Focal Passage: I John 3:21-4:6
How many of us have felt a lack of confidence in certain situations? Maybe it was giving a report at work, being put in charge of a new project, or standing at the free-throw line with the game on the line. Confidence matters.
As Christians, our confidence doesn’t come from who we are or what we have. Our confidence comes from the Lord. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to stand tall as He works through us for His glory. In his first letter, John writes about that confidence to believers, reminding them they can stand strong because of what Christ has done for them.
In 1 John 3:21–24, John reminds his audience that they can know they are in a right relationship with the Father. The only true source of confidence in this life comes from our relationship with Jesus. From the beginning, John tells them that if their hearts do not condemn them, they have peace with God. The Holy Spirit helps us recognize sin — He may convict us with feelings of sorrow or despair, but even more, He brings the mercy, grace, and forgiveness that God provides.
Brandon Johns
When we have settled a matter with the Lord through repentance, we don’t need to punish ourselves any longer. God forgives our sin and no longer counts it against us, so why should we continue to carry the guilt? We must learn from our sin, but we must not let forgiven sin distract us from our mission — to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. When we love others as God loves them, we demonstrate that we are living in fellowship with the Father.
In I John 4:1–3, John reminds believers that they can have confidence in discernment. God has given His children the ability to test whether a message or “spirit” is truly from Him. Not every message is trustworthy. Plenty of teachings sound good but contradict God’s truth.
John gives two clear tests. First: does the message align with the Word of God? You can only discern this if you know and study Scripture. If a message contradicts God’s Word, it is not from God. Second — and even clearer — does it confess that Jesus is from God? If a teaching denies that Jesus is God’s Son, sent to save mankind, it is not from God. That’s plain and simple. As believers, we can be confident in rejecting messages that deny Christ and standing with those that honor Him.
Finally, our confidence comes from Jesus, who stands victorious over the world. In 1 John 4:4, John uses the word “conquered.” Because of Jesus, we have prevailed over the sinful world — not by our own strength, but because “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” May we never forget that the Spirit of Almighty God lives in us, and He will not be defeated!
So, Christian — stand tall. Stand firm. Stand confident, because the Lord goes before you! He has won the victory. Take courage! B&R
