January 26, 2026

1 John 2:3-6

40 minutes

In this episode, Danny, Jake, and Sam dig deeper into 1 John 2:3-6 and how we can know we’re truly in Christ without slipping into pride, fear, or complacency. It is essential to know that there is a tension between confidence and humility in the Christian life. John calls believers toward assurance, not shallow comfort or spiritual guesswork. We explore how Christ’s finished work and the Spirit’s ongoing work together produce a faith that is both secure and deeply joyful—and why obedience doesn’t earn salvation, but powerfully confirms it.

Highlights from the message:

Main Points: 1) Genuine believers are both dependent on Christ and obedient to Christ. 2) Assurance comes from believing in the justifying work of God and experiencing the sanctifying work of God.

Assurance, not insurance: John wants believers to know they belong to Christ, not merely rely on a past decision.

Don’t remove the supernatural from conversion: Salvation is more than forgiveness—it includes real, internal transformation by the Spirit.

Propitiation is Christ alone: Jesus fully satisfied God’s wrath; our obedience adds nothing to that finished work.

Justification and sanctification belong together: A past, completed work and a present, ongoing work are both part of God’s saving plan.

Obedience doesn’t save—but it reveals: A growing love for God expressed in obedience fuels confidence that God has truly changed us.

Security vs. assurance: Believers can be eternally secure and yet lack the joy and comfort that come from living in close fellowship with God.

Practical application:

Examine fruit, not perfection: Look for growing love for God, not sinless performance.

Rest in Christ’s work: Let confidence flow first from what Jesus has done, not what you’ve done.

Pursue obedience as response, not leverage: Obedience grows from a changed heart, not fear of losing salvation.

Confess sin quickly: Sin doesn’t cancel security, but it does erode joy and intimacy with God.

Cultivate assurance intentionally: Assurance grows as we depend on Christ’s grace and walk in step with the Spirit.

Resources Currently Available at the Veritas Church Bookstore:

1 John - The Gospel-Centered Life in the Bible

1-3 John - Knowing The Bible 12 Week Study

1,2, & 3 John For You - God’s Word For You

Don’t Follow You Heart

1-3 John ESV Scripture Journal

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By Veritas Church, Cedar Rapids, IA

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