Do You Know?

Main Texts

1 John 5:13 · 2 Corinthians 13:5 · 2 Peter 1:10 · Zechariah 3:1–10 · Matthew 7:21–23 · John 5:24 · Romans 5:1 · Romans 8:33–34 · 1 John 1:8; 2:3 · Luke 6:46 · John 10:27–28

Central Question

Do you know that you belong to Jesus Christ, or have you simply assumed that you do?

1. Examine Where You Stand

2 Cor. 13:5 — examine yourselves, not others. Examination ≠ earning salvation; it tests whether faith is genuine. 2 Peter 1:10 — be diligent to confirm your calling.

2. Assurance vs. Assumption

Matt. 7:21–23 — false confidence is still confidence, but it’s wrong. False assurance can rest on a prayer, baptism, church attendance, ministry service, upbringing, or comparison to others. None of these save. Jesus saves.

3. Assurance Begins With Christ’s Finished Work

John 5:24 — certainty of Christ’s promise. Romans 5:1 — peace with God through justification by faith, not performance.

4. Zechariah 3:1–10 — A Brand Plucked From the Fire

Joshua the high priest, filthy garments, Satan accuses. God rebukes Satan and removes the filth Himself — Joshua doesn’t clean himself. Grace calls to obedience, not carelessness. Points forward to Christ, the true and sinless High Priest. Romans 8:33–34 — the final verdict belongs to God.

5. Evidence of Spiritual Life

1 John 2:3 / 1:8 — not sinless perfection, but changed direction: repentance, love for God and others, growing obedience, conviction over sin.

6. False Assurance Needs Shaking

Luke 6:46 — “God knows my heart” is true, and not always comforting. Warn: claiming Christ while present life denies Him.

7. True Believers’ Assurance Needs Strengthening

John 10:27–28 — hope is Christ’s grip, not our grip on Him. Doubt and stumbling don’t erase true faith.

8. The Enemy Uses Uncertainty to Paralyze

Unsettled believers live in spiritual paralysis. Assurance produces peace, boldness, freedom to serve, perseverance.

9. How Can You Know — Five Questions

(1) What are you trusting? (2) Have you repented? (3) Do you believe the gospel? (4) Is there evidence of spiritual life? (5) Are you continuing with Christ?

10. Three Groups to Respond

Those confident but unconverted — examine yourself. Those resisting surrender — repent and come fully to Christ. Those buried in their failures — look away from yourself to Christ.

Invitation Question

Do you know that you have eternal life — and is that knowledge resting on Jesus Christ, or on something else?