We Can Be Assured of God's Presence (Hebrews 13:5-6)
Introduction:
1. According to 2 Peter 1:4, God has blessed His people with "exceeding great and precious promises." 2. We read about one of these promises in Hebrews 13:5 -- the Lord has promised to always be with His followers. 3. In our lesson we are examining several conditions that relate to this promise. 4. By complying with these conditions "we can be assured of God's presence."
Discussion:
I. 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).
II. 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. 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. 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. 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. 2:10-11 2. 3:11, 14, 18 3. 4:7-8, 20-21
Conclusion:
1. We learn from Hebrews 13:5-6 that the Lord's promise to be with His people builds 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.
