How can we ensure we are "of God" as described in John 8:47? Setting the scene John 8 records a tense dialogue between Jesus and the religious leaders. In verse 47 He distinguishes between those who belong to God and those who do not. The dividing line is simple: those who are “of God” hear and receive His words; those who reject His words reveal that they are not His. Key verse “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8:47) What it means to be “of God” • Born of God—granted new life through faith in Christ (John 1:12-13; 3:3-7) • Indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who enables discernment of God’s truth (1 Corinthians 2:12-14) • Anchored in a relationship marked by love, obedience, and trust (1 John 2:3-5) Steps to ensure we are “of God” • Repent and believe the gospel – “Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) – Saving faith rests solely on Jesus’ finished work, not on personal merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Submit to the authority of Scripture – Approach the Bible as God’s infallible word (2 Timothy 3:16-17). – Read, study, and obey what He says (James 1:22-25). • Cultivate a listening heart – Daily seek the Spirit’s illumination (John 16:13). – Silence competing voices—worldly philosophies, sinful desires, and traditions that contradict Scripture (Colossians 2:8). • Practice ongoing obedience – Jesus: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) – Obedience does not earn salvation but evidences genuine conversion (1 John 3:9-10). • Abide in Christ through prayer and fellowship – Consistent communion with God keeps our hearts tender to His voice (John 15:4-7). – Faithful participation in a Bible-teaching church provides mutual encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). Evidence that we are hearing His word • Conviction of sin followed by repentance (John 16:8; 1 John 1:9) • Growing love for God and for others (Matthew 22:37-40; 1 John 4:7-8) • Increasing conformity to Christ’s character (Romans 8:29) • Joyful perseverance amid trials, sustained by His promises (James 1:2-4) • Desire to share the gospel with the lost (Matthew 28:19-20) Warnings against self-deception • Mere profession without obedience (Luke 6:46) • Religious activity that lacks genuine faith (Matthew 7:21-23) • Hardening the heart by ignoring conviction (Hebrews 3:12-13) Encouragement for daily living • God delights to make us His own; rely on His grace, not your performance (Titus 3:5-7). • The same Spirit who inspired Scripture empowers you to understand and obey it (1 John 2:27). • As you continue to hear and heed His words, assurance of belonging to Him grows stronger (Romans 8:14-16). |
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