Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Apostle Paul’s Prayer For Assurance – Part 1

Ephesians 1:15-23 – For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

1. Where is the knowledge of God received? Ephesians 1:17-18

2. What is the knowledge from God to be received?

a. Knowledge of the hope He has called us to – Ephesians 1:18, 1 Cor. 1:9, 1 Peter 2:9-10

b, Knowledge of the riches of his inheritance – Ephesians 1:18

c. Knowledge of the greatness of His power to us – Ephesians 1:19-20

Ten Evidences of New Life in Christ Leading to Assurance

  1. Delight in spiritual fellowship with other believers – 1 John 1:6-7
  2. Sensitivity to sin against God – 1 John 1:8-10
  3. Conscious obedience to the Word of God – 1 John 2:3-5
  4. Growing distaste for this world – 1 John 2:15
  5. A longing for Christ’s literal return – 1 John 1-3
  6. Decreasing sin in daily life – 1 John 3:7-10
  7. Sacrificial acts of love for other believers – 1 John 3:14, 18
  8. Recognized presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives – 1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:13
  9. Enjoyment of hearing Biblical doctrine and preaching – 1 John 4:6
  10. Conviction that Jesus Christ is God – 1 John 5:1