One of the greatest challenges for young Believers is how to deal with doubt. Sin can cause us to doubt the sincerity of our decision to follow Christ. Also, emotional responses to failed expectation can tempt us to look inward rather than upward. Here, the Bible provides evidence to bolster our faith during these times. What can I use to remind myself that I’m a child of God?
1 Jn. 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
1. The Holy Spirit allows us to discern truth in God’s word and a desire to obey it.
V6 “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”
2. I have a genuine desire to sacrificially love others.
V7-8 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
3. We received the Holy Spirit the MOMENT we confessed Jesus as Savior and Lord and then our lives changed. KEY!!...Salvation occurs in a moment, not a process.
V13-14 “Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
4. We are not afraid or embarrassed to publicly identify ourselves with Jesus and live for Him.
V17-18 “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
LESSON - This is mere evidence that we have obtained a relationship with Jesus Christ. We must remember that doubt is the enemy of faith. In order that we increase our faith, the word of God must become our main resource. As we draw closer to the Lord in His word, we will find greater peace, comfort, and assurance (Rom. 10:17). If when you draw closer to the Lord you fall under greater conviction and condemnation, my friend you need to be saved!
~Mike
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