otC 223 Genuine Faith

Genuine Faith Tests from John's first epistle Proverbs 4:23 NKJV – Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. NASB – Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. NLB – Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Good News The gospel is good news It is not just an offer for forgiveness and then a demand for holiness Both forgiveness and holiness are made available by faith through grace Sin can be cancelled and conquered! Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. II Corinthians 13:5 NLT Preventative Penance Proverbs 1:17 "For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird…" "True penance is to refrain from committing deeds for which penance is to be done but when such are committed, to bewail them." --- Columbanus I John 1 Vss 1-3 Reality based response I John 1 Vss 4-6 Reality based reaction I John 1 Vss 7-10 Reality based results Test #1 Are you regularly enjoying fellowship with Jesus and His church? I John 1:3 Hebrews 10:24-25 I Corinthians 1:9 Test #2 Are you very sensitive to your sin? I John 1:8-10 Known sin that is not confessed cannot be forgiven! Hebrews 10:26-29 Test #3 Do you have an inner hatred of the world system? I John 2:15-17 Dependent upon your fellowship The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life = (money – sex – power)