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I. THE THINGS OF WHICH WE SHOULD BE ASSURED.

1. The things done by Christ (Luke 1:1).

2. The knowledge of our liberty in things indifferent.

3. The persuasion of the truth of their ministries to whom we subject our souls (2 Timothy 4:5, 17).

4. The doctrine of the religion we profess.

5. The hope of a better life (Hebrews 6:12).

6. Faith in God's favour upon the warrant of God's Word and Spirit.

II. THE SIGNS OF FULL ASSURANCE.

1. It will receive the Word in affliction with much joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6),

2. It will not be carried about by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).

3. It is industrious in the duties of love to God's children (Hebrews 6:11, 12).

4. It is unrebukable, and full of integrity of life. It cannot stand with any presumptuous sin (Hebrews 10:22).

5. It will give glory to God against all sense and reason (Romans 4:20).

6. It mortifies and extinguishes all headstrong affections (Isaiah 11:7, 9).

7. It is carried with full sails into holy duties, and is faithful in good works.

8. It is able to admonish (Romans 15:14).

III. THE RICHES OF FULL ASSURANCE.

1. Our spiritual riches lie —

(1)  In the Word of Christ dwelling in us (chap. Colossians 3:16).

(2)  In the Spirit of Christ (Titus 3:6).

(3)  In works of mercy and liberality (Ephesians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 8:1; 2 Corinthians 9:11).

(4)  In sufferings and patience.

(5)  In prayer (Romans 10:11).

(6)  In good works. (1 Timothy 6:18).

(7)  In utterance and all holy knowledge (1 Corinthians 1:5).

(8)  In our faith (James 2:5).

2. Worthily is full assurance called riches, for it does all that riches can do to men. It comforts the heart and defends from dangers much better than outward riches. It gains the godly truer reputation than houses, lands, or money. It abounds more to mercy and well-doing with more sufficiency than out ward riches, and buys for the soul all necessaries. It settles the heart against all changes, makes a man stand against the rage of tyrants and death itself; yea, it prevails with God, and, knowing Him fully, does not fail to trust Him fully in spite of mysterious providences. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." It brings a man the certain pardon of all his offences, and settles his heart in his religion better than ten thousand arguments and volumes of controversies. Conclusion:

1. This full assurance may be had in this life (1 Thessalonians 1:5; Hebrews 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; Romans 4:21).

2. Therefore we are bound to labour for it.

(N. Byfield.)

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KJV: For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

WEB: For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;