Primary Elements of A True Christian Faith

1st. John - - written to Christian Churches dealing with Gnostics - (claimed they had knowledge no one else had.  They perverted the gospel.)  written by John at about 90 years old.

1 Theme in 1st. John = "by this you can know you're a true believer in the faith."

Alongside that  = (1) characteristics of the TRUE FAITH  
                          (2)  the growth and development of that faith.

Which = this morning's topic!

Some primary elements  (components) of a TRUE Christian Faith!!

A True Christian faith consists of....

#1.  A Knowledge of God  (ie:  begins with head knowledge; based on actual facts, truths - reality
Because you are NOT going to trust unless your Know they are TRUSTWORTHY.
You can't be at ease with God if you don't KNOW God - specific revelation!!
2 Pet. 3:18 - grow in grace and knowledge   Prov. 18:15 - intelligent heart requires knowledge

#3.  Fellowship with God - (or Christ) - This is more than head knowledge = experiential
James 2:19    Gen. 4:1
This relationship/intimacy comes from....
   A  Knowing ABOUT God
   B.  Personally coming to God - ie:  born again, saved, etc.
        Rev. 3:20  - personal, intentional decision to receive Him as Lord and Savior

#3.  Obedience to God (Christ) 
      John 14:15   1 John 2:3-4    Luke 6:46
Keep His commandments - if say am a Christian but not keeping commandments, are a liar!

#4.  Confidence in God (Christ)  = called "trust"
      Confidence for ..... (1)  Salvation - John 3:16
                                   (2)  for preservation  (of salvation) - Jude 24
                                   (3) IN CONFUSION - Psm. 42:11  2 Cor. 4:18  - even when world is falling apart

#5.  Spiritual Growth  - 1 Pet. 2:2  2 Pet. 1:3, 5-8
       Living things grow  (develop)
BUT.... spiritual growth requires cooperation with God.  If is no growth, should question salvation.

#6.  Service for God and to God
       John 21 "if you love me.... feed mine..."
      Matt. 23 - "greatest = servant of all"
     AS seen in .... 1 Cor. 12:7     Pet. 4:10 - use your gift to serve other people - we are God's hands in the absence of Jesus.

#7.  Community  - Matt. 16:18  "build my church"
       Ecclecia = Called out AND gathered together
      (Church = Body of Christ ... we - His hands in His absence.
     Heb. 10:24-25  - church gathers

#8.  Perseverance - 1 John 2:19   Heb. 2:1
     The one who disconnects totally from God's people gives reason for their faith to be questioned.

Question:  How am I doing with these things????

Closing Scripture:  2 Pet. 1:9-10