The Results of Assurance

Even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.

–Colossians 2:5

This week, we have studied the importance of assurance: understanding who Christ is and what He has done for you. That assurance about your relationship with Jesus Christ helps you remain strong in your faith. Paul said in Colossians 2:5, “Even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.” Notice the two consequences of having assurance in your relationship with God.

First of all, assurance results in “good discipline.” The Greek word translated as “good discipline” is a military term referring to soldiers who remain in line. That reminds me of an old commercial for a fast-food restaurant: Some football fans are camping overnight at a stadium to buy tickets for a coveted game. In the middle of the night, one of the fans sees a glowing fast-food sign. His hunger gets the best of him, and he leaves his place in line to satisfy that need. He was an unfaithful fan–he didn’t stay in line. Paul was saying when you understand who Christ is and what He has done for you, you’re not going to chase after money, immorality, or success; you’re going to remain in your place as a faithful soldier of Christ.

Second, assurance results in “the stability of your faith in Christ.” The Greek word translated as “stability” is also a military term. It pictures a line of soldiers not only holding ranks but absorbing the full attack of the enemy without being destroyed. That’s what happens when you understand who Christ is and what He has done for you.

Perhaps right now you feel like you’re under attack. You’re facing a challenge in your health, your job, your finances, or your relationships, and you think, God, why don’t You deliver me out of this problem? Being a Christian does not exempt you from adversity. But understanding your wealth in Christ gives you the discipline and stability you need to withstand trials in your life without being destroyed.

Less than a month before C. S. Lewis died, he wrote to a young fan, “If you continue to love Jesus, nothing much can go wrong with you, and I hope you may always do so.” That’s the essence of what Paul was saying. If you love and follow Jesus Christ, it doesn’t mean you’re going to escape problems. But in the big scheme of things, nothing can really go wrong in your life because of the great inheritance you have through Christ.

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Today’s devotion is adapted from “The Value of Assurance” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2011.

C. S. Lewis to Ruth, October 26, 1963, in Letters to Children (New York: Touchstone, 1996), 111.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.

 

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