Evidence & Assurance

Introduction

One of my greatest concerns for those who claim to be born is the fact that they are possibly living with a lack of assurance of their salvation.

I am as much or more so concerned with those who claim to have been converted, but show little to know evidence of any real change in their life; and evidence.

Illustration: (evidence & assurance) Money in the bank / Is it day or night (live with your eyes open) / what you plant is what you will harvest!

Holman Concise Bible Commentary Theological Significance

Theological Significance. This letter speaks to contemporary Christians in a significant way. Today there are many people who profess to know God and have fellowship with Him but do not demonstrate such faith at all. John’s tests concerning obedience, love, and belief provide warnings for the unfaithful as well as assurance for genuine believers. To be sure that we know God, we must keep His commandment. If we lack love for others, it indicates we do not know the love of God in our hearts. Foundationally we must believe rightly about Jesus Christ. He is the Christ, the Son of God, who has come in the flesh. This important triad calls the contemporary church to a strong, balanced faith. We must grow stronger and stronger in all areas of our Christian life.

1) Key Facts About The Letter

A. Four reason for writing this letter

To add to their joy (1:4)

To guard them against sin (2:1)

To warn them against false teachers (2:26)

To Strengthen their faith in Christ and assure them of eternal life (5:13)

B. Key words

Fellowship

Know

Love

C. Central Theme

This is the epistle of Certainties (1:1-3)

Lays great stress upon the spiritual knowledge obtained by believers.

“Know” or its equivalent appears over 30 times.

7 key passages

(2:29; 5:18) A righteous life requires regeneration.

(3:2) That we shall be like Christ at His coming.

(3:5) That Christ came to take away our sins

(3:14) That brotherly love indicates that we have passed from death unto life.

That he abideth in us by the witness of the Spirit.

(5:13) That we have eternal life.

(5:15) That our prayers are answered

2) Key Summaries

A. Relationship & Fellowship with God (1:1-2:6)

John emphasizes that a full experience of joy depends on genuine FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST.

This fellowship is with a perfectly pure God!

Fellowship (not relationship) with him is determined by obedience to His revealed will.

Someone who denies their sin is deceived.

John’s desire is for true believers to not sin.

They have an advocate; Jesus Christ.

Jesus volunteered as our atoning sacrifice for sin.

The love of the Father led Him to provide the sacrifice of His Son.

Relationship is produced by believing and confessing faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice for sin.

Following God in the love, holiness, and service that characterized Christ is indicative of enjoying fellowship with God.

B. A new commandment (2:7-17; 3:11-24)

A right attitude is evidence of genuine Christianity; loving Christian brothers and not the world.

Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection set a new meaning and application to the action of love.

Here is the evidence: Habitually failing to love others shows you lack gospel conversion!!!

Believers are recipients of strength and help from the Word of God.

Do you have struggles?

John will encourage us not to love a pagan and self-centered lifestyle.

You have passed from DEATH to LIFE!

C. False teaching (2:18-28; 4:1-6)

John emphasizes the importance of RIGHT BELIEF as evidence of genuine Christianity

You will be introduced to the word ANTICHRIST.

More along the lines of FALSE DOCTRINE

Their protection from such things was the Holy Spirit, being centered in the gospel and living in close fellowship with the REAL JESUS.

D. Right living (2:29-3:10

Being born again privileges you to experience God’s love and living in His family.

Evidence of family membership is RIGHTEOUS LIVING

You DIED with Christ and RESURRECTED with Christ!!!

IMPORTANT: You will continue to have moments when you sin, but you should NEVER live in the practice of sin.

This resurrected life will also bear evident in your love for the brethren (LOVE IS ACTION)

E. God’s Love (4:7-21)

Our practice of love for one another provides evidence that God’s love for us has attained it’s goal.

To know that God is love is NOT ENOUGH!

Must LIVE in the sphere of DIVINE LOVE.

Evidence GOD’S LOVE is living IN YOU.

F. Victory of faith (5:1-12)

Here is the chief confession of faith that should characterize your Christianity...

Jesus is the Messiah

Jesus is the Son of God

This faith brings about an acting gospel love and strength for spiritual victory.

A faith placed in a false Jesus is to misplace your faith.

Your faith is only as good as it’s object.

G. Eternal life

One assurance is receiving answers in prayer.

John urges genuine believers to practice intercessory prayer for those in sin.

Conclusion