2 Final Tests

Title: “Two More Tests” Script: I John 4:13-21

Type: Expository Series Where: GNBC 8-4-24

Intro: After John Wesley had been preaching for some time, some one said to him, “Are you sure, Mr. Wesley, of your salvation?” “Well,” he answered, “Jesus Christ died for the whole world.” “Yes, we all believe that; but are you sure that you are saved?” Wesley replied that he was sure that provision had been made for his salvation. “But are you sure, Wesley, that you are saved?” It went like an arrow to his heart, and he had no rest or power until that questions was settled. Many men and many women go on month after month, and year after year, without power, because they do not know their standing in Christ; they are not sure of their own footing for eternity. Latimer wrote Ridley once that when he was settled and steadfast about his own salvation he was as bold as a lion, but if that hope became eclipsed he was fearful and afraid and was disqualified for service. Many are disqualified for service because they are continually doubting their own salvation. (Moody’s Anecdotes, Page 101-102)

Prop: I Jn. 4:13-21 will demonstrate two final tests for the Christian’s Assurance.

BG: 1. I John written to give certainty for eternal life and Person of Christ. Deity and humanity.

2. One person has stated that I John was not a theological treatise written in the peace of a library, but rather a polemic tract for the times to address a crisis situation in the Church.

3.

Prop: Let’s look at I John 4:13ff to understand 2 final tests for the Christian’s assurance.

I. The Test of God’s Indwelling vv. 13-16

A. The first of the Final Two Tests John Gives us is that of God’s Indwelling.

1. The Proof of the Christian’s Position.

a. This section of John’s epistle is referred to by scholars as the “high water mark” of the letter. It is the point of highest theological attainment and it’s focus is on answering the question: “Where’s the proof?” Illust: We have an expression in English: “The proof is in the pudding.” The phrse was 1st coined in 1605ad by William Camden of England (Remaines of a Greater Worke) where he said: “All the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Essential the phrase means that one has to experience something oneself in order to know it is true.” That is kind of what the aged apostle is saying here.

b. John begins w/a familiar statement in v. 13. “we know that…” Essentially he is saying: “Here’s the proof!” The previous section had 2 exhortations 1. To test the spirits (vv. 1-6). 2. To appeal to love for one another (vv.7-12). Joh is applying these tests further, no longer as an exhortation, but rather as an affirmation. He is no longer challenging them to a behavior, but rather, affirming them in their behavior.

2. The Importance of the Indwelling of God in the Believer.

a. God’s indwelling of the believer is mentioned 3x in this section. V. 12 “God lives in us (single), became reciprocal in vv. 13&15. “We live in Him and He in us.” V. 16 – God lives in him and he in God.” Do you see the progression? How does this happen? By the indwelling of the HS, of course v.13!

b. Of these 3 tests, the last 2 are a development of the first. It is by the Sprit that we can acknowledge the incarnation of the Son (4:1-3) and by that same Spirit we are able to love (vv.12-13). You see, in our fallen and unredeemed state we are both spiritually blind (unable to believe) and selfish (unable to love).

B. The Trinitarian Defense of this Testing. Vv.13-14

1. John begins to make a defense from the Trinity.

a. In v. 13 we see God the Father has sent the HS and now in v.14 we see that the Father has sent the Son. Did you notice that, Christian? The God of the Bible is undeniably Trinitarian. Illust: The Athanasian Creed: “We worship one God in Trinity and the Trinity in unity, neither blending their persons nor dividing their essence.” People have tried to illustrate/explain the Trinity in various ways: St. Patrick the Shamrock. Some have tried with the substance H2O that it can take three different forms. Some have tried to explain how one man can be a son, a father, and an uncle. However, there’s a simple reason they don’t work: The Trinity, as such, isn’t like anything in creation. True, we humans are image bearers but nothing in creation serves as an analogy for the Trinity because the Trinity is a doctrine of special (biblical) revelation not nature or reason. The Trinity is absolutely and completely unique.