[224 words]
One of the greatest weapons Satan has is the powerful weapon of doubt. Doubt in the Savior, doubt in the brethren, and doubt in ourselves. Doubt is the world’s most powerful weapon. Satan discourages Christians with these thoughts: “Are you sure you are a Christian…Do you really think you can stay faithful…How can you believe that Jesus really cares for you…does God really exist?” To help us with confidence consider this small list:
Obedience to God. “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments” (1 John 2:3).
Imitation of Christ. “ He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked” (1 John 2:6).
Possession of the Spirit. “And he that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us” (1 John 3:24).
Love for the brethren. “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death” (1 John 3:14).
Pursuit of Righteousness. “We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not” (1 John 5:18).
Jonathan Burns
Findlay church of Christ
Sparta, TN