Enabled: I John 4:13-16a - Identity Search

When you see someone, there are a few ways to determine who they are or what they do for a living. What are some ways that might lead to some guesses?

“What are evidences that prove our identity that we know God?”

Prop: We must be sure we know who are are!

(1) Identity includes an Inheritance (I John 4:13)

1 John 4:13 KJV 1900

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

Another way to think about real identity is to ask, “How do I know that I am a Fernandez?”

The gift of the Spirit implies certain truths:

God kept his promise to the apostles - John 14:26, 15:26

John 14:26 KJV 1900

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26 KJV 1900

26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

The apostolic eyewitness testimony in the New Testament scriptures is foundational to knowing and relying upon the love of God. Ephesians 2:19-20.

Ephesians 2:19–20 KJV 1900

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

There is an experience to the Christian life, one who strengthens/emboldens the inner man (Ephesians 3:16).

Ephesians 3:16 KJV 1900

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Kid’s Pause:

God’s Word is the Record of the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life, and God’s Holy Spirit is the real Person given to all who receive Jesus as Lord. God’s Word and God’s Holy Spirit go together.

Illustration: Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich

Applications:

- God can always be trusted to keep his word.

- You are not speaking on behalf of the Holy Spirit if what you are believing/saying is against the truth of God’s Word.

- [Unbeliever] Believing and living the Christian life is not something you do on your own.

“How do I know the love of God, and why can I rely upon it?”

(2) Inheritance is made Evident (I John 4:14-15)

First, there is the content of confession. I John 4:14

1 John 4:14 KJV 1900

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

the Father sent confirms the economic subordination within the Godhead.

Application: There is nothing wrong with being told what to do. One of the beautiful ways that Christians manifest Jesus Christ is through submission.

the Son - the incarnation.

In addition, Jesus’ Sonship is unique and a material incarnation.

to be the Savior of the world. By implication, the world needs saving, and Jesus came to save or to deliver. (John 4:42)

Confirms the Sovereign care of God for his creatures.

Reminds us of the sacrifice of Jesus as our substitute.

Second, there is the matter of confession. I John 4:15

1 John 4:15 KJV 1900

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

The act of confession is evidence of possession by the Holy spirit. This is consistent with other NT passages such as Romans 10:9-13

Illustration: Fernandez Black Hair.

Kid’s Pause:

When you genuinely believe that Jesus is the Savior, you will show evidence of this belief in what you say about Jesus.

“How do I know the love of God, and why can I rely upon it?”

Because of the Holy Spirit and his work through me to openly confess Jesus as Savior.

(3) Evidence is Ongoing - I John 4:16a

1 John 4:16a KJV 1900

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Conclusion:

Absolute knowledge does not begin with street smarts, nor does it begin with a study of a theory of evolution. Absolute knowledge is based on absolute truth.

Absolute truth does not eliminate experience. Christian experience comes by way of the Holy Ghost who is given to us, and this Christian experience is connected to the absolute truth of Jesus Christ in His word.

Applications:

Test your feelings by the testimony of God’s Word.

God has proven his love in Jesus Christ. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ today!

Test the truth claims made in culture by the truth claims made in scripture and trust God’s Spirit to strengthen you.

Pray and ask the Lord to help you be more faithful to the preserved word of God.

Ask God to make you more aware of his very Spirit within you.