Quiet the Opposition

1 John 5:13-15 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him.
 
JOHN has just written to the church to confirm Jesus of Nazareth is God’s Son. He wrote these things about Jesus to affirm that the church knows three truths: they may have eternal life in Jesus; he hears us; we have what we’ve asked of him. With good evidence, John not only strengthens their faith, he gave them the means to quiet the opposition.  
   When you know an absolute truth, can anyone change your mind? For example, you know the earth rotates from west to east to allow light and darkness at regular intervals over 24 hours. If someone tried to tell you differently, you have much evidence to stand on the truth. If you simply said, “I have faith the earth rotates.” the opposition would reject your reasoning because faith is not evidence. But if you gave solid, sure reasons for your knowledge, the debate would end. The opposition might still reject your reasoning, but he would know you have good reasons to know what is true.
   One essential reason we must know the truth of God is to silence the opposition. When someone challenges you or even asks you, “Why do you believe?” you must know how to answer with logic and good reasons. We cannot defend our belief in God and glorify his name by simply stating, “I have faith.” Yes, faith is a great part of what we know. But faith comes in knowing. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1) This is a certain hope of God because he has given us evidence of  his existence. Hebrews 11 relates the many faithful of the Old Testament. They moved with certainty in God’s purpose because they saw the evidence of God in their lives. And many had learned the stories of God working through the patriarchs and prophets of old. Each successive generation of faithful men and women understood God is real. They knew he is active in his creation. And they knew he kept his promises. They had proof!
   John wanted the church to tell people, “I believe Jesus is the Son of God because of the many witnesses recorded in the Bible. They are …” And the Lord wants you to do the same. Scripture has given us specific reasons to have a sure faith in God. We know who God is, and we know who we are because God has told us about himself.
           When you give the opposition good reasons for your faith, eventually they will stop their arguments. They may not agree with you, but they will understand they you have solid reasons for your beliefs. Perhaps you will plant seeds for the Spirit to do his work.