Living in Assurance: Embracing Faith and Service

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance in Salvation Brings Confidence and Growth

When believers lack assurance of their salvation, it can paralyze their spiritual progress, much like a driver stalled at the edge of a foggy bridge, unable to move forward despite the security that lies ahead. God desires His children to walk in the confidence of their salvation, not in fear or doubt, so that they may mature in faith and obedience. The enemy often seeks to sow seeds of uncertainty, whispering lies that keep Christians from experiencing the fullness of God’s promises. But the message is clear: God wants His people to be sure of their relationship with Him, to move forward in faith, and to grow into maturity, leaving behind the paralysis of doubt. [09:51]

Hebrews 6:9-12 (ESV)
"Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Reflection: In what area of your spiritual life do you feel “stuck at the bridge” due to doubt or fear, and how can you take one step forward in faith today, trusting in God’s assurance of your salvation?

Day 2: God Sees and Rewards Every Act of Love

Every act of love and service done in Jesus’ name is seen by God, even when it feels unnoticed or unappreciated by others. God’s omniscience means that nothing escapes His attention—He sees the meals delivered, the prayers offered, the backpacks given away, and the quiet sacrifices made for others. Even in seasons of difficulty or persecution, believers can be encouraged that their loving deeds are not forgotten and will be justly rewarded by their heavenly Father. This truth motivates Christians to continue loving and serving, knowing that God’s recognition and reward are sure, even when earthly results seem uncertain. [23:10]

Hebrews 6:10 (ESV)
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do."

Reflection: Think of a recent act of service or love you offered that felt unnoticed—how does knowing that God sees and values it change your perspective or encourage you to keep serving?

Day 3: Serving Diligently Strengthens Assurance of Eternal Hope

Diligent and earnest service within the body of Christ not only blesses others but also builds up the believer’s own assurance of their heavenly home. When Christians prioritize serving one another with genuine motivation and a willing heart, their focus shifts from the temporary to the eternal, and their confidence in God’s promises grows. This kind of service is not about earning salvation, but about living out the hope and assurance that comes from knowing Christ. As believers serve together, their faith is strengthened, and their assurance in God’s eternal reward becomes more tangible and real. [30:36]

John 12:26 (ESV)
"If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve someone in your church or community this week, and how might that act help you experience a deeper assurance of God’s presence and promises?

Day 4: Imitate the Faith and Patience of Mature Believers

God provides examples within the church of those who live out faith and patience, enduring trials and serving others with steadfast hope. Rather than feeling alone or unsure about how to grow, believers are encouraged to look to these faithful examples, learn from them, and imitate their Christlike qualities. This practice of following the faith and patience of others helps believers avoid spiritual sluggishness and inspires them to press on toward inheriting God’s promises. By seeking out and learning from those who walk closely with God, Christians can find encouragement and practical guidance for their own journey. [35:00]

Philippians 3:17 (ESV)
"Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us."

Reflection: Who in your church or faith community demonstrates a faith and patience you admire, and how can you intentionally learn from or spend time with them this month?

Day 5: Live Each Day in the Assurance of Eternal Hope

Living with the assurance of salvation and eternal hope transforms the way believers approach every aspect of life. Instead of being weighed down by doubt, fear, or uncertainty, Christians are called to adopt a “Jesus-bound” mindset—confidently living as those destined to be with Christ forever. This assurance empowers believers to move from spiritual milk to meat, to grow in maturity, and to become examples for others. When the reality of eternity shapes daily living, it brings joy, purpose, and a contagious hope that encourages the whole body of Christ. [41:24]

1 John 5:13 (ESV)
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life."

Reflection: What would change in your daily attitude, decisions, or relationships if you truly lived each day with the deep assurance that you are “Jesus-bound” and secure in Him?

Sermon Summary

Coming together after a week of prayer and fasting, we are reminded of the deep significance of the Lord’s Supper—a ceremony that not only breaks our fast but also unites us as the body of Christ. The bread and the cup are powerful symbols of Jesus’ broken body and shed blood, a reminder that our salvation is rooted in His sacrifice. As we reflect on this, we are called to examine our assurance in Christ, especially as we journey through Hebrews 6. The early Jewish Christians faced persecution and uncertainty, and the writer of Hebrews addresses their doubts, encouraging them to move beyond fear and spiritual paralysis.

Just as a driver stalled at a foggy bridge, uncertainty about our salvation can keep us from moving forward in faith. God does not desire for us to live in doubt or fear. Instead, He wants us to be assured of our salvation and His faithfulness. The passage in Hebrews shifts from a stern warning to a message of encouragement, affirming that God sees our works and the love we show to one another. Our acts of service, no matter how small or unseen, are noticed by our omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent God. Even in times of suffering or when our efforts seem fruitless, God is just and will reward us in His time.

Serving others diligently is not just about action; it is about the heart and motivation behind our service. When we serve with earnestness and love, we build assurance in our heavenly hope. The church is called to serve together, to be a powerful force for God’s kingdom, and to encourage one another in faith. We are also encouraged to look to those among us whose faith and patience are strong—imitate their example, learn from their endurance, and let their lives spur us on to greater faithfulness.

Ultimately, we are called to live an active life of assurance, grounded in the eternal hope we have in Christ. Doubt leads to defeat and stagnation, but assurance propels us forward, helping us grow from spiritual milk to the meat of mature faith. Let our motto be: “I’m Jesus bound, and I’m going to live like that”—living each day in the confidence of our salvation and the promise of eternity with Him.

Key Takeaways

1. Assurance in Christ dispels spiritual paralysis. Just as fear and uncertainty can keep us from moving forward, assurance of salvation enables us to step out in faith, trusting that God’s promises are secure even when circumstances are unclear. This assurance is not based on our feelings but on the unchanging character of God and the finished work of Christ. [07:19]
2. God sees and values every act of love and service. Even when our efforts seem unnoticed or unrewarded, our omniscient and just God is fully aware of our sacrifices and will honor them in His perfect timing. This truth encourages us to persevere in doing good, knowing that nothing done for Christ is ever wasted. [23:10]
3. Serving with the right heart produces assurance of our heavenly hope. It is not mere activity that matters, but serving with earnestness, love, and a focus on God’s glory. When our motivation aligns with God’s heart, our assurance grows, and our perspective shifts from the temporary to the eternal. [28:24]
4. The examples of faith and patience within the church are vital for our growth. We are called to learn from and imitate those who demonstrate steadfast faith and endurance, recognizing that spiritual maturity is often caught as much as it is taught. Seeking out these examples helps us navigate seasons of doubt and inspires us to greater faithfulness. [32:09]
5. Living in assurance transforms our daily walk and witness. When we are confident in our salvation and God’s promises, we move from spiritual immaturity to maturity, from fear to boldness, and from isolation to community. This assurance not only strengthens us but also becomes a testimony to others of the hope we have in Christ. [39:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Reflections on Prayer and Fasting
[02:00] - The Lord’s Supper: Breaking the Fast
[03:00] - The Meaning of Communion
[05:00] - Introduction to Hebrews 6
[06:30] - The Foggy Bridge: Illustration of Assurance
[09:00] - Warnings and Encouragement in Hebrews
[11:00] - The Accuser and the Battle for Assurance
[12:20] - The Call to Faith and Maturity
[14:00] - Overwhelming Affirmation from Others
[18:50] - God Sees Your Works and Love
[23:10] - The Story of Corrie Ten Boom
[28:24] - Serving Diligently and Assurance
[32:09] - Imitating Faith and Patience
[39:17] - Living an Active Life of Assurance
[41:24] - Prayer, Invitation, and Blessed Assurance

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living in Assurance and Serving Together

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Bible Reading

Hebrews 6:9-12 (ESV)
9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation.
10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.
11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,
12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

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Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 6:10, what does God notice about the way believers serve each other?
In verse 11, what does the writer desire for every believer regarding their assurance and hope?
What two qualities are mentioned in verse 12 as necessary to inherit God’s promises?
The sermon used the illustration of a driver stalled at a foggy bridge. What was the point of this story? ([06:30])

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Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the writer of Hebrews shifts from a stern warning to encouragement in verses 9-12? What does this reveal about God’s heart for His people? ([09:51])
The sermon says that God sees every act of love and service, even when it seems unnoticed. How might this truth change the way someone serves in the church or community? ([18:50])
The passage encourages believers to imitate those who show faith and patience. What does it look like to “imitate” someone’s faith in a practical way? ([32:09])
The pastor mentioned that assurance in Christ helps us move from “spiritual milk to the meat of mature faith.” What does this mean, and why is assurance so important for spiritual growth? ([39:17])

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Application Questions

The sermon described how doubt and fear can keep us “stuck at the bridge,” unable to move forward in faith. Is there an area in your life where uncertainty is holding you back? What would it look like to step forward in assurance this week? ([06:30])
Think about a recent time when you served someone, either in church or outside. Did you feel like your effort was noticed or appreciated? How does knowing that God always sees and values your service encourage you to keep going, even when others don’t notice? ([23:10])
The pastor shared the story of Corrie Ten Boom, who served others even when it was risky and hard. Have you ever felt discouraged while doing good? How can you remind yourself that God is just and will reward you in His time? ([24:06])
Serving with the right heart is more important than just being busy. What motivates you to serve? Are there ways you can check your heart and make sure your service is coming from love and a desire to honor God? ([28:24])
The passage encourages us to look for examples of faith and patience in our church family. Who is someone you admire for their faith or endurance? What is one thing you could learn from them or even ask them about their walk with God? ([32:09])
The pastor challenged us to live with the motto, “I’m Jesus bound, and I’m going to live like that.” What would change in your daily life if you truly lived with this kind of assurance? Is there a specific step you can take this week to live more boldly for Christ? ([39:17])
Sometimes, people in church struggle with assurance of salvation. If you or someone you know is wrestling with doubt, what is one practical way you could seek help or encourage them this week? ([41:24])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help each person in the group grow in assurance, to serve with love and diligence, and to encourage one another as the body of Christ. Pray for specific needs or doubts that were shared during the discussion.

Sermon Clips

``The lack of assurance that plagues many believers is the work of Satan. If you're a believer in Jesus Christ and you're struggling with your salvation, the accuser, the liar he is called, will scream into your ear things like, you are such a weak Christian. You keep falling to the same temptation. You have to keep asking God to forgive you again and again for the same thing. You need to leave the church. You're not a Christian. You're hopeless. And if you're hearing those voices into your head, there's a good chance that it's Satan. And what he wants you to do is to doubt your relationship and doubt the faithfulness of God so you stay stuck at the bridge. [00:11:02] (55 seconds) #SatanTargetsAssurance

Affirmation that a just God sees your works. It simply says, For God is not unjust as to overlook the work and the love that you have shown for His name, serving the saints as you still do. The writer is pointing out clearly that their heavenly Father sees their love for the saints. [00:18:46] (21 seconds) #OmniscientOmnipotentPresence

So, church, never forget that if you're suffering for doing the good, for loving one another, loving in the gospel message, your heavenly Father sees it and sees it perfectly and will bless you in his time, in his way. [00:27:29] (21 seconds) #HeartAlignedService

Because when the whole church serves together, when they come together and giving and giving faithfully, when the whole church comes together and prays, folks, we are a powerful force, a powerful force of God. The omniscient and omnipotent God works with us when we work with Him like that. [00:29:40] (25 seconds) #ServingBuildsAssurance

You serve God. You serve your brothers and sisters in Christ. God will honor you. He will. It's a great promise. This promise from the mouth of Jesus himself. [00:31:52] (15 seconds) #ImitateFaithAndPatience

Patience about your inheritance. Patience that looks forward to the future of being with God in heaven. A futuristic patience that I know I may not be blessed right now because of the work I'm doing, but in the future I will be blessed even though I'm going through a difficult time right now. God sees what's going on and I will be rewarded. Patience. Patience. [00:35:17] (25 seconds) #EncourageAndFollowFaith

It is amazing when we live this way, when we feel secure. It was James that said we should go to God and ask not with doubting, but with faith. Because doubting doesn't help. And doubting your salvation and doubting your trusting in God's promises, that's only going to lead you to defeatism, immaturity, wrong motivations, fear, and being a frozen Christian. [00:39:17] (28 seconds) #LiveAssuredForever

What if your motto was, I'm Jesus bound and I'm going to live like that. Not just heaven bound, I'm Jesus bound. I'm going to be hanging out with Jesus in heaven. And I'm going to live like that. Let that be your motto to live by. [00:40:03] (17 seconds)

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Living in Assurance: Embracing Faith and Service

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance in Salvation Brings Confidence and Growth

Day 2: God Sees and Rewards Every Act of Love

Day 3: Serving Diligently Strengthens Assurance of Eternal Hope

Day 4: Imitate the Faith and Patience of Mature Believers

Day 5: Live Each Day in the Assurance of Eternal Hope

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Living in Assurance: Embracing Faith and Service

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