Anxious About Eternity?

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2000002

Subject: attitude/confidence/faith

Preached Originally:  01/02/00 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction

A.     Talk once more about anxiety.  Talk about anxiety in a slightly different light. 

B.    Are you totally comfortable when we sing songs such as “There’s a Great Day Coming?”  Questions asked in this song may have a way of making us feel uneasy.

C.    May be b/c one is living out of sync with God.

1.    feel guilty – but not enough conviction to change for better.

2.    only remedy?  Repentance.  W/o it = destiny = hellfire.  See Acts 17:30; Lk. 13:3-5

D.    Some may feel uneasy b/c they so conscientious about trying to please God.

1.    concerned about falling short – after putting forth truly best effort.

2.    Scriptures are scary.  See:

3.    Mt. 7:13-14; 1 Pet. 4:18; Heb. 10:31

4.    Going to talk how the Christian can take comfort in the Scriptures that as long as he serves God – keeps a proper attitude that he can trust in God for salvation.

E.    Want to spend much time in 1 John tonight.  Book written to give hearts assurance – if we have done what necessary to be pleasing to God.

1.    1 Jhn. 3:18-22

2.    Here is a test of our faith.

 

I.  Genuine Love Demonstrates that we are of Truth.

A.     1 Jhn. 3:16 – Christians should reflect on the love of Christ & the way that they treat others.

1.       most cases:  our acts of love toward each other are more “ordinary” than what Christ did for us.  Seldom called on to lay down our lives for brethren.

2.       Jhn. 15:13 – but if necessary:  we should.

a)    if he expects us to do that – then we should show lesser degrees of love in more “ordinary” situations.

B.    Love demands the sharing our resources with the needy – 3:17

1.       See also Lk. 16:21

2.       ever note that only negative thing about rich man – was that he let the beggar die while eating crumbs.  (Didn’t share w/Him)

3.       A person w/a shut heart – does not have the love of God abiding in Him.

C.    Love is a test of discipleship

1.       Jhn. 13:34-35 – others see our love & know that we are followers of Christ.

2.       need to examine ourselves & see how we demonstrate love for others.  If we are – 1 Jhn. 3:19

a)    disclaimer:  showing love by helping needy doesn’t mean that everything in life = pleasing to God.

b)    Can demonstrate love & fall short in specifics.

3.       But – if you flunk this test of love – you know your not prepared for eternity – 1 Jhn. 4:20.

 

II.  We Must Learn How to be Confident Toward God.

A.    1 Jhn. 3:19 – Aim = confident when we stand before God.

1.     Some:  false sense of security.  Feel good about salvation = even thought they haven’t yet obeyed gospel.

2.     1 Jhn. 2:3 – John stresses need for obedience to will of God.  See also 3:22.

B.    But….here John discussing opposite problem.  Talk about Christian whose heart condemns them w/doubts/anxieties. 

1.     John trying to assure them that they could come before the Lord w/all confidence.

2.     do you sometime wonder if you have made any progress in your Christian life?

3.     Do you still see your sins/failures in stark contrast to your accomplishments?

4.     Does your growth as a Christian seem hazy & uncertain?

a)    We all remember our failures & know about them. 

b)    Remember every bad thought.  Think of every time we fail to show love as we should.

c)    Sometimes feel hypocritical to profess that we a Christian.

d)    Normal to feel this way.

1)        ignorant/apathetic don’t have these concerns.  Don’t know / care enough to think of things as this.

5.     God = greater than our hearts!  He knows us.  He understands us better than we do.

a)     judgment will not be on subjectives – but on objective realities by an all powerful, loving God.

b)     If….we have unforgiven sin in life – that’s fearful.  Get rid of it!

c)      1 Jhn. 1:7 – much comfort on leaving destiny in hands of a loving God – if we are “walking” in the “light.”

6.     doesn’t mean that we should be indifferent to the conditions of our souls.

a)     not encouraging: “Don’t worry about it, everything’s OK” attitude.

b)     Remember: 1 Jhn. 3:22.  In 1 Jhn. 5:13 – John says that it is possible to know whether or not we are doing that.

 

Conclusion

A.        Having confidence to think of eternity w/o anxiety offers wonder blessings for the Christian.

1.    1 Jhn. 4:17-18 – don’t have to live in fear!

2.    We can trust in the power of prayer.  Can go to God in bold confidence.  God will hear/answer prayers.

a)    1 Jhn. 3:21-22

3.    Can experience the joy of walking in the light – 1 Jhn. 1:7

B.        Different from once saved/always saved.

1.    we must keep his commandments

2.    must do those things which are pleasing in His sight.

3.    otherwise:  we not saved.

C.       Because of God’s grace – and the blood of Christ – we have the cleansing of sin.

1.    Have you obeyed the gospel?

2.    Are you continuing to walk in Christ?

3.    If change needed?  Change!

D.  I N V I T A T I O N