RCCG Canaan Land Digging Deep January 26, 2016 Studies From The Book of John: HALLMARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER (John 2:23-25)

HALLMARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER (John 2:23-25) “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover in the feast day, many believed in His Name, when they saw the miracles which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men. And needed not that any should testify of man, for He knew what was in man” Vs. 23 “many believed in His Name when they saw the miracles which He did” Miracles (Signs & Wonders) are one of the most potent tools for effective evangelism. Heb. 2:3-4, Acts 8:5-6 - Power Evangelism 1Thes. 4:48 - Jesus Himself attests to the effective role Miracles, Signs and Wonders play in Evangelism in John 4:48.

HALLMARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER (John 2:23-25) Signs are one of the things that showcase true believers. Mark 16:17-18, Matt. 10:1, 2Cor. 12:12. -The more involved a believer is in Evangelism, the more Signs and Wonders God will manifest through him. Mark 16:19-20. - We are created for signs and wonders. Isa. 8:18. - We are also to be signs and wonders to an unbelieving world. 1Thes. 1:5, John 4:39 (Woman at the well of Samaria), Luke 8:38-40 (Wild Man of Gadara).

HALLMARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER (John 2:23-25) Not all signs and wonders are from God. 2Thes. 2:9, Rev. 16:14. - Jesus warns us about False Prophets, especially in the end times. Matt. 24:24, 2Tim. 3:1-5. - A false Prophet can be identified by his utterances, lifestyle and fruits. 1John 4:3, Matt. 7:15-23. - We need to test every spirit to confirm if it is of God or of the devil. 1John 4: 1-3.

HALLMARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER (John 2:23-25) Signs and Wonders are primarily for unbelievers and young Christians, to make them believe. - A believer whose faith is hinged on signs and wonders will not grow in the faith. John 2:24-25 “Jesus did not commit Himself unto them because He knew all men and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man”.

HALLMARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER (John 2:23-25) WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MAN? - God never asked us to trust in man, have confidence in man or commit to man, absolutely. - We are to trust and commit to God and God alone, absolutely. Prov. 3:5, Psa. 37:5. TRUE BELIEF IN CHRIST SHOULD INVOLVE COMMITMENT TO HIM. There are many “believers” in the world but few Converts, hence Jesus did not commit Himself to them or advise us to do the same. Acts 8:12-24 (Simon the Sorcerer).

HALLMARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER (John 2:23-25) - Conversion entails commitment to the Lord. - God looks not at outward appearance but at the heart. 1Sam. 16:7, Luke 16:15. - The Heart of Man – Jer. 17:9-10, 2Chron. 6:30 TRUE BELIEF IN CHRIST SHOULD INVOLVE CONTINUANCE IN HIS WAYS (Acts 2:41-42, Psa. 106:12-15, Josh. 1:8, Psa. 1:2-3) even in the face of challenges. Mark 4:17 (Parable of the Sower). - Only those who endures till the end shall be ultimately saved Mark 13:13, Luke 22:28-30, John 6:66-71 (Peter -Vs- Judas), Rom. 11:22, 1Tim. 4:16.

HALLMARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER (John 2:23-25) TRUE BELIEF IN CHRIST SHOULD ENTAIL CONFESSION OF HIM. - Confession of the Lord Jesus is a pre-condition for salvation. Rom. 10:9-10. - Confessing Jesus before Men is a pre-condition for Jesus confessing You before God. Matt. 10:32-33, Luke 9:26. - Fear not the Reproach of Men. Isa. 51:7, Pro. 29:25, Matt. 26:69-75 (Peter).

HALLMARKS OF A TRUE BELIEVER (John 2:23-25) - If you are reproached for the Name of Christ, the Spirit of God rests upon you. 1Pet. 4:14, John 7:13, 48-52 (Nicodemus), John 19:38-42 (Joseph of Arimathea). - Those who hate you because of the Name of Jesus that you profess shall be ashamed Isa. 66:5. - Every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Phil. 2:11.

CONCLUSION Make a new commitment to the Lord today, ask Him to help you to continue in His ways and for Grace to confess Him to others through our Words, Conduct and Lifestyles