2. Walking Confidently with God Church of Christ at Medina November 25 th, 2012

3. Introduction Gnosticism – A false doctrine – or multiplicity of false doctrines – that centered around the idea of knowledge (gnosis) being of greater value than faith or anything else. – Two basic beliefs for our consideration. 1.Knowledge was the one condition for salvation, not faith. 2.Matter is inherently evil. Hence, the material body is inherently evil.

4. Confirmation # 1: Jesus, the Son of God, came in the flesh. 1 John 1:1-4 Before: – John 1:14 – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” After: – Luke 24:36-43 – Acts 2:32 1 John 4:1-3 – Note: “…in the flesh…”

5. Confirmation # 2: Those who have fellowship with God walk with God. Fellowship is a partnership or relationship. It is a sharing of things in common. Fellowship can be between men, but also between God and man. This can only happen because of Jesus. Fellowship is reestablished when we receive the forgiveness of sins. Fellowship is maintained when we walk with God. – Walk: A Hebraism for the whole life.

6. Confirmation # 2: Those who have fellowship with God walk with God. Walking with God includes: 1.Confessing our sins. (1 Jn. 1:9) 2.Keeping His commands. (2:3-6) 3.Loving not the world. (2:15-17) 4.Practicing Righteousness. (2:28- 3:10) This includes avoiding sin. This includes doing right.

7. Confirmation # 3: We are not perfect, but we have an advocate. John makes it a point to state that we cannot claim perfect or sinless lives. 1 John 1:8-2:2 – If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (ESV)