Confident Living in Christ

1 John 5:13–21

Summary: In these verses, John reassures believers of their salvation in Christ and the power of prayer. He instructs them to guard themselves from the dangers of the world and false idols.

Application: This passage can encourage Christians to have confidence in their relationship with Christ, to seek Him fervently in prayer, and to live in a way that reflects their faith and guards them from worldly temptations.

Teaching: This sermon teaches the importance of assurance in salvation, the significance of prayer in the believer's life, and the necessity of living in a manner that aligns with the truth of the Gospel.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is the ultimate assurance of our salvation and the mediator who intercedes for us in prayer. He is the example of how to resist temptation and live a life pleasing to God.

Big Idea: Through understanding the assurance of salvation, the power of prayer, and the importance of holy living, believers can confidently navigate the challenges of the world and draw closer to Christ.

Recommended Study: In preparing this sermon, delve deeper into the concept of assurance of salvation in 1 John and explore the different aspects of prayer highlighted in the passage using resources in your Logos library. Additionally, consider studying the cultural context of the false idols mentioned by John to better apply his warnings to today's societal challenges.

1. Confidence in Christ's Assurance

1 John 5:13-15

You could highlight the assurance of salvation in Christ, emphasizing that believers can have confidence when they approach God in prayer, knowing He hears us. This point sets the foundation for a confident Christian life, firmly rooted in Christ's intercession.

Men will do little for what they doubt, and much for what they believe. The Blessing Of Full Assurance, Volume 34, Sermon #2023 -1 John 5:13

Charles Spurgeon

If doubts about your salvation creep in while you're at work, make it a practice to take short, prayerful breaks during your day. Spend a few minutes in a quiet space reflecting on Ephesians 2:8-9, which emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God and not based on our works. Write a list of affirmations based on Scripture that remind you of your identity in Christ, keeping it somewhere nearby to read throughout the day whenever insecurities arise.

2. Compassion through Prayer

1 John 5:16-17

Perhaps focus on the power of intercessory prayer and its role in the believer's life, encouraging listeners to actively pray for others as an expression of faith and love. This can illustrate how our relationship with Christ transforms our relations with others, embodying Christ's love and concern.

In what practical ways can you actively engage in intercessory prayer for others to demonstrate your faith and love?

How can you incorporate the assurance of salvation in Christ into your daily prayer life?

At work, you often encounter colleagues who seem stressed or overwhelmed. This week, commit to taking five minutes each day to quietly pray for specific coworkers you know need support. As you pray, ask God to help you see them through His eyes, filling your heart with compassion for their struggles. You can also write them a quick note of encouragement, letting them know you’re thinking of them. This not only lifts their spirits but also opens a door for meaningful conversations about faith.

3. Conquering with Christ

1 John 5:18

Maybe discuss how being born of God protects us from sin, and the importance of keeping ourselves safe from the evil one. This demonstrates the practical application of living out our faith, showing how Christ enables us to overcome the world's temptations.

What steps can you take to keep yourself safe from the influence of the evil one and live a life that honors Christ?

You might feel temptation around peers at church to conform to behaviors like gossiping or not respecting authority. This can create a divide between your faith worldview and the values portrayed by other members. To combat this, challenge yourself and friends to commit to a '100% honesty' pact during youth group. This means being open about issues, supporting one another through prayer, and addressing rumors or negativity head-on when they arise, choosing to reflect Christ’s love and truth instead.

4. Caution against Idols

1 John 5:19-21

You could explore the reality of the world lying in the power of the evil one, advising believers to remain vigilant against idolatry. Encourage them to discern worldly influences and stay focused on Christ, the true God and eternal life, for confident living.

How can you identify and avoid worldly influences that may lead to idolatry, staying focused on Christ as the center of your life?

What changes do you need to make in your daily living to ensure you are guarding yourself from worldly temptations and false idols?

You may find yourself overwhelmed by ambition and the pursuit of success, which can easily become an idol in your life. To combat this, set aside a specific time each week for reflection and prayer, asking God to reveal any areas where your work may be overshadowing your relationship with Him. Consider sharing your struggles with a trusted colleague or friend who can hold you accountable, helping you to prioritize your spiritual health over career achievements.

Imagine a young athlete preparing for a big game. Despite practicing endlessly, nerves creep in before the match. But in that pivotal moment, they remember the encouragement of their coach and the hours of training. This reflects our lives; we can face challenges with confidence by recalling God’s promises, just as an athlete draws on their training to perform at their best.