St. John 8:31-32 "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples in deed; (vs32) And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free".
Premise
The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.10, page 550, a comment on Isa.33:6. "The true source of stability and of strength is in heavenly wisdom--- that "knowledge" of God which means, not only a perception of the truth but a love of it, a delight in it, an acceptance of it as the one thing that will cleanse the heart, and that should regulate the life.
A Quote From The Writings of Charles H. Spurgeon's 2200 Quotations, page117, concerning " knowledge" "The knowledge of God is the great hope of sinners. Oh, if you knew him better, you would fly to him! If you understood how gracious he is, you would seek him. If you could have any idea of his holiness, you would loath your self-righteousness. If you knew anything of his power, you would not venture to contend with him. If you knew anything of his grace, you would not hesitate to yield yourself to him".
Knowledge applies to all that one knows and understands of facts and general truths and principals, whether gained from books and teachers or by personal experience and observation.
Spiritual Knowledge is that knowledge which is based on the enduring and everlasting Word of God, which is the direct reflection of the true nature of God. see( Rom. 11:33)
Assurance is defined as a making sure or certain, a positive declaration inspiring confidence, security or certainty.
1. The Spiritual Knowledge Of God That From Which Issues An Assurance Is:
A. Cause for Exultation-- Jer. 9:23-24 "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: (vs24) But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."
B. Obtained by Acquaintanceship -- Hos. 6:3 "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth."
C. Leads to eternal Life-- St. John 17:3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
2. Specific Assurances We Have From The Knowledge Of God:
A. The Assurance of Security-- St. John 10:27-30 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (vs28) And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (vs29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (vs30) I and my Father are one."
B. The Assurance of the Comfort of God's Presence In Trouble -- Isa. 43:2 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
C. The Assurance of Deliverance -- Psa. 34:17-19 "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their trouble.(vs18) The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (vs19) Many are the afflicctions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all."
D. The Assurance of Final Deliverance from Pain and Suffering -- Rev. 21:3-4 "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (vs4) And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
E .The Assurance of Who We Are As The People of God -- 1 Peter 2:9-10 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; (vs10) Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."
F. The Assurance That God Will Complete The Work That He Begins In Us -- Ph. 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"
3. The Knowledge That Comes From God's Assurances That :
A. I May Know That God Is for Me -- Psa. 56:9-11 "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. (vs10) In God will I praise his word: in the Lord will I praise his word. (vs11) In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."
B. I know that my Redeemer Lives -- Job 19:25-27 "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: (vs26) And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: (vs27) Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me."
C. I Know That I Have The Hope of Immortal Glory -- 2 Cor. 5:1 "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
D. I Know That We Shall Be Like Him -- 1 John 3:1-3 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (vs2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (vs3) And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."