As we studied Matthew 7-29 today, we were challenged to examine ourselves (and others) whether they are "in the faith" or not. John, in his effort to assure those who truly belong to Jesus, wrote the letter of 1 John.
He provided the following evidence of salvation. We will (not 100%, but as a lifestyle/these actions will be evident in our lives):
1. walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:6-7)
2. confess sin/admit we are sinners (1:8-9)
3. keep His commandments (2:3-6;5:2-3)
4. love others (2:9-11; 3:14-17)
5. not love the world (2:15)
6. acknowledge the Son (2:23,5:10)
7. abide in what you have heard from the beginning (2:24)
8. abide in Jesus (2:24)
9. practice righteousness (2:29)
10. will not practice sin (3:6,7,9)
11. confess Jesus is the Christ (4:2-3)
12. hears the words of the apostles (4:6,15)
13. overcomes the world by faith (5:4,5)
Praise the Lord for the changes He makes in the lives that are His!
The enemy likes to get us to question our salvation. Some people are plagued with this doubt. It seems if they are that concerned with their salvation, they likely are truly Believers, but getting ripped off by doubt. What a gift this list would be to them! And what a call to all of us Believers to pursue, with an increasing passion, living in such a way that this list is more and more evident in our lives day by day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy, for mining these gems for us out of 5 chapters!
Amy
After going through the Sermon on the Mount, I realize that the more I learn, the more I know, the more I grow, the deeper I go, I find myself having less confidence in my flesh and more dependent in HIM. I can't ever have enough or arrive. I want MORE!
ReplyDelete"Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ..." 2 Cor 2:14
I can't wait to see what treasures He has for us as we begin to study His message in the upper room.
ana