We spent the last week looking over objective evidence of new life. We have covered the promise of eternal life, the difference between hoping and knowing, the pen-in-Bible illustration, and the pen cap illustration. These illustrate truths found in the Scriptures and facts we can root ourselves in to strengthen our faith.
Today we are going to look at subjective evidence of new life that accompanies salvation.
Ask: What vital signs do paramedics check for when they come across a person involved in a car accident?
Let the learner answer (e.g. pulse, blood pressure, breathing).
In 1 John we find some “vital signs” that accompany salvation. These will be evident in at least seed form in every person born into God’s family.
1 John 2:3–6
Our attitude toward God has changed from rebellion or indifference to that of wanting to find out what God desires and a desire to obey Him (see also 1 John 2:29).
1 John 3:5–9
Our attitude toward sin has changed. The key word is practice. When you practice piano, what is the objective? To try to get better. So these verses are not saying we will never sin again (see also 1 John 1:8, 10), but what has changed is the desire to no longer sin.
1 John 3:14
Our attitude toward believers has changed. Now instead of avoiding Christians or making fun of them, there is a desire to be around other Christians (see also 1 John 4:8).
1 John 3:24
The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are God’s children (see also Romans 8:16). Again, these vital-sign verses are subjective, but what is described here is a person experiencing an internal knowing of belonging to God and intimacy with Him.
Ask: Which of these spiritual vital signs do you see in your life? Can you share some specific examples?
Make sure you share any examples from your own life as well.
If you are meeting with one other person, feel free to take the time and discuss and share examples of all the vital signs. If you are meeting in a small-group format, have each person pick which vital sign they most identify with and share an example with the group.
Watch a captioned version of today’s video here: https://vimeo.com/295871740