KEY PRINCIPLES FROM THIS MESSAGE:
“I press on” – from dioko – means properly, aggressively chase, like a hunter pursuing a catch (prize); to earnestly pursue; to pursue with all haste.
Love and obedience are inextricably bound together in the heart of a believer. The genuine proof of love is obedience, and the genuine proof of faith is love. They are a motivating “package deal” (in the same sphere).
Paul never forgot where he came from and how indebted he was to his Master, Christ.
To avoid being distracted and drawn away from our assurance of faith, we must remain focused on Christ and those who have been witnesses to Him (ala Heb 12:1). We must avoid the trappings of this world and all those Hell-bent on sowing doubt and taking us away for a season.
For a true believer in Christ, possessing an ‘assurance of faith’ is a wonderfully settling, heartfelt reality.
Assurance of faith is a beautiful gift from God to His children. It is how He extinguishes the malicious attempts of doubt to rob His beloved of an eternal joy that is theirs to cling to, always. Therefore, do not be afraid to put your faith to the test, knowing the outcome is a friendly reminder that God especially loves you.
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