Assurance of our standing before God is rooted in three things:
1. Understanding how .
Three images Jesus introduces in John 14-17:
2. Knowing and believing .
3. Practicing a lifestyle of .
NOTES:
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
• Discussion Starter: If there was a top ten list of the obstacles to us growing spiritually and seeing the transformation we long to see, what do you think would make the list?
• Have you ever struggled with believing that you were secure in your relationship with God? If so, explain why?
Jesus’s final words to His disciples were words of assurance. Read John 14:1-3; John 14:18 & 15:9; and John 15:13-14.
• Discuss how these verses help us understand Christ’s love for us. Why is love an important incredient of security and stability?
John provides added commentary on assurance in his letter 1 John. Read 1 John 5:10-13.
• How can we “know” that we have eternal life? What is our confidence anchored to?
• What is the testimony that God has given us about Jesus? How does this feed assurance?
Read 1 John 1:5-2:2:
• Why is our honesty and confession an important component of assurance? How has your unwillingness to call sin what it is damaged your confidence? What happens when we agree with God?
• If willing, share your testimony of how your assurance has grown since following Jesus.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Feed your assurance this week by reading the following passages:
• 1 John 5:11-13: We know we have eternal life if we know we have faith in the Son. How do you know you have faith in the Son?
• 1 John 2:3-4: We know we have eternal life by observing the spiritual and moral outworking of our faith in behavior. Is my life marked by obedience to Christ?
• Romans 8:15-16: We know we have eternal life thanks to the witness of the Holy Spirit. How is the Spirit helping me know God and experience His love?