JOHN THE BELOVED BLASTS AWAY AT THOSE WHO LIE, BUT REASSURES WITH TENDERNESS THOSE WHO REALLY LOVE JESUS

1. Some are wounded by John's attacks against the apostates, & the spirit of Antichrist -Phonies
2. So John lays down a Spiritual principle to save us from fretful, anxious care & needless worry
3. There is a Christian Assurance that goes beyond the doctrine of Eternal Security - this is not known by faith but comes to us through experience, and experimental knowledge!-

I.- HEREBY WE KNOW THAT WE ARE OF THE TRUTH v.19

Paul said plainly "I know whom I have believed".-II Tim 1:12 -But can we know WE are OK too?

A.- CAN WE KNOW BEYOND HUMAN DOUBT AND FRAILTY THAT WE ARE OF GOD, AND IN HIS HAND?

1. Gr-Oida - means to Know absolutely- fullness of knowledge, but it often comes first by faith
2. Gr-Ginosko- means progress in knowledge, or getting to know something a bit at a time-experience
3. Both are used in I John 2:29-Know Him by faith-, but know of others by experience with them

B.- THE BIBLE SAYS WE CAN KNOW THAT WE ARE OF THE TRUTH, AND HAVE ASSURANCE BEFORE HIM v.19

1. John says we can KNOW, and he gives us the Hereby-the touchstone, plumb line, litmus paper
2. If our love is in deed and in truth- not just word v.18- then our experience has picked up t(illegible)
3. Here is a very practical side of Christianity- can be seen, evaluated, measured in time -

C.- THIS KNOWLEDGE OF OUR OWN SELVES COMES FROM EXPERIENCE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND GIVES ASSURANCE

1. It is nice to be a member of the club-& to pay your dues! & men earn their right to speak
2. Have you paid your dues to Christianity? -Salvation is by faith, but Spiritual bank account n(illegible)
3. It is not the great sacrifices -v.16, but the compassionate heart of v.17 that shows real love

Great battles we fight to win, but what of the small nail -in shoe of horse-?  Show in small things

II.- WE CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE TOWARD GOD!

And if we have confidence toward God- we need fear no man- Enoch did not - he walked with God

A.- THE SAME WORD "CONFIDENCE" APPEARS IN I JOHN 2:28, 3:21b, and 5:14 - MUST BE IMPORTANT

1. Gr- Parresia - meaning free from alarm, fearless courage, cheerful assurance, boldness!
2. 2:28- when he comes- we will not be ashamed - like Adam & Eve hiding in the garden -
3. 5:14- When we come with a request we can come boldly, freedom of speech like Esther-

B.- DO YOU HAVE THIS CONFIDENCE TOWARD GOD? SOME OF JOHN'S DAY CLAIMED IT, OTHERS HAD IT!

1. You may be faced with eternal reality -Jim Marsdon's Aunt- 4 pacemakers in 4 weeks-not sure
2. Now she is! Jim led her to Christ this week!  Now He has confidence too! didn't muff it!
3. Have you accepted Christ? Do you have any unconfessed sin? Any unclaimed opportunities?

B.- IF YOUR HEART CONDEMNS YOU, GOD IS GREATER, IF IT DOES NOT CONDEMN YOU, HAVE CONFIDENCE!

1. God is greater in what way? In knowledge of our sin?  Of Judgement?  Of Compassion?  Forgiveness
2. The whole focus of this is on God's love for us, & His desire for us to love each other!
3. If your heart wounds you- confess it to God- but remember He wants so desperately to forgive!
4. If your heart does not condemn you- then with great freedom and joy -enjoy His Compassion -

III.- THIS IS OUR CONFIDENCE ΙΝ OUR PETITIONS!

Now the confidence carries us beyond just the enjoyment of God to enjoyment of this world's good

A.- NOTICE THAT GOD'S WORD SAYS WHATSOEVER WE ASK WE RECEIVE OF HIM BECAUSE!  V. 3:22

1. There is a great theme in Scriptures concerning prayer - asking and receiving & repeated often
2. Jesus gave great promises to His disciples concerning prayer - in His name ask, seek, knock
3. This is the greatest untapped resource of power - the reason - is found in this BECAUSE!

B.- "BECAUSE WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS, AND DO THOSE THINGS THAT ARE PLEASING IN HIS SIGHT." 22b

1. These commandments reach into the basics- Believe, & Love- v.23- & Abiding v.24 in Him
2. But these are very practical - Morality simply means conforming to the standard- good & right
3. Note "pleasing in His sight" - this involves the sweetness of love for Jesus! do you care?

C.- THIS IS THE CONFIDENCE, THAT IF WE ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS WILL - WE HAVE THE PETITIONS - 5:13:14

1. The word "Ask"- is middle voice to do so continually for your own interest!
2. As you stay on speaking terms with God-remember His will- is for the very best for you!
3. To many of us worry about His Will He loves us -so wants our best! -If we love Him- same!

Even the weakest heart, easiest sinner- can cast himself on the love of Christ- have you?

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CLAIM CONFIDENCE? IF NOT, PAY YOUR DUES TO THE CLUB SO THAT YOU CAN!

1. Confidence in Salvation- very real - place faith in Jesus- & come to Know Him by faith!
2. Confidence in Prayer - very real too!- place faith in His Commandment s- & start obeying!
3. Confidence in life - Very practical - joy comes to those who walk in His love!  Now & forever.