Bible Truth Foundations
Part 3 of 3: Serving in Christ
Please begin by answering this question honestly in your own words.
Think of someone whose life convinced you their faith was real, before they ever said a word about it. What did you actually observe?
1 John 3:14
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
Read this slowly before moving on. Notice what is offered here: a way to know, not merely to hope.
The central idea of this lesson
Believers can recognise the reality of their own salvation, and see it in others, through observable evidence: righteous living, love, and holiness, not merely through claimed belief.
1 John was written specifically to give believers assurance, not to leave the question of salvation permanently open.
1 John 5:13
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Observable love for other believers is presented as concrete evidence of having passed from death to life.
1 John 2:3
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
Genuine transformation is marked by growing righteousness and holiness, not sinless perfection but a settled trajectory away from habitual sin.
1 John 3:7
Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.
Not every profession of belief reflects genuine, transformed faith.
Acts 8:21
You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
Going Deeper
Simon "believed" and was even baptised (Acts 8:13), yet Peter told him his heart was not right in the sight of God. This is not offered to create doubt in genuine believers, but to show that observable fruit, not merely a profession or a religious moment, is what Scripture consistently points to as confirmation.
2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.
Note
Examining one’s own fruit is presented as wise diligence, not doubt-driven anxiety. Scripture intends believers to have grounded confidence, not perpetual uncertainty.
Work through these on your own before your group meets. Type your answers directly into the table below. Your answers are saved automatically in your browser.
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| Question | My Answer | Group Discussion Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 John 3:14 names love for other believers as evidence of having "passed from death to life." How visible is that love in your own life right now? | ||
| What is the difference between Simon’s outward belief in Acts 8 and the genuine transformation 1 John describes? | ||
| Why does Peter encourage believers to be "diligent to make your call and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10) rather than simply telling them not to worry about it? | ||
| What observable pattern in your life gives you the most confidence that your faith is genuine? |
These questions are designed for open conversation at any level of experience. There are no trick questions and no single correct answer.
Assurance is meant to be grounded, not vague. Let this week’s fruit be evidence you can actually point to.
| Context | How I Apply This |
|---|---|
| Personal life | Honestly assess how your love for fellow believers shows up in action, not just sentiment, this week. |
| Church community | Read 1 John in one sitting and let its repeated tests of genuine faith (love, righteousness, belief) give you grounded assurance, not anxious uncertainty. |
| Difficult seasons | Take one step this week that reflects 2 Peter 1:10’s call to actively confirm your calling: a specific act of obedience, not just reflection. |
| Scripture to carry | Memorise 1 John 3:14: "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren." Let observable love be your ongoing evidence, not a one-time proof. |
Tap each card to reveal the answer.
What evidence shows we have "passed from death to life"?
1 John 3:14
"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death."
1 John 3:14
Why was 1 John written, according to 1 John 5:13?
"These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
1 John 5:13
How do we know that we know Christ?
1 John 2:3
"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments."
1 John 2:3
What did Peter tell Simon the sorcerer about his heart?
Acts 8:21
Peter told Simon "your heart is not right in the sight of God," despite his earlier profession of belief.
What are believers told to be diligent about?
2 Peter 1:10
"Be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble."
2 Peter 1:10
By what will all people know we are Christ’s disciples?
John 13:35
"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 13:35