Lesson 12 HOW TO BE SURE YOU’RE RIGHT

Introduction;
Often when expressing certainty of some Bible subject, we are faced with the criticism that it seems presumptuous to be so sure of yourself. My answer is that it is not that I am sure of myself but that I am sure of the Truth.
In order to establish this truth, It is advisable to do as those who survey the country. They establish benchmarks and then make sure that every observation made later, agrees with the first and every subsequent benchmark. If there is a discrepancy, there has been an error and one must start over.
God set the first Benchmark in the opening statement of the Bible, and everything that follows agrees with that statement; "God created the heaven and the earth."
By using this method I can say as did Paul, "I know ----" . As you study, make sure of your first premise, and then by comparing scripture with scripture, add to your knowledge and be able to say, "I know what I believe".
2 Pet 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

1 John 3:19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.

This verse sets forth the entire proposition for this lesson. Have you ever traveled a strange road, wondering if this is the path you really wanted? Maybe it’s going to lead you into an area you didn’t desire to enter! Then, you recognize an unmistakable landmark that is shown on the map and you know you are on the right road. What a relief! Now you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

We know = denotes a personal relationship between the one knowing and the object of knowledge (The difference between knowing that a fire is hot because you have been told and because you have felt its heat.)

We are OF the truth. Whether the ‘of ‘ is showing possession or origin, we need to KNOW who we are and to whom we belong.

And shall assure our hearts before Him. Assure = to render tranquil in the presence of a stern parent. ( Has he found out yet? Will he punish me now? )

1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things

If our heart condemns us (to know against) It is important that we see the real meaning of this verse. It IS possible to soothe a guilty conscience by rationalizing our actions until it is seared over, but the Word of God works on our heart through the Holy Spirit. Even when we quench the Spirit we KNOW it and our heart witnesses against us through the Word of God.

2 Cor 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

God is greater – If YOU know it is wrong (whether you admit it or not) then how do you think it looks to God? He knows even the things that you may have forgotten.
1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.

If we can really and honestly say as Paul said in

2 Tim 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: - then we can have confidence (the speaking openly and frankly, all that is on one’s mind) Could you REALLY stand before the throne of God and tell Him all that has been on your mind today?

1 John 3:22 And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
The secret of answered prayer:
A. When we have fulfilled all the previous conditions.
B. When we have kept His commandments –( to watch over attentively) we will be careful to ask only those things that are in accordance with His will.
C. When we DO the things that please Him

1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

This is His commandment;
A. Believe on the name of His Son, Jesus Christ
For salvation -

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.

For acceptable service.

Mat 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. The work of Moses and the Prophets was good but when they have faded from the scene – Listen to Christ!

And Love one another AS He gave us commandment. He prescribed the kind of love and the WAY it should be manifested. Any other love or way or manifesting it is not the keeping of this commandment.

1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

You cannot keep His commandments and dwell in sin at the same time. Neither will Christ dwell in one who dwells in the world! We will know when He is dwelling in us because the Holy Spirit will make us miserable otherwise!

NEXT: We Try The Spirits