent His son in the world to die for us. Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It's God that justifies.' You see, Paul's understanding of God and who He is and what He's done for us and why, is the center of his assurance." [00:06:38]
"Dear doubting believer, understanding who God is in Christ will give you a huge boost to your assurance. God is a loving Father looking for the prodigal son, running to him with legs of mercy, wrapping around him with arms of mercy, weeping over him with tears of mercy, kissing him with lips of mercy, saying, 'This is my son, who was lost and is found! Let's rejoice and be merry, and slay the fatted calf.'" [00:09:08]
"Listen to Romans 4 verse 5, 'To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him, that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.' You don't get justified as a godly person. That's the Roman Catholic system; you sanctify yourself and then God will justify you. You know, Thomas Aquinas the greatest Roman Catholic theologian ever, who is to Catholicism what Calvin is to the Reformed faith, he said, 'Salvation is like a two-story house.'" [00:10:11]
"And you see, that's, that's why you can have assurance of faith, because God does it all. If you were to do one percent, if you were to stitch one stitch in Christ's white robe of righteousness, you would lose your salvation. That's why Roman Catholicism, historically at least, you couldn't have assurance of faith, because you had to do part of it. You never know; you might fail tomorrow." [00:12:23]
"Some weak believers are held back from growing in assurance because they don't confess Christ openly. Now, in my background, this was translated, practically, into many people not coming forward to the Lord's Supper, because they didn't feel they had enough assurance, and you see, that served when they did have all the marks of grace, and many of these people did, and I visited with them, and they would testify to me how they loved the Lord, and hated sin, and pursued righteousness and hungered for holiness." [00:14:59]
"Remember what we said last lecture. You can't enjoy high levels of assurance while you persist in low levels of obedience. If you fall into sin, you live a worldly life, you continue in sin, you resist God's will for your life, you grieve and quench the Spirit, you robbed yourself of those comfortable levels of assurance of faith." [00:15:58]
"Often I find that people that lack assurance don't understand what the evidences of grace are. They don't understand, for example, that Jesus gave seven or eight of them in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, and Paul gave about eight of them in the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, that Peter gave a half a dozen or so in his opening of one of his epistles." [00:17:05]
"Our natural personality can impact our assurance. You know, we joke about the people that say, 'Well, the cup is half full, or the cup is half empty.' Well, I've worked with many people in my life when the cup is about three quarters full, they still say, 'It's a quarter empty.' There just are people like that; they see the negative all the time." [00:18:32]
"In other words, the normal experience is that, I see my sinfulness, I flee to Christ, find everything in Him, and then I live a life of service, of gratitude, of sanctification to one degree or another. But you see that kind of normal conversion for some people is not enough for conversion. They're looking for something extraordinary; something unexplainable, extra biblical, mystical, special revelation, and the Reform said, 'Don't do that, because you'll probably wait all your life and never get it.'" [00:20:58]
"We have to reckon with the fact that Satan is a powerful foe, and actually all first nine reasons I gave you, Satan wants to use all of them to keep you from assurance. He wants to flood your mind with doubt and fear. He wants to taunt you with how sinful you still are and to persuade you that you, therefore, cannot be a child of God." [00:24:17]
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