how we can be assured of God's presence (hebrews 13:5-6)
Introduction:
1. Our morning lesson was based on the statement made in Philippians 4:19. 2. Paul stated that "God shall supply all your need." 3. We covered 6 special blessings we need that God supplies. 4. One blessing is mentioned in Hebrews 13:5 -- God supplies "the assurance of His presence." 5. The Scriptures reveal several conditions that relate to this blessing. 6. This evening we are pointing out from 5 passages "how we can be assured of God's presence."
Discussion:
I. FIRST, JESUS ADDRESSED THIS MATTER IN JOHN 14:23
A. In this verse Jesus showed how He and the Father will make their abode with us. B. The condition for enjoying this blessing is keeping the Lord's words. C. Love for the Lord will lead us to keep His words (John 14:15). D. The Lord's words must never be rejected (John 12:48).
II. SECOND, 4 CONDITIONS ARE REVEALED IN 2 CORINTHIANS 13:11
A. This verse mentions "the God of love and peace" being with us. B. The conditions for enjoying this blessing are: 1. "be perfect" [made complete] 2. "be of good comfort" 3. "be of one mind" (Romans 12:16) 4. "live in peace" (Romans 12:18).
III. THIRD, LET US EXAMINE PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9
A. Vs.9b mentions "the God of peace" being with us. B. The conditions for enjoying this blessing are that we must practice the teachings of Paul and follow his example (vs.9a). 1. Paul's teachings: a. (vs.4) We must "rejoice in the Lord always." b. (vs.5) We must practice "moderation" [forbearance]. c. (vs.6-7) We must avoid anxiety. d. (vs.8) We must think properly (Proverbs 23:7a). 2. Paul's example in Philippi: (Acts 16:11-12, 16-25).
IV. FOURTH, JOHN ADDRESSED GOD'S PRESENCE IN 1 JOHN 1:5-7
A. In these verses John wrote about having fellowship with God. B. The conditions for enjoying this blessing are that: 1. we must not "walk in darkness" (vs.6) 2. we must "walk in the light" (vs.7).
V. FIFTH, GOD'S PRESENCE IS ALSO ADDRESSED IN 1 JOHN 4:16
A. In this verse John wrote about dwelling in God and God dwelling in us. B. The condition for enjoying this blessing is that we must dwell in love. 1. 1 John 2:10-11 2. 1 John 3:11, 14, 18 3. 1 John 4:7-8, 20-21
Conclusion:
1. We learn from Hebrews 13:5-6 that the Lord's presence gives us confidence and eliminates fear. 2. This confidence was expressed by David in Psalm 23:4. 3. We can have the same confidence by complying with the conditions we have studied.
