THE JOY OF BEING SURE
"And I am sure that when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ." Romans 15:29.
I. THE DISTRESS OF UNCERTAINTY
"For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle? I Corinthians 14:8.
"And Elijah came near to all the people and said, ’How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people did not answer him a word." I Kings 18:21.
II. WE CAN BE SURE OF THE TRUTH OF GOD’S WORD
"The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes." Psalm 19:7-8.
"And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. But know first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." II Peter 1:19-21.
III. WE CAN BE SURE OF THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST
"And we have come to believe and are sure that Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." John 6:69. "He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs…"Acts 1:3.
The resurrection of Christ enables us to be sure of His being eternal with God the Father; sure of His divine birth to the virgin Mary; sure of the atonement for sin that He made… and sure of His Second Coming.
IV. WE CAN BE SURE OF OUR SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION
"Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, ’The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ’Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." II Timothy 2:19.
V. A QUESTION WITH ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES: ARE YOU SURE?
"Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." II Peter 1:10-11.
