1 John 5:13-14 (NKJV) — 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 

Pastor Weston mentioned our confidence in eternal life (13); in answered prayer (14-17); in victory over sin (18); in belonging to God (19), and in Jesus Christ as the one true God (20). God desires to have an intimate relationship with us. He knows what we need even before we ask (Matt 6:8) but still desires us to call on Him. We can ask Him anything according to His will and He will hear us.

Have you ever doubted your own faith and what is it like to experience doubt? 

How can we determine what the will of God is and how does that frame our prayers? 

1 John 5:18-19, 21 (NKJV) — 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Pastor Weston said in his sermon, “those who trust in Jesus are guarded from sin and the wicked one by Jesus, fellow Christians, and ourselves.” As believers, we are making constant adjustments as God is shaping us into His image. John ends his letter with a very serious warning that summarizes the daily application of the letter, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

Examine yourself. Are there adjustments you need to make today?

Do you have any idols getting in the way of your relationship with God?