WHAT CAN YOU KNOW? Devotion 24 of 32 "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." (1 John 5:19) -- Tomorrow:
This is New Covenant language: "WE KNOW." In Christ we have been brought into the realm of surety. Here, where the truth is known, we have been "made free" – for truth only makes free when it is known (John 8:32). No longer are we characterized by the ignorance that dominated us when we were "dead in trespasses and sins." The faith has brought us out of the philosophical and speculative pits, bringing us to a realm of clarity and assurance.
At least twenty-five times the Holy Spirit, speaking for the children of God, says "WE KNOW." Not "We think," or "We have this opinion," but "WE KNOW." This is the language of the redeemed! These are things we know.
1. WE KNOW that the law speaks to those who are under the law, to stop their mouths and render them guilty before God (Rom 3:19).
2. WE KNOW that the Law is spiritual, but, of ourselves, we are carnal (Rom 7:14).
3. WE KNOW that the whole creation is groaning in travail and expectation (Rom 8:22).
4. WE KNOW that we do not know what we should pray for as we ought (Rom 8:26).
5. WE KNOW that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called
according to His purpose (Rom 8:28).
6. WE KNOW that an idol is nothing (1 Cor 8:4a).
7. WE KNOW that there is none other God but one (1 Cor 8:24b).
7. WE KNOW that our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor 15:58).
9. WE KNOW that if our present bodies are dissolved, we have another one in heaven (2 Cor 5:1).
10. WE KNOW that no immoral person has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God (Eph 5:5).
11. WE KNOW that the Law is good if a man use it lawfully (1 Tim 1:8).
12. WE KNOW that we were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ (1 Pet 1:18).
13. WE KNOW that it is the last time (1 John 2:18).
14. WE KNOW that every WE KNOW that does righteousness is born of God (1 John 2:29).
15. WE KNOW that when He appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2).
16. WE KNOW that Jesus was manifested to take away our sins (1 John 3:5).
17. WE KNOW that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him (1 John 3:15).
18. WE KNOW that we have passed from death unto life (1 John 3:24).
19. WE KNOW that we are of the truth (1 John 3:19).
20. WE KNOW that He abides in us (1 John 3:24).
21. WE KNOW that we love the children of God (1 John 5:2).
22. WE KNOW that if God hears our petitions we will have what we desired of Him (1 John 5:15).
23. WE KNOW that whoever is born of God does not sin (1 John 5:18).
24. WE KNOW that we are of God and the whole world lies in the power of the wicked one (1 John 5:19).
25. WE KNOW that the Son of God is come and has given us an understanding (1 John 5:20).
Further Apostolic reasoning often begins with the postulate that certain things are known, and that our familiarity with these things moves us to think properly about life in this world.
1. KNOWING WE KNOW that And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing WE KNOW that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope (Rom 5:3-4).
2. WE KNOW that our old man is crucified (Rom 6:9).
3. The time, WE KNOW that it is high time to awake out of sleep (Rom 13:11).
4. WE KNOW that He WE KNOW that raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up by Jesus (2 Cor 4:14).
5. WE KNOW that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord (2 Cor 5:6).
6. WE KNOW that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by faith in Jesus Christ (Gal 2:16).
7. WE KNOW that whatsoever good thing any man does, the same shall he receive of the Lord (Eph 6:8).
8. WE KNOW that of the Lord we shall receive the reward of the inheritance (Col 3:24).
9. WE KNOW that the Law is not made for a righteous man (1 Tim 1:9).
10. WE KNOW that we have in heaven a better and an enduring substance (Heb 10:34).
11. WE KNOW that the trying of your faith works patience (James 1:3).
12. WE KNOW that we are called to inherit a blessing (1 Pet 3:9).
13. WE KNOW that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Pet 1:20).
When, therefore, our text says "WE KNOW we are of God," it speaks in perfect harmony with the very nature of spiritual life. This is not a new aspect of the Kingdom of God. Let us have done with a vacillating form of religion that leaves the people uncertain of everything, groping in the dark for answers, and never in possession of confidence! There are some matters in which opinion is not only worthless, but is like a robber that plunders the soul. In an academic world, men are anxious to hear the opinions of another on matters. But in Christ, we have received "the love of the truth," and attach no value whatsoever to human opinion.
The life of faith is one lived in persuasion, knowledge, and understanding. Where these are absent a condition exists that makes the individual vulnerable to the devices of the devil. Let it be clear that we have not been called into a life of ignorance. Rather, we have been glorious delivered from such a life (Eph 4:18).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, deliver me from all forms of spiritual ignorance.