LIFE HAS MANY UNCERTAINTIES, AND GNOSTICISM MANY QUESTIONS; BUT SOME THINGS WE CAN KNOW!

1. When one has run the race well- he deserves the prize-; and assurance is the prize of Faith
2. The Gnostics claimed a superior intellect, and theorized much; but John says we can KNOW
3. If you do not have Christian Assurance in your heart- you will have many needless sorrows

I plead with you, settle your relationship with God so that you can KNOW!!

I.- "THAT YE MAY KNOW" GIFT OF ASSURANCE v. 13

These are the rights of the newborn ones- they have a right to KNOW concerning their life

A.- THE RIGHT TO ETERNAL LIFE V. 13A

1. Satan has clouded men's minds, moved heaven and earth to prevent men from enjoying this right
2. Many men have written, testified, even given their lives, to bring us the right to be saved
3. You have a right to a higher life than animal existence- claim it, allow no one to stop you

B.-THE RIGHT TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE THIS ETERNAL LIFE v. 13B

1. This is the epistle of experimental knowledge - Know in many forms- 41 times in 1 John alone
2. Many cults, churches,- do not have assurance- But YOU can KNOW with ASSURANCE that you are saved
3. You might brainwash yourself to the Baptist Distinctive without Christ- & have infernal assurance

C. THE RIGHT TO A PROGRESSIVE FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, EVER GROWING TO GREATER HEIGHTS - v. 13C

1. Some people believe because of another's testimony- have you told another? is this your limit?
2. Some believe because of their own experience- eyes & ears tell them-this is the Christ-
3. Some reach farther- an enlightened faith taking off for higher knowledge of Jesus-

You have a right to know- but no one can drive you to experience this sweet assurance

II.- "IF WE KNOW" - CONDITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

The right to confidence in answered prayer is conditional- the condition is our own faith!

A.- OUR PRAYERS ARE A PART OF OUR CONFIDENCE TOWARD GOD, WHEN WE KNOW HIM, WE TALK WITH HIM v.14

1. The right to access to God is not questioned - if you are a child of God, you have this right
2. In fact we can come boldly to His throne of Grace in time of need- like a father
3. But the question is regarding our being guided by His will - Ill - I prayed for blond-got brunette

B. IF WE KNOW THAT HE HEARS US, WHATSOEVER WE ASK, WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE THE PETITIONS- .V15

1. When we pray according to His will- He hears us, & we can know He hears us!
2. Prayer is somewhat limited by our faith- so PRAY TILL you do KNOW that He hears you!
3. Then we have the confidence- of Whatsoever we ask our petitions are numbered- & answered -

C.- WE KNOW WE HAVE A RIGHT? RESPONSIBILITY TO INTERCESSORY PRAYER FOR OTHERS v. 16,17

1. There is a limit to Christian intercession- don't blame yourself for unanswered prayer here!
2. But PRAY! You do not know the limit of the prayers- so you are responsible to pray- (Marsden)
3. If we fail to pray for each other- how terrible, selfish, cruel!  And pray kindly- not against!!

You can have confidence in your prayers if you put faith behind your prayers-

III.- " WE KNOW" - FOREVER SETTLED - V. 18-20

The following are things we can and should know with confidence, as forever settled in heaven

A.- GOD'S CHILDREN DO NOT SIN WILFULLY - v. 18

1. This is no doctrine of human sinlessness- but it deals with sin as a family matter not enmity
2. If you know of a Christian that sins-consider it weakness, and pray for that person
3. God protects us from the evil one- We are kept in His Hand! But don't flirt with Satan!

B.- WE BELONG TO GOD EVEN THOUGH THIS WORLD LIETH IN WICKEDNESS - v. 19

1. The great division in the world is between the children of God and children of Satan-
2. Your confession of Christ settles forever your relationship- YOU BELONG TO GOD!  KNOW IT!
3. Don't be disturbed by what the world is doing - It is in wickedness- & darkness- expect no better

C.- JESUS IS COME, AND WE ARE IN HIM - THIS IS THE CLIMAX OF OUR KNOWING!

1. John battled with the Gnostics- they did not believe in Incarnation- all matter is evil- Gr.
2. Jesus did come in the flesh- and He gives us the means of knowing God- 20b-not theories-KNOWLEGE
3. With this understanding we can know Him that is true- and we are in Him that is true!

20c- this is the true God, and Eternal life- no matter what the Gnostics say!

THE TEMPTATION TO IDOLATRY IS STILL PRESENT, SO LITTLE CHILDREN, KEEP YOURSELVES FROM IDOLS!

1. The Confession of Christ keeps you from the idol of this world! - be Saved
2. Enshrine Him in your heart- Love Him, Worship Him- keep from idol of selfishness
3. Serve Him work hard for His Glory- protect you from idol of sloth!