Rooted in Love: Assurance in Our Relationship with God
Summary
Assurance in our relationship with God is a gift that transforms our lives, not just a feeling we chase. Many of us wrestle with doubts, fears, and even cycles of condemnation, wondering if we truly belong to God. But the heart of God, as revealed in 1 John, is to give us a deep, unshakeable assurance that we are his beloved children. John, who called himself “the disciple Jesus loved,” shows us that our identity is rooted in God’s love, not in our performance or our emotions. This assurance is not meant to be a fleeting comfort, but a foundation for how we live, love, and pray.
The passage in 1 John 3:18-24 calls us to love not just in words, but in tangible actions. When we see God’s love bearing fruit in our lives—when we love others sacrificially and truthfully—it reassures our hearts that God is truly at work within us. Our works do not save us, but they testify to the reality of God’s presence. Even when our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts. He knows everything, and his verdict is not based on our shifting emotions but on the finished work of Christ.
Spiritual warfare is real, and the enemy seeks to trap us in cycles of shame and accusation. But God equips us with spiritual armor: truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer. By putting on this armor and dwelling on the vastness of God’s love, we can stand firm against the accuser. The cross is the ultimate proof of God’s love—Jesus endured unimaginable suffering for us, and that love is the anchor of our assurance.
As we abide in Christ, keeping his command to believe in him and love one another, our desires align with his, and our prayers become powerful and effective. Assurance is not about having all our prayers answered the way we want, but about trusting God’s character, even in suffering. The Holy Spirit within us testifies that we are God’s children, sealing us with a hope that cannot be shaken. This assurance frees us to love boldly, pray confidently, and walk in the fullness of God’s love, knowing that our hope is secure and our future is with him.
Key Takeaways
- Assurance is rooted in God’s love, not our emotions or performance. Even when our hearts condemn us, God’s verdict is greater and final. Our identity as beloved children is anchored in what Christ has done, not in how we feel on any given day. This frees us from the tyranny of self-doubt and invites us to rest in God’s unchanging love. [26:29]
- Tangible acts of love are evidence of God’s work in us. When we love others in deed and truth, it reassures our hearts that God is present and active. Our works do not earn salvation, but they serve as living proof that the Spirit is bearing fruit in our lives, breaking cycles of fear and condemnation. [32:19]
- Spiritual warfare often targets our assurance, using lies and accusations to keep us trapped in shame. God provides spiritual armor—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer—to protect and empower us. Victory comes not from striving, but from standing firm in God’s promises and wielding his Word against the enemy’s attacks. [36:41]
- The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and the foundation of our assurance. Jesus endured suffering, shame, and death because he considered us worth it. When doubts arise, looking to the cross reminds us that God’s love is proven, not hypothetical, and that our hope is anchored in his sacrifice. [43:11]
- True assurance leads to confident prayer and resilient hope, even in suffering. As we abide in Christ and align our desires with his, our prayers become powerful and our lives reflect his love. The Holy Spirit within us testifies to our identity, sealing us with a hope that endures through every trial and draws us into deeper fellowship with God and one another. [48:49]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Church Updates & Missionary Introduction
[03:30] - Elder Nominations and Opening Prayer
[06:00] - Introduction: Struggles with Assurance
[10:45] - The Heart of 1 John: Context and Themes
[15:20] - Assurance in 1 John: Key Passages
[18:30] - Reading 1 John 3:18-24
[21:00] - Loving in Deed and Truth
[24:00] - When Our Hearts Condemn Us
[27:30] - Assurance Battle Plan: Spiritual Armor
[32:00] - Putting on the Armor of God
[36:40] - Dwelling on God’s Love
[41:45] - The Cross: Proof of God’s Love
[44:40] - Assurance, Prayer, and God’s Will
[48:50] - The Spirit’s Testimony and Our Identity
[52:20] - Invitation to Faith and Communion
[53:00] - Baptism and Next Steps
[56:00] - Generosity and Community
[01:02:32] - Closing Blessing and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Assurance in Our Relationship with God
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### Bible Reading
- 1 John 3:18-24 (Main passage)
- Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God, referenced in the sermon)
- John 3:16-18 (God’s love and assurance, quoted in the sermon)
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### Observation Questions
1. In 1 John 3:18-24, what does John say is the evidence that we “belong to the truth” and can “reassure our hearts before Him”?
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean when “our hearts condemn us,” and how does God respond to that? [[33:35]]
3. What are the different pieces of spiritual armor listed in Ephesians 6, and how are they described as helping us in spiritual battles? [[36:41]]
4. In John 3:16-18, what is the reason given for God sending His Son into the world, and what does it say about condemnation?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says that assurance is rooted in God’s love, not our emotions or performance. Why is it important to separate our feelings from our identity as God’s children? [[26:29]]
2. The passage in 1 John calls us to love “in deed and in truth.” How does loving others in practical ways help reassure us of God’s work in our lives? [[32:19]]
3. The sermon talks about spiritual warfare and the enemy’s strategy of using shame and accusation. How might these attacks show up in a believer’s daily life? [[36:41]]
4. The cross is described as the “ultimate demonstration of God’s love.” How does remembering the cross help us when we struggle with doubt or condemnation? [[43:11]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that many people struggle with doubts about their salvation or feel stuck in cycles of fear and condemnation. Have you ever experienced this? What helped you, or what do you think could help you break out of that cycle? [[26:29]]
2. Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to love someone “in deed and in truth.” How did you respond? Is there a specific, tangible way you can show love to someone this week? [[32:19]]
3. The spiritual armor in Ephesians 6 includes truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer. Which piece do you feel you need to “put on” more intentionally right now, and what would that look like in your daily routine? [[36:41]]
4. When you hear accusing or condemning thoughts, what is your usual response? How can you remind yourself that “God is greater than our hearts and knows everything”? [[33:35]]
5. The sermon said that assurance leads to confident prayer, even when God doesn’t answer the way we want. Is there a prayer you’ve been discouraged about? How can you trust God’s character and love, even in the waiting? [[46:43]]
6. The Holy Spirit is described as the one who testifies to our identity as God’s children. How do you sense the Spirit’s presence or leading in your life? Are there practices (like prayer, Scripture, worship) that help you become more aware of the Spirit’s assurance? [[48:49]]
7. The cross is the anchor of our assurance. When doubts arise, what is one practical way you can “look to the cross” and remember God’s proven love for you? [[43:11]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for anyone struggling with doubt, fear, or condemnation. Ask God to fill each person with the assurance of His love and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Devotional
Day 1: Assurance Through Loving in Deed and Truth
True assurance of faith is found not just in what we say, but in how we tangibly love others. When we step out to meet the needs of those around us, our actions become evidence that God is truly at work in our hearts. Even when doubts or fears arise, the fruit of love in our lives reassures us that we belong to Him. If you find yourself stuck in cycles of fear or condemnation, sometimes the best way forward is to focus on loving someone else, trusting that God will complete the good work He began in you. [32:19]
1 John 3:18-19 (ESV)
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him."
Reflection: Who is one person you can tangibly serve or encourage today as an expression of God’s love working through you?
Day 2: God Is Greater Than Our Condemning Hearts
There are times when our hearts may condemn us, reminding us of past failures or stirring up guilt over sins already confessed. But God is greater than our hearts and knows everything. His voice is not one of hopeless condemnation, but of loving conviction and hope. When the accuser tries to trap you in shame, remember that God’s forgiveness is complete and His love is steadfast. You do not have to listen to the voice of accusation; instead, receive the assurance that comes from the Lord, who calls you His beloved. [33:35]
1 John 3:20-21 (ESV)
"For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to silence the voice of condemnation and instead receive God’s assurance and forgiveness?
Day 3: The Armor of God: Standing Firm in Spiritual Battle
Spiritual warfare is real, and God equips us with spiritual armor to stand firm against the enemy’s lies. By putting on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and prayer, we are able to resist accusations and walk in victory. Planting God’s word in your heart and living in alignment with His truth robs the enemy of opportunities to attack. Remember, victory comes not from your own strength, but from relying on God’s power and His promises. [36:41]
Ephesians 6:13-18 (ESV)
"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."
Reflection: Which piece of God’s armor do you most need to “put on” today, and how can you intentionally do that in your thoughts or actions?
Day 4: Assurance Rooted in God’s Love and Sacrifice
God’s love for you is not abstract—it was proven at the cross. Jesus endured suffering, shame, and death because of His deep love for you. If you ever doubt God’s love or your standing with Him, look to the cross where His love was demonstrated most powerfully. This love is the foundation of your assurance, and as you dwell on it, you are filled with the fullness of God. Let the reality of Christ’s sacrifice replace cycles of fear and shame with hope, faith, and love. [43:11]
Romans 5:8 (ESV)
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: When you are tempted to doubt God’s love, what is one way you can intentionally remember and dwell on the reality of the cross today?
Day 5: The Spirit’s Testimony: Assurance That Abides
Your assurance as a child of God is not based on your emotions or performance, but on the promise and presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit testifies with your spirit that you belong to God, making His home in you and bearing fruit through your life. Even when you don’t feel it, God’s Spirit is your guarantee that you are His, and He will complete the good work He began in you. Rest in the truth that your hope is secure, and let the Spirit lead you into deeper assurance and obedience. [48:49]
Romans 8:16 (ESV)
"The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to remind you of your identity in Christ and guide you into greater assurance and obedience today?
Quotes
We'll see today that we have assurance that we are truly God's children, that he is truly working in, abiding in us. And we'll see how the way that we love one another testifies to that truth and reassures our hearts. And we'll ultimately see that our assurance comes from the Lord himself. [00:26:50] (21 seconds)
Propitiation means that God's righteous requirement for justice was met when Christ paid the debt that we owed justice because of our sins. He paid that for us. If you think of justice like a math equation or a bank account, we owed this debt to justice. Jesus paid our debt for us. And so justice is satisfied because God has to be just. [00:29:22] (26 seconds)
Spiritual warfare is real. For example, my OCD is a mental health struggle, but it's also a spiritual thing. That when those lies are cycling, that's spiritual warfare. And the way to victory in spiritual warfare is through the word of God. It's through putting on the armor of God and dwelling on his love. [00:37:13] (23 seconds)
Sanctification is us growing experientially into who we already are in Christ, seated in the heavenly realms. We're shedding the old self and taking up, growing into the new self who we already are in Christ. [00:39:31] (16 seconds)
In Ephesians 3, Paul prays that all of us together would be able to grasp the length, the width, the height, and the depth of God's love, and to know the Messiah's love that surpasses knowledge. And so doing, be filled with all of the fullness of God. [00:42:27] (18 seconds)
Jesus was willing to endure all of this agony because of his love for you. So if you ever doubt it, look to the cross where the Lord proved it emphatically. Jesus knew ahead of time that all of this suffering was coming, and even in the moment, he considered it worth it because of his love for you. [00:43:46] (24 seconds)
I hope you can see that God is wanting to replace your fear cycle, your condemnation cycle, your shame and guilt cycles with something new. He's wanting to give you assurance. He's wanting to give you a hope cycle and a faith cycle and a love cycle. He wants you to be unhindered as you make a difference in this world, sharing this love with others. [00:44:41] (27 seconds)
It's ultimately the Lord that gives us our assurance. It's not just our emotions. It's not contingent on whether or not we feel it that day. But he says it right there. By this we know. By the Spirit he has given us. It's based on his promise. It's based on who he is. Not our ability to be good enough for it. [00:49:07] (21 seconds)
He tells us that we're sealed by the Spirit when we come to faith in Christ. He tells us that our Spirit, his Spirit testifies with our Spirit that we are God's children. He tells us that he makes his home in us, that we become a temple of the Holy Spirit. And we get to see that bearing fruit in our lives as we're loving others as an overflow of his love for us. This is assurance. And our assurance is from him. [00:49:45] (32 seconds)
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