Do You Know for Sure?

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“Don’t love the world,” 1 John 2:15 says. Don’t love the kosmos—the things in the world that oppose God. The devil sets three temptations in front of you—the same three he tempted Eve with and even Jesus Himself. He hasn’t changed his tactics in all these years. Satan brings the same temptations to us, and we fall for it.

1. “The lust of the flesh.” Two temptations we cave to fastest are food and sex. Being tempted isn’t sin—giving in to it is.
2. “The lust of the eyes.” Satan showed Eve a pleasant tree, and he showed Jesus the kingdoms of this world. We live in an attractive world—be careful what you look at.
3. “The pride of life.” Most people pride themselves on something: Their legacies or looks or abilities—whatever makes us feel superior to someone else. Don’t fall for Satan’s more subtle temptations.

These things can be deadly, but they are passing away. Don’t invest your energy in what will fade. Invest in what will last for eternity.

We live in “the last hour,” John says, and we must be urgent in getting out God’s message. Sadly, many who profess to be Christians only think they are. They may look the part, but they’ve never believed in Jesus. The only way to tell if someone really is a child of God is if they continue in the faith they remain with God through the highs and lows. If they go back to the world, they might never have really known the Lord.

Every one of us should ask ourselves:

• When I sin, what do I do about it? Do I continue with it? Do I get to God as soon as possible and confess it to Him? Do I turn my back on that sin and start again??
• Have I come to God in repentance, owning my guilt and acknowledging my wicked heart?
• Do I look to Jesus and Him alone for my salvation?
• Have I evidenced in my life that I am a new creature in Christ Jesus?
• Do I love the Word of God? Is it bread to me?
• Do I love the body of Christ, corporately and individually?
• And do I love the Lord Jesus Christ?

Consider these things seriously. Give yourself regular checkups. Ask the Lord to give you firsthand evidence that He is in you. And if you fail the test, do something about it.

The child of God has the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand the Word of God. If you really want to do business with God, go to Him, ask for light, ask for guidance, and ask for His assurance. (Read 1 Corinthians 2:9-10.) The Holy Spirit will lead you through the Word of God and help you grow up in God and in His grace and knowledge.

Living a godly life is the final proof of your salvation. The Word of God is the real test. God’s children look like their Father. If they don’t take after the Father, they must not be the Father’s children. It’s just as simple as that.

1. What is necessary to have victory over the things which tempt our flesh?

2. Why can what we see so easily lead us into temptation?

3. What areas of your life are susceptible to pride?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGee's complete audio teachings of 1 John 2:12-16, 1 John 2:16-19, 1 John 2:19-22 and 1 John 2:23-29.