What role does "certainty" play in your personal faith journey? Key verse: Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” Defining certainty from Scripture • Assurance that rests on God’s unchanging character, not shifting feelings • Confidence anchored in the historical, literal events recorded in the Bible (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) • A present possession—“we know” (1 John 5:13)—not mere wishful thinking about the future Why certainty matters in the faith journey • Stabilizes the heart when trials hit (Hebrews 6:19) • Fuels bold obedience—knowing “I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12) • Guards against doubt-driven instability (James 1:6-8) • Enables joyful worship because promises are viewed as already secured (Romans 4:21) Growing in certainty • Immerse in God’s Word—faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17) • Recall fulfilled prophecies and answered prayers; they provide tangible reminders that God keeps His word • Fellowship with believers whose testimonies reinforce God’s faithfulness (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Obey promptly; lived experience of God’s promises deepens assurance (John 7:17) • Rely on the Spirit’s inner witness—“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit” (Romans 8:16) Evidence certainty produces • Peace that transcends circumstances (Philippians 4:7) • Perseverance under persecution—like Paul, “none of these things move me” (Acts 20:24) • Generous, sacrificial living—treasure is secure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21) • Evangelistic courage—speaking “with great boldness” (Acts 4:31) Daily practice • Begin the day confessing aloud core gospel certainties (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) • Keep a journal of God’s faithfulness; review it when doubts surface • Memorize key “we know” verses (e.g., 1 John 5:13; Romans 8:28) • End each day thanking God for specific proofs of His reliability, nurturing a reflex of trust |
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