1. Welcome! As we prepare to worship God PLEASE silence your cell phones Thank You!

2. Blessed Assurance

3.  “Blessed Assurance” written by Fannie J Crosby.  One of my favorite songs.  She wrote over 5000 hymns.  Several found in our hymnbooks  Her faith literally based on the unseen.

4.  She was blinded at the age of 5 weeks by doctor’s mistake as he treated her for ailment.  In this life many things we can never be certain of.  Some things in the Bible of which we can be certain (be assured of).

5.  The word “assurance” (Gk. Plerophoria) appears 4 times in the NT.  1.Thes.1:2-5; Col.2:2; Heb.10:22; 6:11.  Defined – Vines – “a fullness, abundance, also means full assurance, entire confidence; lit. a full carrying.”

6.  Thayer – “fullness, abundance… full assurance, most certain confidence.”  I want to notice these 4 verses in two lessons.  Lesson 1. 1.Thes.1:2-5; Col.2:2.  The “blessed assurance” of the gospel 1.Thes.1:2-5.

7.  Gospel preached “in much assurance.” 2.Tim.1:12. Describes the willingness and freedom of spirit by those bringing the gospel.  Gospel preachers entertained no doubts about the gospel they preached.

8.  They were fully assured and confident that the gospel came from God.  “Not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit.”  It was to be received as such 1.Thes.2:13.  In word 1.Cor.2:1; Act.4:20.

9.  Power (word confirmed by signs) 1.Cor.2:4; Mk.16:20; Heb.2:3-4; 4:12.  In the Holy Spirit (gospel guided by Holy Spirit’s revelation to man) 1.Cor.2:10; 1.Pet.1:12; Gal.1:11-12.  Today we can have same assurance, gospel from heaven.

10.  They can preach “in much assurance” (fully assured and entirely confident, with no doubts that what they preach is true.  1. One God 1.Cor.8:4-6.  2. Jesus is the Christ, Son of the living God Matt.16:16; Jn.20:30-31.

11.  3. Salvation in no other Acts 4:12.  4. One true gospel Gal.1:6-9; 1.Tim.1:3.  5. All that are saved is by grace through an obedient faith Eph.2:8; Rom.16:26; Acts 6:7.  6. Saved added to the Lord’s church Acts 2:47; Ep.2:16.

12.  7. There will be a day of judgment for all 2.Cor.5:10; Matt.16:27; Acts 17:31.  The “blessed assurance” of understanding Col.2:1-3.  Understanding “the mystery of God” produces “full assurance.” Eph.3:3 ff.  Freedom of mind, confidence, Col.1:9-10.

13.  A confirmation that one’s faith is properly placed 2.Cor.5:7.  This knowledge brings a complete conviction and certainty that they are truly partakers of the riches of the mystery of God hid in Christ Jesus 1.Tim.3:16.

14.  Hearts are strengthened (fortified, comforted, encouraged).  And brethren are united together in love sharing a common faith and salvation Jude 3; 2.Pet.1:1.  Assurance brings steadfastness of faith Col.2:5; Eph.4:14.

15.  This is why Paul prayed that they might be filled with this knowledge Col.1:9.  That they might learn the scriptures which can be understood Eph.5:17; 3:3-7; Acts 2:37.  This will make them wise unto salvation 2.Tim.3:14-15.

16.  Knowing the truth can make them free from bondage of sin Jn.8:32; 6:44-45.  This assurance can be yours.