1 John 3:19
And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure
our hearts before him.
Related Scriptures
2 Corinthians 13:5
1 John 2:10
1 John 2:28-29
1 John 3:18
Questions
1. 1 John 3:19 refers to those words written just before it. Consider 1 John 3:18-19. When 1 John 3:19 says “hereby” what is it looking back to?
2. Is this love the thing that makes us of the truth or one means by which we can know we are of the truth? This is a cause and effect question. What does the text actually say?
3. It is not uncommon for Christians to sometimes begin to wonder if they are really and truly saved. If you are struggling with such doubts, what is one thing you can check in your life to help prove to yourself that Christ has indeed saved you?
4. According to this verse, can we face Christ the great Judge with assurance?
1 John 3:20-21
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater
than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not,
then have we confidence toward God.
Related Scriptures
Romans 8:33-34
2 Corinthians 7:5-6
Hebrews 3:6
Hebrews 3:14
Hebrews 4:12-16
Hebrews 10:35
Questions
1. a) What would these verses in 1 John say to the person who knows that he or she isn’t a genuine Christian? b) Would they suggest that God can be fooled like those around that person seem to be?
2. a) What would these verses say to the genuine Christian who was being tempted by doubts? b) Which judgment prevails--that of our hearts or that of God?
3. The Bible describes the heart as deceitful. It describes God as unable to lie. If we have to place our trust in one or the other, which should it be?
4. Will a guilty conscience—especially a rightfully guilty conscience—tend to make us feel assurance about our relationship with God?
5. If we have done wrong and our hearts are condemning us, what can we do to restore both our fellowship with God and our confidence? (See Proverbs 28:13 or 1 John 1:9 if you need a hint.)
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