Scripture Reading: John 12:34-41
"I Want to be Sure"
Intro.
1. Sometimes when asked about why a person has not yet obeyed the gospel and become a Christian the reply is, “I want to be sure before I do anything."
2. We ought to be sure and confident of the truth, of our responsibilities toward God, and of the blessings that come from obeying Christ.
3. Such a response can also become a crutch that hinders us from doing what we know to be right and what we need in our lives, Jas. 4:17; 2 Cor. 6:2.
4. Look at some things we need to be sure of and to heed God’s warning not to delay obeying the gospel.
A. “About My Faith.”
1. It is good to assess our faith, 2 Cor. 13:5.
a. Test your faith against the word of God (Rom. 10:17).
b. Do not test your faith against: The faith of others, emotions, human tradition, experiences, etc., Col. 2:8.
2. “I want to be sure (have faith) that…”
a. Jesus really is the Son of God, Matt. 16:13-17.
-His works and words, Jno. 5:36-39, 46-47 (20:30-31).
b. There really is only one church, Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:21-23; 4:4; 5:23.
c. The Bible really is the word of God, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.
-Fulfilled prophecy, its unity and harmony, etc. If not…liars.
B. “About What I Need to do to be Saved.” Acts 16:30-34; 2:36-41
1. Are you sure you have sin in your life? (Rom. 3:23)
2. Do you want to be saved from it? (Rom. 6:23)
3. Will you trust God’s grace and truth that saves sinners in Christ? Rom. 5:8; Eph. 1:7; Rom. 1:16
4. Will you obey Christ in faith? (Plan of salvation clear and necessary):
a. Must believe, Heb. 11:6; Jno. 8:24.
b. Must confess faith, Matt. 10:32-33.
c. Must repent of sins, Lk. 13:3, 5 (Acts 17:30).
d. Must be baptized for remission of sins, Acts 2:38 (22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).
C. “About My Ability to Remain Faithful.”
1. Will never be faithful if you do not begin (Acts 22:16).
2. Will always be faithful if you do what Bible says is right, 1 Jno. 1:7; 2:3-6.
3. You can achieve what others before you have accomplished, Heb. 10:32-35.
a. With endurance you can continue to be faithful, Heb. 10:36-39.
b. Understand that you will be tempted, but you can escape and stand, 1 Cor. 10:12-13; Eph. 6:13; Jas. 4:7.
D. “About My Eternal Destiny.”
1. You can be sure:
a. Faithful Christian, 1 Jno. 5:11-13; 2 Tim. 1:12.
b. Disobedient, unfaithful, not a Christian, 2 Thess. 1:8-9 (Phil. 3:19).
II. DANGERS IN THE “I WANT TO BE SURE” THINKING.
A. Delay Can Occur When it Shouldn’t, Acts 22:16; 16:33.
B. Excuses Can Replace Sound, Biblical Reasoning, cf. Acts 24:24-25.
C. Missed Opportunities do not Always Come Around Again, Prov. 27:1 (2 Cor. 6:2).
D. The Heart Can (Will) Harden, Jno. 12:36, 37-40 (Heb. 3:7-8, 13).
1. Every time you say “no” to God (truth) it becomes easier to say “no” again until finally you become “without feeling” (Eph. 4:19).
2. Do not ignore it when your heart is touched by truth – obey it (Acts 2:37).
1. The question comes to you: Are you sure of your spiritual safety? Are you saved or lost? Do you want to be saved from your sins? Do you want to go to heaven?
2. Will you obey Christ in faith and be redeemed from your sins? Or will you put off, delay and die eternally?
3. Come to Jesus now (Matt. 11:28-30).
4. “While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” (Jno. 12:36)
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: January 16, 2019