April 13, 2008
What We Believe - Assurance of Salvation pt. 2

Steve Lane

A. Introduction
Motive for this topic: 1 John 5: 13
Matthew 7: 15 - 23 "I never knew you"
2 Corinthians 13: 5 Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith
"But genuine love for God and His people, heart-felt obedience to His commands, and the Christ-like character traits that Paul calls the fruit of the Spirit demonstrated consistently over a period of time in a person's life, simply cannot be produced by Satan or the natural man or woman working in his or her own strength. These can come about only by the Spirit of God working within and giving us new life."

-Wayne Gruden

Three perspectives:
What you believe
What you love
How you behave
There are many unconverted people who say they they believe.
Turning away from sin and unbelief, and turning to Jesus and faith in Him.

James 2: 19 - Saving faith goes much deeper.
Isaiah 53: 5

But Romans 8: 1 says there is no condemnation. However...
Romans 5: 1 - 2
Romans 5: 10 - 11

Reconciled; connected to the vine - flows into the branches, and produces life and fruit.

B. What You Love (relationship, emotions)

1 John 3: 1
John 4: 11 - 12
In adoption, God makes us members of His family.

John 10: 27 - 29
Are you his sheep? Do you hear His voice? Do you have eternal life?
2 Corinthians 1: 21
Ephesians 1: 13
Titus 3: 4 - 8
Romans 8: 15 - 16
There is a desire for intimacy like a child.

Ephesians 5: 1
Matthew 5: 16

Hebrews 12: 6
1 John 4: 19 - 21
1 John 1: 3
1 John 2: 6

C. How We Behave (will)

Work out your salvation... Make your election sure... Pursue assurance

1 John 2: 3 - 6

1 John 3: 9 Overcomes temptation
1 John 3: 16 Habitual victory over sin
Loves the brethren
1 Peter 2: 2 Loves the Word
Matthew 5: 44 Loves enemies
2 Corinthians 5: 14 Loves lost souls