Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 87th. Edition.
Dear People Belonging to God,
Our passage today (1 John 3:19-24) touches on another of the recurring themes of this letter, assurance of our eternal security as believers. In today’s passage, the emphasis is the impact of our relationship with God and how it impacts our day-to-day sense of assurance.
Assurance Through Inner Sensitivity (vv. 19-21). There is nothing worse than false assurance. It is a sure ticket to hell. A person who believes him/herself to be safe when he/she is not, will not take measures to ensure safety. The scripture tells us, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5). But equally true, a valid assurance based on an honest assessment of one’s state is a most valuable asset. The heart is a true gauge of one’s true state. If one has a heart that does not condemn, it is a sign that there is no guilt in oneself. We should always gauge our state. If our heart condemns us, it does not help to pretend to others. Deal with the sin, because sin masks assurance.
Assurance Through Effectual Supplication (vv. 22-23). The joy of answered prayer is a great boost to a believer’s faith. When we obey him by doing what he has instructed, we enjoy the benefit of answered prayer. This assures us that we belong, that our Father is listening when we pray. But do we? We will never know the joy of answered prayer if we do not pray, in the first place.
Assurance Through the Indwelling Spirit (v. 24). The Spirit of God is given to every believer at the point of surrendering one’s life to Christ. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). This inner confirmation is demonstrated in our obedience. In effect, there is no assurance without obedience.
People who live without regard for God’s commands, condemn themselves to a life of uncertainty. You want to be secure and know it? Obey!
Your Loving Pastor Chris.