Being Sure

Feedback:
What was last week’s action point? How did you get on with it?

Intro:
What do you think makes someone a follower of Jesus? On a scale of 1-10, how sure are you that you are a child of God and that you will be with Him forever?

Tell the group the story of how you became a follower of Jesus in 2-3 minutes.

Read: 1 John 5v9-13 (twice)
What does John want for the readers of his letter (13)?
Where does John point them to help them “know” (9-10)?
What is the difference between God’s testimony and man’s? What does God say is true?
How easy do you find it to believe God’s testimony?
What is the key to gaining eternal life? What does it mean to have the Son?
Do you think eternal life is just for the future or is it a “now” thing? (Check out John 17v3.)
Where do you stand in light of these verses? How can you be sure?

In these verses, we are pointed to God’s testimony (his word) to give us assurance. In the rest of 1 John we are pointed to other sources of assurance including the Holy Spirit’s presence in us (4v13), our obedience to God (2v3) and our love for one another (2v14).

True or False:
If you are a true Christian you will always feel like one.

Pray:
Ask God to give you a deep assurance of His goodness and love, and to help you trust His promises. Pray for one another.

Action Point:
This week, tell at least three people that you are a follower of Jesus.

Digging Deeper:
Read further about these things that give us confidence in our relationship with God:
1. Our trust in the authority of God’s Word and the promises He makes. (2 Tim 3v16-17)
2. The Holy Spirit in our hearts assuring us that we’re God’s children. (Rom 8v15-17)
3. Over time we see evidence of change in our lives. (Galatians 5v22-23)

Agape Essentials 1.1