Confident (Part 2) (Phrases/prompt)

Introduction:

Attention:

Get a volunteer to come up and mimic my movements

When you were following my movements, did it make you feel more confident when you could see that you were doing it right? Why do you think that is?

Actions prove the relationship

Confident series overview

This week: obedience = encouragement + assurance

Need:

Q. Have you ever been uncertain about your faith or wondered if you were truly following God?

Living the way God wants you to

Focusing on imperfections

Following Jesus = obeying God

Obedience and feeling secure

Body:

The Big Idea: True love for God and others assures and encourages your faith.

The Big Question: Why does loving God and others encourage your faith?

Obedience proves allegiance (1 John 2:3-6)

1 John 2:3–6 NLT

3 And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.

Explanation:

Recap: False teachers

Q. According to verse 3, what can we be sure of if we about His commandments?

We know Him

Knowing = relationship (more than facts)

Obeying and following (outward expression of inward connection)

Obedience = loving God and others

Q. According to verse 4, what is true of a person who claims to know God but doesn’t obey Him?

Liar + not living in truth

Not the recipients; false teachers

No weight

Q. What does John say about the readers in verse 5?

Showing love

“We”

The HS

Q. According to verse 6, how should those who say they live in God live their lives?

Like Christ (imitation)

Christians live like Jesus

“I don’t have to be like Him to be assured, I want to be like Him and am assured.” -Danny Aiken

Illustration:

Admirable coach

Application:

Not perfection—direction

Conviction = good sign.

Grace > failures

Keep walking

Transition Statement:

Just as our obedience reveals where our allegiance lies, our identity confirms that we belong.

2. Identity proves belonging (1 John 2:12-14)

1 John 2:12–14 NLT

12 I am writing to you who are God’s children because your sins have been forgiven through Jesus. 13 I am writing to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I am writing to you who are young in the faith because you have won your battle with the evil one. 14 I have written to you who are God’s children because you know the Father. I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you who are young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts, and you have won your battle with the evil one.

Explanation:

Q. What does John call follows of Christ in verse 12?

"Children" = ALL BELIEVERS.

Identity

Q. What are the other two things that John calls believers in this passage?

Two parts:

Spiritually mature

Spiritually young

An indestructible family

Benefits

Children = forgiven.

Fathers = have come to know God

"Young men" = overcome!=

Concrete signs

Not just a claim/title

Family through faith

Illustration:

A big, loving family

Application:

How can knowing that you are a part of God’s family encourage you in your struggles?

How does being part of God’s family give you confidence in your faith?

How can you remind yourself that your value comes from being a part of God's family, not from what others think of you?

Remember your value

Transition Statement:

Since we are part of God's family, it makes sense that we do prioritize Him, because our relationship with Him shapes our priorities. And because we do prioritize God, we can be confident in the permanence of our eternal future.

3. Priority proves permanence (1 John 2:15-17)

1 John 2:15–17 NLT

15 Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. 16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. 17 And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

Explanation:

Q. In verse 15, John says to not love what?

Not literal planet.

A worldview

Temporary vs. eternal truths.

Q. In verse 17, what happens to the things of the world? What happens to those who please God?

Contrast

Salvation = Inherent priority

Seasons, but still HS

Consistent, inner alignment (transformation)

Illustration:

Given a brand new house (foundation)

Taking care of the house

Application:

Recognize the temporary

Inferior

What areas of your life are you chasing after things that bring only temporary satisfaction?

Are there things you’re prioritizing that don’t align with God’s will for you?

HS discernment

“Does this really matter?” (perspective)

Think about a decision you need to make right now. How would your choice change if you focused on eternity rather than the temporary?

When tempted, remember new heart

Rely on HS (continually realign)

How do you see God’s transformation happening in your heart?

How is He changing your desires to be more like His?

Not a burden—it’s a privilege.

Not salvation; transformation

Prayer

Is there any area where you’ve noticed you’ve been drifting away from God’s will? How can you take steps to realign yourself with His purpose today?

Reflect, consider, and remember

Not perfection; willingness to follow

Continue growing (commit)

Conclusion

Visualization:

Picture yourself facing a tough decision.

Pause and ask, “How can I prioritize God's will in this moment?”

Reiteration:

Remember (the Gospel)

Be encouraged

Trust the Holy Spirit

PRAY

Lesson Overview:

The Big Idea: True love for God and others assures and encourages your faith.

The Big Question: Why does loving God and others encourage your faith?

Obedience proves allegiance (1 John 2:3-6)

Identity proves belonging (1 John 2:12-14)

Priority proves permanence (1 John 2:15-17)

Small Group Questions:

How does your obedience to God’s commands show that you truly love Him? What are some specific areas where you can grow in obedience as a sign of your love for God?

How does knowing your identity in Christ change the way you interact with others and show love to them? How can your identity in Christ give you confidence in your faith?

What are some things that tempt you to prioritize the world over God’s will? How can you remind yourself to keep God as your top priority?

Why is loving God and others an essential sign of a genuine relationship with Christ? How does loving others show your love for God?

How does loving God and others encourage your faith, especially when you face challenges or doubts? What role does love play in reassuring you of your salvation?