Signs of Assurance: Faith in Christ Explored
Summary
In today's exploration of First John, we delved into the profound question of how we can be assured of our faith in Christ. John provides us with three distinct signs that affirm our spiritual life: obeying God's commands, loving God's people, and believing in God's Son. These signs are not just tests but also directions and signs of our spiritual journey.
Firstly, we examined the concept of antichrists, which John describes as ordinary people who have departed from the truth of Christ. These individuals deny the core truths about Jesus, reducing Him to merely a man with special powers. John warns us against such teachings, emphasizing that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of God. This belief is foundational to our faith, as it affirms the incarnation—God becoming man in Jesus Christ.
Secondly, we explored why we believe in Jesus. Our faith is rooted in the testimony of God Himself, which is greater than any human testimony. This divine testimony is revealed through the water (Jesus' baptism), the blood (His crucifixion and resurrection), and the Spirit (the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts). These elements collectively affirm Jesus' divine nature and mission.
Lastly, we considered how these signs serve as tests, directions, and signs in our lives. They help us discern true faith, guide our spiritual growth, and reassure us of our standing in Christ. John uses strong language to emphasize the importance of these signs, calling out false claims and encouraging us to examine the evidence of our faith.
In conclusion, the assurance of our faith is not based on our perfection but on the presence of these signs in our lives. Even a small amount of spiritual fruit is evidence of our connection to Christ. As we grow in obedience, love, and belief, we can have peace and joy in knowing that we are truly in Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Reality of Antichrists: John warns us about antichrists, who are ordinary people denying the truth of Jesus. They reduce Him to a mere man with special powers, which is a lie. Recognizing and rejecting such teachings is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our faith. [02:47]
2. The Testimony of God: Our belief in Jesus is grounded in God's testimony, which is greater than any human testimony. This divine testimony is revealed through Jesus' baptism, crucifixion, and the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts, affirming His divine nature and mission. [14:09]
3. The Command to Believe: God commands us to believe in Jesus, and this command carries significant spiritual implications. Believing in Jesus is not optional; it is a divine mandate that brings us into alignment with God's will and offers us eternal life. [20:33]
4. Signs of Spiritual Life: Obeying God's commands, loving His people, and believing in His Son are signs of spiritual life. These signs help us discern true faith, guide our spiritual growth, and reassure us of our standing in Christ. [29:07]
5. Assurance in Small Fruits: Even a small amount of spiritual fruit is evidence of our connection to Christ. We don't need to see an abundance of fruit to be assured of our faith; even a few small signs can confirm our identity in Him. [38:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to First John
- [00:47] - Three Signs of Spiritual Life
- [01:24] - Believing in God's Son
- [02:05] - Understanding Antichrists
- [03:08] - The Departure from Truth
- [04:26] - The Big Lie
- [06:14] - What We Believe About Jesus
- [07:50] - The Incarnation
- [10:33] - Jesus as God's Son
- [13:30] - Why We Believe in Jesus
- [15:36] - The Testimony of God
- [18:38] - The Work of the Holy Spirit
- [20:33] - God's Command to Believe
- [23:00] - Assurance Through Signs
- [29:07] - Directions for Spiritual Growth
- [32:44] - Signs of Spiritual Life
- [38:57] - Assurance in Small Fruits
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 John 2:18-19
2. 1 John 5:9-10
3. 1 John 3:23
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the three signs John provides to assure us of our faith in Christ, as discussed in the sermon? [00:30]
2. How does John describe the concept of antichrists, and what is their significance in the context of the sermon? [02:05]
3. According to the sermon, what are the three elements that affirm Jesus' divine nature and mission? [15:36]
4. What does John say about the relationship between obeying God's commands and our assurance of faith? [25:31]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the importance of recognizing and rejecting teachings that deny Jesus as the Christ? [04:26]
2. In what ways does the testimony of God, as described in the sermon, provide a foundation for our belief in Jesus? [14:09]
3. What implications does the command to believe in Jesus have for our spiritual lives, according to the sermon? [20:33]
4. How do the signs of spiritual life serve as both tests and directions for believers, as explained in the sermon? [29:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the concept of antichrists as ordinary people who deny the truth of Jesus. How can you stay vigilant against such teachings in your daily life? [02:47]
2. The sermon emphasizes the testimony of God as greater than any human testimony. How can you prioritize God's testimony in your personal faith journey? [14:09]
3. Consider the command to believe in Jesus. How does this command challenge your current understanding of faith and obedience? [20:33]
4. The sermon mentions that even a small amount of spiritual fruit is evidence of our connection to Christ. What small signs of spiritual growth have you noticed in your life recently? [38:57]
5. How can you actively cultivate the signs of spiritual life—obeying God's commands, loving His people, and believing in His Son—in your daily routine? [29:07]
6. Reflect on a time when you struggled with assurance of faith. How can the directions provided in the sermon help you find peace and joy in your spiritual journey? [32:27]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can grow in obedience, love, or belief. What specific steps will you take this week to nurture that growth? [39:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Antichrists in Our Midst
John warns us about the presence of antichrists, individuals who deny the truth of Jesus and reduce Him to merely a man with special powers. These antichrists are not mythical figures but ordinary people who have departed from the truth of Christ. Recognizing and rejecting such teachings is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our faith. By understanding the nature of these false teachings, we can protect our hearts and minds from being led astray. John emphasizes the importance of holding firm to the core truths about Jesus, affirming His identity as the Christ and the Son of God. This belief is foundational to our faith, as it affirms the incarnation—God becoming man in Jesus Christ. [02:47]
1 John 2:22-23 (ESV): "Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also."
Reflection: Is there a teaching or belief in your life that might be subtly undermining the truth of who Jesus is? How can you actively reject this and reaffirm your faith in Christ today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Testimony
Our belief in Jesus is grounded in the testimony of God Himself, which is greater than any human testimony. This divine testimony is revealed through the water (Jesus' baptism), the blood (His crucifixion and resurrection), and the Spirit (the Holy Spirit's work in our hearts). These elements collectively affirm Jesus' divine nature and mission. By trusting in God's testimony, we align ourselves with the truth that transcends human understanding. This trust is not blind faith but a response to the evidence God has provided through His actions and presence in our lives. [14:09]
1 John 5:6-8 (ESV): "This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the testimony of God in your life? How can you deepen your trust in His testimony today?
Day 3: Embracing the Command to Believe
God commands us to believe in Jesus, and this command carries significant spiritual implications. Believing in Jesus is not optional; it is a divine mandate that brings us into alignment with God's will and offers us eternal life. This command is not burdensome but a pathway to freedom and fulfillment. By embracing this command, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and grace. It is through belief in Jesus that we find our true identity and purpose, as we are drawn into a relationship with the Creator of the universe. [20:33]
1 John 3:23 (ESV): "And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us."
Reflection: What does it mean for you to fully embrace the command to believe in Jesus today? How can this belief shape your actions and decisions?
Day 4: Identifying Signs of Spiritual Life
Obeying God's commands, loving His people, and believing in His Son are signs of spiritual life. These signs help us discern true faith, guide our spiritual growth, and reassure us of our standing in Christ. They are not merely tests but also directions and markers on our spiritual journey. By cultivating these signs in our lives, we can experience the peace and joy that come from knowing we are truly in Him. These signs are evidence of our connection to Christ and our growth in His likeness. [29:07]
1 John 2:3-5 (ESV): "And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says 'I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected."
Reflection: Which of the signs of spiritual life—obedience, love, or belief—do you feel needs more attention in your life? What practical steps can you take to nurture this sign today?
Day 5: Finding Assurance in Small Fruits
Even a small amount of spiritual fruit is evidence of our connection to Christ. We don't need to see an abundance of fruit to be assured of our faith; even a few small signs can confirm our identity in Him. This assurance is not based on our perfection but on the presence of these signs in our lives. As we grow in obedience, love, and belief, we can have peace and joy in knowing that we are truly in Him. The presence of spiritual fruit, no matter how small, is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [38:57]
Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV): "He put another parable before them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.'"
Reflection: What small spiritual fruit can you identify in your life today? How can you nurture this fruit and allow it to grow into something greater?
Quotes
The first sign is that we obey God's commands. We saw that while no Christian obeys God's commands perfectly, all Christians begin to obey God's command. If that was not the case, then we would still be walking in darkness. [00:47:40]
John is very clear that any teaching that reduces Jesus to a man with special powers is a lie and it is an expression of the spirit of antichrist. So chapter 2 in verse 22, who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? [04:30]
The ultimate reason why we believe in Jesus is not because of anything that other people have said. It is what God himself has said about his son. Notice that he uses the phrase the testimony of God not once but twice in this very important verse. [14:43]
God commands us to believe. Look at chapter 3 and verse 23, and this is his Commandment, that we believe in the name of his son Jesus Christ and love one another just as he has commanded us. Do you realize this? God commands you to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. [20:30]
Obeying God's commands, loving God's people, and believing in God's son really mark the boundary line between spiritual death and spiritual life. These are the tests, therefore, by which the church may discern who really is a Christian. [24:54]
The Christian Life is essentially very simple. It boils down to these three things, doesn't it? Obey his commands, love his people, believe in his son. These are the things that we are to cultivate, these are the things that we are to pursue, these are the means by which Assurance will grow. [29:23]
John is supremely confident that the people to whom he writes really are Christians. He's not trying to fail them in a test. He's teaching them how to recognize those who are defiant towards God, but he's very confident that the people to whom he writes really are Christians. [32:59]
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. Now notice the tense. John does not say everyone who believes will be born of God as if this was something that was still to happen to you. He says everyone who believes has been born of God. [35:11]
Here are the signs of spiritual life. Here is the proof that you are in Christ. Here are things, brother, sister, that you can see in yourself, and they will confirm to you that you have been born of God. A good tree produces good fruit. [37:25]
The tree may not be loaded with fruit, but if you can see even a few small apples, you can say with confidence that's an apple tree. And you see what John is saying, brothers, sisters, you're in Christ, and I want you to know and to enjoy this wonderful reality. [38:57]
Settle it in your mind and in your heart. You believe in God's son, you love God's people, and you are seeking to obey God's command. This fruit will be a sign to you, and the more you see these things in your life, the more you will have peace and joy in knowing that you really are in Christ. [39:52]
Father, will you settle these wonderful truths about who your son Jesus is and who we are in him into our minds and into our hearts, that we may grow in assurance and that thereby in peace and in joy. For these things we ask in Jesus' wonderful name, amen. [40:03]
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