Security
Message Notes:
Having “security” in life is really important to Americans. You may see it in the proliferation of:
•insurance policies
•warranties
•service contracts
•even “retirement guarantees” that we seek / desire.
Americans like:
•control
•no surprises
•no hardship
•And, all of this in ways that our ancestors never had.
Today’s message, from 1 John 5, is a message about “security” and “assurance.”
Read 1 John 5:11-12
•“eternal life” is found in Jesus
•See John 14:6 — “the Way, the Truth and the Life”
Read 1 John 5:13
•I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
•Key words: “know” — “have” — “eternal life.”
Byron’s personal story:
•from salvation — Nov. 28, 1971
•until I finally grasped the “grace of God”
•Strong statement: “It was the last time I ever worried about my salvation.”
Read Romans 8:1 and Romans 8:35-37
Discussion Questions:
Opening illustration:
When they built the first section of the Golden Gate bridge, there was no safety net to protect the workers. Twenty-three workers fell to their deaths in the water far below the bridge. However, during the construction of the last part of the bridge the city of San Francisco decided to install a safety net at a cost of $100,000 (a lot of money in those days). But proved worthwhile when 10 lives were saved by the netting. The interesting thing about that story was that when they completed the bridge they discovered, through a very exhaustive study, that 25% more work was accomplished in the same period of time when the men were completely sure of their personal safety. They could get on with the work! They had that security that they longed for. They were able to put questions and doubts out of their mind and throw all their energies into the work!
•What do you think about this?
How much are you tied to security plans for the things of your life?
•insurance policies
•warranties
•service contracts
•Is this wrong? Can it ever be wrong?
Compare stories from your family history. How was your family less tied to “security” plans in ways that you have?
Why do you think Christians struggle with spiritual security or assurance of salvation? What factors do the most to contribute to insecurity?
Read and meditate on 1 John 5:11-13
•How does this passage address the issue of security or assurance of salvation?
•Is it spiritual arrogance to suggest “you know you have eternal life?” Why or why not?
How do the following passages speak to the subject of assurance?
•1 John 5:14-15 — confidence in prayer
•1 John 5:18 — see use of word “know”
•1 John 5:19 — see use of word “know”
•1 John 5:20 — see use of word “know”