Only those who follow the rules win the prize

2 Tim 2:5; 1 Cor 9:27

God doesn’t want His children to live in fear, but in joy, peace, and hope

Romans 15:13

But, I’ve broken Jesus’ rules;How can I have Joy, Peace, and Hope?

So, I’ve Broken the Rules, Now What?

How can I have Joy, Peace, and Hope?

So, I’ve Broken the Rules, Now What?How can I have Hope, Joy, and Peace?

I am not unique; I am in the situation of every other Christian 1 Jn 1:8,10

I am lying to myself and I make God a liar if I say otherwise

So, I’ve Broken the Rules, Now What?How can I have Hope, Joy, and Peace?

I have the promise of forgiveness 1 Jn 1:9; 2:1-2

a promise backed up by three things: Jesus is my Propitiation

Jesus is my Advocate

God is faithful and righteous

So, I’ve Broken the Rules, Now What?How can I have Hope, Joy, and Peace?

I am not promised forgiveness if I make a practice of breaking the rules

1 Jn 1:5-7; 3:4-10, 5:16-17; Heb 10:26-27

So, I’ve Broken the Rules, Now What?How can I have Hope, Joy, and Peace?

My confidence comes from conscientious examination of my heart in view of God’s truth

1 Jn 3:19-22

If my heart condemns me, then I confess my sin, confident of God’s forgiveness 1 Jn 1:9; 2:1-2

So, I’ve Broken the Rules, Now What?How can I have Hope, Joy, and Peace?

Confidence in my forgiveness brings joy and peace

Joy: emotion of great happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying Lk 10:20; Rom 5:11

Peace: harmonized relationship between God and man and what results- absence of mental anxiety; inner contentment and serenity Eph 2:17-18; Col 1:19-20

So, I’ve Broken the Rules, Now What?How can I have Hope, Joy, and Peace?

My joy and peace come from the Holy Spirit, from believing what He says about my forgiveness:

Gal 5:22-23; Rom 15:13

Jesus is my Propitiation Jesus is my AdvocateGod is faithful and righteous

If I believe what the Spirit says, the God of hope will fill me with joy and peace, so that I abound in hope

So, I’ve Broken the Rules, Now What?

Am I living in fear of God and in fear of punishment in hell?

or

Am I living in joy, peace, and hope of heaven?