I John 2:28-3:3
1. Confidence is born of consistency, v. 28
“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” -Revelation 19:11-16
2. Confidence comes from practice, v. 29
Two things to notice here…
a) God imparts spiritual life to people
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”
-John 1:12-13
b) The practice of righteousness is evidence of being born of God
3. Confidence is anchored in other world love, v. 3:1
Here is love, vast as the ocean, loving-kindness as the flood, when the Prince of Life, our Ransom, shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember? Who can cease to sing His praise? He can never be forgotten throughout heav'n's eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion fountains opened deep and wide; through the floodgates of God's mercy flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers, poured incessant from above, and heav'n's peace and perfect justice kissed a guilty world in love.
4. Confidence comes from perspective, v. 2
“now”…..”will be"
5. Confidence has its hope in the right place, v. 3
Mental worship…
What do you practice?
Is the Gospel to you more about forgiveness or restraint?
To purify yourself do you need to practice addition or subtraction?
When did you first grasp the manner in which God loves you?
Where do you live more often, in the “now” or in the “will be?”
What do you hope in?