july 19, 2009, 1 John 3:19-24

July 19...  "God's Answer to Doubt" 1 John 3:19-24

ICEBREAKER:  Can you recall the first time that you disobeyed your parents (and that it left an impression)?

There are two questions that plague believers:  Am I a Christian? (or still a Christian?); Is God happy or angry with me because of my life?  These are crippling doubts, and God answers them clearly.

1 John 3:19-24 

19We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him 20in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. 23This is His commandment that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 24The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.

The source of doubt is Satan pointing out sin to us.  We are loved by God evidenced in that fact that we actually want to obey.

 

 

- According to this passage, can you identify three benefits of love for the true Christian?

 

 

 

 

V19 - 23.  V19 says that we will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us. V 22 Says if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God. (Romans 4:20-22, 8:38&39, 2 Tim. 1:12) Is there a discrepancy here? What exactly is the demonstrable proof of salvation? (See John 13:34,35) What does this have to do with deeds and actions? (V16)

 

 

 

 

V21 - How does love banish self condemnation? ( 2 Cor. 1:12)

 

 

 

 

 

V24 - What does Romans 8:9-17 say about the Spirit God has given us?

 

 

Are there things that you are abiding in that create difficulty getting close to God? Think about philosophies, politics, economics, religion, hobbies, entertainment, relationships, etc..