The Fruit of Assurance: Study of 1 John #14
This is an exposition of 1 John 5:13-17. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, January 31, 2016.
Intro:
It is something that we Baptist are sure of. We hammer it home as often as we have an opportunity. It’s one of the things we are known for – “You guys believe that once saved always saved stuff.” Yes we do. We believe in eternal security or the preservation of the saints. I prefer the latter term because it is all of grace. We are saved by grace and kept by the gracious working of our God. We are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. It is not to the one who strives but to the one who trusts in God who justifies the wicked that salvation is given. This is a precious truth to us but to say we are saved by grace does not mean we don’t do anything. Rightly understood the doctrine of perseverance is not, “I signed a card, got dunked in water and its smooth sailing from here on out.” This doctrine is not an excuse for prayerlessness, lack of discipline or ungodliness. Luther said, “We are saved by faith alone but not a faith that is alone.” In other words saving faith looks for something to do. Saving faith is an active, obedient faith. I’m not saved because of what I do – I do what I do because I’m saved!
Many think they oppose “doctrinal preaching” because they prefer practical teaching. But there is nothing more practical than doctrinal truth. Doctrinal truth leads to faithful service and we have a wonderful example of that in our text this morning. Our text is found in 1 John 1 John 5 beginning at 1 John 5:13.
I remember sitting in my systematic theology class at Southwestern Seminary when Dr. Dominy said, “I’m going to teach you the two most important words in theological study.” I sat up and readied my pen. I don’t want to miss this. He said, “Here they are. Are you ready? So what?” You haven’t finished exploring doctrinal truth until you ask, “So what?” God is the infinite creator of all that is. He spoke and a world came into being. He is everywhere present. He knows everything. He is all powerful. He is gracious, loving and merciful. He is holy, transcendent, unique, one of a kind. It’s not enough to fill your head with those facts. The Christian life is not a game of cosmic trivia it is a living relationship with the Creator. What does His character demand of you? How are you to relate to Him? How do those attributes affect your life? In other words, so what?
John has been writing to hurting, struggling people. False teachers have perverted the Gospel. Many have left the church; those who remain are confused and uncertain. Is it true that there are “greater” truths? Is it true there is a “higher” knowledge? “I don’t know what they know – does that mean I’m not really saved?” John wrote as a loving pastor to bolster and encourage their sagging faith. He said if you want to know that you know – there are some simple tests.
- The test of righteousness – are you growing in holiness?
- The test of love – are you growing in your capacity and desire to love?
- The test of truth – is there an increased hunger for the knowledge of God?
It isn’t about being “perfect” in any of these areas. It is about progress or growth. Are you farther along the path? Is there evidence of growth?
5:13 = the message of the book.
This is what John’s first epistle is all about.
In fact there is a real sense in which the letter ends with this verse.
The verses that follow are a postscript.
John draws some conclusions based on this truth.
What difference does this doctrine of assurance make in practical ways in daily life?
Thesis: Assurance of salvation is essential to powerful, confident Christian living.
There are two things I want you to note.
- Assurance of salvation inspires confident praying. (5:14-15)
- Assurance of salvation demands impassioned intercession. (5:16-17)
Conclusion:
The point of it all is that our assurance of salvation is essential to powerful, confident Christian living.
It inspires confident praying and it demands impassioned intercession.