1 John 5:13 -“I write these things… that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Pastor Andy titled his message “Knowing What to Know” No other book in the New Testament uses “know” more than 1 John. The phrase know or a derivative is used somewhere between 32-38 times. The author wants to know what you know.

The question every believer must face is simple yet profound: What do you really know? Not just information, not just capability, but what do you know about your relationship with God? John writes his letter so that Christians can live with confidence rather than fear. Assurance is not arrogance; it is the fruit of the gospel. True assurance comes from Christ’s finished work, not from our performance. The gospel gives us objective confidence in what Jesus has done and subjective confidence in what the Spirit is doing in us. Many believers drift toward either self‑righteous overconfidence or self‑condemning insecurity, but the gospel creates humble confidence. Assurance

John explains that assurance shows up in three ways. First is the doctrinal test, believing the real Jesus, his humanity, his lordship, and his saving work. Faith is not perfect certainty; it is trust in the true Christ, not a Christ of our imagination. Understanding that Christ had to be human to save us is key. Second is the moral test, a changed life. Obedience is not the basis of assurance but the evidence of it. Christians still sin, but their direction changes. The presence of struggle is evidence of life; dead people don’t struggle. Third is the social test, love for others. Love is the relational fruit of the gospel. Assurance grows when we see God producing forgiveness, generosity, and patience in us. You cannot know God without becoming a person who loves like God.

Assurance is both a gift and a discipline. The Spirit gives an inner witness of God’s love, yet assurance also grows through Scripture, prayer, community, and obedience. Doubt is normal; assurance develops over time as we walk with God. It is not a switch; it is a relationship. Assurance is not based on emotional stability but on God’s unchanging promise. It is never “I’m good enough,” but always “Christ is enough.” God greater as assurance deepens, fear fades. Perfect love casts out fear, freeing us from fear‑based religion and producing joy, courage, and love. When we know we are accepted, we stop trying to earn acceptance. Assurance becomes the engine of spiritual growth, not the reward for it.

John ends his letter with a final warning: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” John emphasize that Jesus gives understanding because God sent Him, not because he is God. The Father is the true God (John 17:3), and Jesus is the Messiah who reveals Him. Idols include false conceptions of God, even turning Jesus into something Scripture does not claim him to be. John calls us to hold tightly to the true God and the true gospel. Father, thank You that You want me to know I belong to You. Teach me to trust Your Son, walk in Your ways, love Your people, and rest in Your verdict rather than my feelings. Let Your perfect love cast out my fear. Amen.

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