When Your Confidence Falls Short • 1 John 3:21–4:6
By Sydney Charlton
Jesus promised many things to His followers, but two important promises are found in John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Trouble is guaranteed. Living for Christ isn’t always easy. Exhaustion sets in, and fighting our flesh causes us to become weary. Our confidence and determination wane as worldly temptation beckons us.
The second promise in John 16:33 is critical. Christ has already overcome the world! As His followers, we can stand victoriously because of Christ and because of the guidance of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
1 John 3:21-24
Just as family members and friends pick up mannerisms from one another, the more time we devote to spending with the Lord in Bible reading, prayer, and being with His people, the more we will start to emulate Him.
The Holy Spirit makes us more and more like the One Who has redeemed us and saved our lives from the pit. When we abide with Him, we become more aware of how we should act, our thought patterns change, and our desires shift.
John 15:4-5 says, “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.”
Even in an uncertain world, we stand confidently as we remain in Christ and obey Him.
1 John 4:1-3
Not everyone who claims to speak for God walks in the truth of Christ. John 13:35 reminds us that our love for one another sets Christ-followers apart.
Be mindful of how you live and hold yourself and others you know accountable. Is the fruit of the Spirit apparent in your life? (Galatians 5:22-23) Does your character reflect God’s nature?
Before you call attention to the shortcomings of others you know, be quick to ask the Lord where you need more guidance. Christians are not perfect, but we ought to be quick to call upon the Lord and ask for His wisdom, grace, and strength. If we neglect to do this for ourselves, we will not live out the victory that is ours in Him, and we will not be able to help others in their journey either.
1 John 4:4-6
Even the waterboy for a championship team gets a fancy ring. In Christ, we receive far better — we receive a Heavenly reward! Because of Christ’s victory, we are victorious, too! Until we are in Heaven for eternity, our mission ought to be to live boldly in the confidence that Christ gives.
Charlton is the OneHope Missions Assistant at Crossgates Baptist Church, Brandon.
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