📖 1 John 2:3-6 • Are you certain you're saved, or do you wrestle with doubt? This sermon reveals three witnesses that prove whether you truly know Christ.

⛪ Preached at Pilgrim Baptist Church • Cookeville, TN • February 12, 2026

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." First John isn't asking if you're saved—it's asking if you know that you're saved. There's a world of difference between intellectual knowledge and intimate knowing, between being a professor and being a possessor.

Pastor Fortunato walks through 1 John 2:3-6 to expose three witnesses that testify in the courtroom of your heart: what you say, how you live, and what you love. Your obedience isn't what saves you—it's the evidence that proves you know Him. When believers don't keep His commandments, the result is doubt. When we do keep them, the result is confidence.

This sermon distinguishes between salvation itself and assurance of salvation. It's not about earning your way to heaven or keeping yourself saved through works. It's about understanding that salvation produces obedience, not the other way around. And when you obey out of love (not obligation), God's love is being perfected in you—conforming you to the image of Christ.

This expository message walks through 1 John 2:3-6 and cross-references, explaining:

• The two types of "knowing" in Scripture (intellectual vs. intimate)

• Why obedience gives assurance without producing salvation

• How to identify professors vs. possessors of eternal life

• The three witnesses: what we say, how we live, what we love

• Why disobedience creates doubt while obedience creates confidence

• The difference between New Testament commands and Mosaic law

• How God's love is "perfected" in believers (Romans 8:29)

• Practical applications: credit cards, social media, spending habits reveal your heart

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Two Types of Knowing

02:00 PM - Afternoon Service & Prayer Meeting

06:31 - Genesis 4:1 & John 17:3 - Intimate Knowing Produces Life

09:29 - The Marriage Analogy - Certificate vs. Relationship

10:00 AM - Family Integrated Sunday School

11:00 AM - Morning Worship

13:05 - 1 John 2:3 - Assurance, Not Salvation Itself

15:09 - Verse 4 - God Calls Him a Liar

17:25 - Three Witnesses in the Courtroom

20:33 - Matthew 7:21-23 - Right Words, No Relationship

22:13 - James 2:19 - Even Devils Believe

24:00 - Titus 1:16 - Professors vs. Possessors

26:17 - The Courtroom Scene - Where's Your Evidence?

28:09 - What's on Your Credit Card Statement?

32:00 - John 13:34 & 14:15 - New Commandments for the Church

36:55 - Ephesians 2:10 - Created FOR Good Works, Not BY Them

41:19 - Romans 8:29 & Philippians 1:6 - God's Love Perfected in You

48:29 - Conclusion: Do You Really Know Him?

🌐 Learn More: pilgrimbaptist.church

✉️ Contact Pastor Fortunato: jimmy@pilgrimbaptist.church

📞 Call: 931-219-2224

Plan your visit: pilgrimbaptist.church/plan-your-visit

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