2011-07-10
Before You Go... Evidences of Salvation, pt. 3
Steve Lane

A. Introduction
Acts 1: 4 - 5 He has called us to phenomenal things—things that cannot be accomplished apart from Him!
You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5: 17); fruit from rebirth
1 John 5: 13 - 14 So that you may KNOW that you have eternal life
Hebrews 2: 1; Hebrews 4: 11 ← WARNINGS

B. Evidences of Salvation

(((Caution))) these evidences are not what make us saved, or keep us saved
Do you enjoy fellowship with Jesus?
1 John 5: 1

Are you sensitive to sin in your life?
Romans 7: 24

Do you struggle with sin?
Romans 6; Romans 7: 15; Galatians 5: 22 - 26 Evident!

Do you obey the scripture? (Do you love the Word?)
1 John 2: 3 - 6; Psalm 26: 2 - 3

Do you love Christ, rather than the world system around you?
1 John 2: 15; 1 John 3: 2 - 3 (Hope fixed on Him.. purify ourselves)

Do you love Christ, and have eagerness for Him to return?
Romans 8: 22 - 25 (I want to see Him, and this is my hope)

Do you see an increase in the pattern of sin if your life? Or, no change at all?
Not fire insurance, but a new creation in Christ
1 John 3: 5 - 6 Do not be deceived—the old nature is not any better
2 Corinthians 4: 16 When I am walking in the Spirit, I don't sin, but when the old is in charge, I will sin.

Do you love other Christians? Grace and truth is scripture standard (agape/phileo love)
Why do you not divorce when marriage doesn't feel good? Agape love, a committed love.
1 John 2: 11; 1 John 3: 14 - 16
Agape—choosing to love; having the ability to choose to love is evidence.
1 Thessalonians 4: 8 - 9 We know that God is love—an attribute, not an emotion.
John 15: 13 All will know if you have love for one another (1 John 4: 7 - 21 1 Corinthians 13: 5 - 6 How is this possible?

Do you receive answers to your prayers?
1 John 5: 14 - 15 I can know He hears me
Ephesians 3: 20 Not a formula
Acts 10: 41; Acts 11: 14; Luke 7: 1 - 10; 1 Kings 21: 25; Proverbs 28: 9

Have you suffered on account of your faith?
1 John 3: 13 Don't marvel if the world hates you...
1 Peter 4: 1 - 4; Philippians 1: 28

Do you see the love of Christ controlling and compelling you?
2 Corinthians 5: 14
Evidence of being a believer → I obey, because I love Him

Do you see Jesus differently than others see Him?
2 Corinthians 5: 16

Things are not the same, you are a new creation
2 Corinthians 5: 17

Do you experience the ministry of the Holy Spirit?
1 John 4: 13

Do you know anything of the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?
Romans 8: 16

Do you hunger for the truth of God's Word?
John 14: 6; Psalm 119: 34 - 35; Romans 8: 9 - 12

Can you discern spiritual things?
1 Corinthians 2: 14
2 Corinthians 3: 18 Being transformed
Galatians 5: 22 - 25 Fruit of the spirit

Do you desire to see others come to know Christ?
2 Corinthians 5: 18
Romans 8: 5 Desire others to be conformed.
Are your desires becoming more and more conformed?

C. Conclusion
Ephesians 2: 8 - 10
Philippians 3: 12 - 14