Dealing with Doubt
unReal-1 John 4:13-21
John Harris
August 31, 2019

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September 1, 2019
by John Harris

God wants his children to
Reveal Answer
with a deep
Reveal Answer
that we
Reveal Answer
in Him as He
Reveal Answer
in us.

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. —1 John 4:13-21

We abide with deep assurance …

1. Because of the

Reveal Answer
of His
Reveal Answer
.


2. By the
Reveal Answer
of His
Reveal Answer
.


3. In the
Reveal Answer
of His
Reveal Answer
.

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  1. How would you explain the differences among the following words: pride, arrogance, assurance, confidence, competence.

  2. Read 1 John 4:13-21. John writes that “we abide in God, and God abides in us.” What are some different reactions to this reality claim that you would expect from others?

  3. How does the possession of God’s Spirit bring assurance? (v. 13b; Romans 8:14-17)

  4. Why is confessing Jesus as the Son of God a mark of abiding in God? (v. 14-15) Why is confessing Jesus as Son of God related to assurance?

  5. Read v. 16. What are some barriers to knowing, believing, trusting, and relying upon God’s love? How do these barriers steal your assurance?

  6. How is God’s love related to future judgement? How is God’s love related to present assurance?

  7. What is John the Apostle’s point in verse 19-21? Does this apply to everyone?

  8. How do you deal with shaky assurance? Consider sharing your doubts with your group. Pray for one another.


    Prayer Time