You don’t have to live at a “maybe” with God. Because of Jesus, you can move from a cautious six or seven to a settled ten—not by stacking up good deeds, but by trusting His name. There’s no DIY Christianity; the holy God accepts you through the great exchange: your sin to Jesus, His righteousness to you. Eternal life isn’t only future; it begins now as you know and walk with Him. Breathe—confidence in Christ is not arrogance; it’s faith resting in what He has done, not what you can do. Today, place your weight fully on His name and let assurance steady your soul [46:26].
1 John 5:13 — I’m writing to those who trust in the Son of God so that you can know—not guess—that you already possess eternal life with Him.
Reflection: Where do you still lean on your “name” (reputation, effort, spiritual track record) to feel secure with God, and what concrete shift today would place that trust entirely in Jesus’ name?
Day 2: Prayer is a gift—talk to your Father
Your assurance becomes intimacy when you open your mouth in prayer. Prayer isn’t a skill to master; it’s a gift to open, again and again. Run to your perfect Father and speak about anything—He invites bold requests, with the good guardrail of “according to His will.” His answers are wise: yes, no, or later, always for His glory and your good. Break the doubt–distance cycle by bringing your real thoughts and emotions to Him today, just as the Psalms model. Conversation grows confidence, and confidence invites more conversation [53:06].
1 John 5:14–15 — We have this boldness with God: when we ask for what fits His will, He listens; and knowing He listens, we’re sure He grants what we’ve asked.
Reflection: What is one specific, unfiltered thing you’ve been avoiding saying to God—could you take ten quiet minutes today to tell Him exactly that and then wait in stillness?
Day 3: Guarded by God—victory over practiced sin
Evil is real, but it is not ultimate; those born of God don’t settle into sin without repentance. The Son guards His people, and the evil one cannot lay hold of them. When you stumble, confess quickly and walk back into the light—God’s grip on you is stronger than any pull against you. Don’t fight alone: intercede for a brother or sister you see struggling, and invite them to pray with you as well. Love risks awkwardness to protect a soul; that’s what foxhole friends do. God uses His people to keep His people, and in that protection you can live assured of victory [58:28].
1 John 5:18 — Everyone born of God does not keep living in unrepentant sin; the One born of God protects them, and the evil one cannot seize them.
Reflection: Who is one believer you should gently approach this week—either to confess a recurring sin or to offer prayer and help for theirs—and what exact first step will you take?
Day 4: Keep from idols; cling to the True One
Not everything labeled “spiritual” or “Christian” is the real Jesus. Idols are counterfeits that promise control, comfort, or status, but they cannot save or satisfy. The Son of God has come to give understanding so you can know the One who is true—and you are in Him. Don’t settle with sin or with substitutes; abide in the authentic Christ, and let lesser loves lose their grip. Ask the Spirit to expose the shiny fakes and to deepen your love for the living Lord. Little children, keep yourselves from idols by staying close to Jesus [44:32].
1 John 5:20–21 — The Son of God has come and given us understanding so we can know the Genuine One; we are in the True One—His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Dear children, steer clear of substitutes.
Reflection: Which specific idol (approval, control, success, comfort, or something else) most competes for your heart right now, and what one practice this week will help you turn from it toward Jesus?
Day 5: From anxious doubt to joyful confidence
Anxiety swells in our world, but your Father invites you to bring every worry into His presence. In the chaos of lines, schedules, and expectations, pause and listen for the voice that calls you “beloved.” Like a steady hand on your shoulder, God’s words turn tears into trust and pressure into peace. He won’t shame you for your doubts; He meets you and lifts your eyes to His faithful care. As you talk with Him, confidence grows and joy returns—and you are free to invite others into that hope. Let your Father’s voice be louder than the noise today [38:44].
John 10:28 — I give My sheep life that never ends; they will never be destroyed, and no one can wrench them from My hand.
Reflection: What is one concrete worry looping in your mind right now, and what short, honest prayer will you speak each time it returns this week?
Sermon Summary
I thanked our church family for loving the next generation and investing in real life change—like the couple who wrote, “Hallelujah, Jesus saved our marriage this year.” Then I turned us to 1 John 5:13–21 to address the anxiety so many of us feel. John—like a wise grandfather—wants us to be sure. Not cocky, but confident. He says we can “know” we have eternal life because our confidence rests in the name of Jesus, not in our performance. There is no DIY Christianity; only Jesus’ finished work can carry the weight of our eternity.
That assurance fuels intimacy. If I know who I am to God, I’ll talk to Him like a son, not like an employee. Prayer isn’t a skill to master; it’s a gift to open. We can bring anything to our Father—He answers yes, no, or later according to His will, not to tease us, but to protect and mature us. I shared how God’s “no” in a past season led us to the sunlit grace of Phoenix; good fathers sometimes say no because they know more.
John also speaks plainly about sin and evil. The “sin that leads to death” isn’t a riddle to panic over; it’s the tragic trajectory of rejecting the real Jesus for counterfeits—hence his final charge: “Keep yourselves from idols.” For those born of God, sin won’t get the last word; God protects His people. He also uses His people to protect one another: we intercede, we pursue, we risk the friendship to rescue the friend. That’s love.
I closed with a moment from a crowded night at Tempe Town Lake when doubt crept in. I listened to old voicemails from my late dad until tears turned to joy. If that imperfect father’s voice could steady me, how much more our perfect Father? Run to Him—bring the chaos, the questions, the ache. In Jesus, you can be sure: sure of eternal life, sure of access to the Father, sure of victory. Let that confidence turn into joy, and let that joy spill over to others this Christmas.
Key Takeaways
1. Assurance rests in Jesus’ name Our confidence isn’t graded by our recent performance; it’s anchored in the finished work of Christ. Faith rests in a Person, not a feeling. Because His name is sufficient, you don’t have to live at a “six or seven.” You can know you have eternal life. [41:45]
2. Prayer is a gift, not a skill Sons and daughters speak freely; employees perform. Open the gift of prayer and bring everything to your Father—raw, unedited, honest. He answers yes, no, or later according to His will, which is wiser and kinder than our best plans. [52:56]
3. God protects; sin won’t get the last word Being born of God doesn’t mean we never stumble; it means we don’t make peace with sin. The evil one does not have final access—Jesus does. Your perseverance is not your achievement; it is His protection. [64:26]
4. Intercede and intervene with courageous love When a brother or sister wanders, you can do nothing (self-love), gossip (hate), or intercede and go to them (love). Risk the friendship to rescue the friend—ask God for life for them, and then knock on their door. Real community is a shield. [66:53]
5. Reject counterfeits; cling to the true Jesus John ends with a warning about idols because counterfeits are subtle: they promise control without surrender and comfort without a cross. The “sin leading to death” is ultimately rejecting the true Christ for an imitation. Keep close to the Jesus who is real, not merely useful. [61:37]
In verse 13, who is John writing to, and what does he want them to “know”?
In verses 14–15, what is promised about prayer, and what boundary does John place on that promise?
In verses 16–17, John mentions “sin not leading to death” and “sin leading to death.” What action are believers told to take when they see a brother committing sin not leading to death?
In verses 18–21, John repeats “we know.” List the specific things believers “know” in this section and note how each one builds assurance.
Interpretation questions
Assurance is grounded in believing “in the name of the Son of God” (v.13). What does it mean to rest confidence in a Person rather than in performance? How does the claim “There is no DIY Christianity” clarify this? [49:00]
John ties identity to intimacy (vv.14–15). How does seeing God as Father (not a boss) change the way someone prays? What might it look like to open prayer as a gift rather than master it as a skill? [52:41]
What could John mean by “sin that leads to death” in light of his closing warning, “keep yourselves from idols,” and his emphasis on the true Jesus versus counterfeits? How does rejecting the real Jesus fit the context? [01:01:37]
Verse 18 says the one born of God is protected and “the evil one does not touch him.” How should this shape the way someone thinks about perseverance and spiritual warfare—especially the idea that perseverance is God’s protection, not personal achievement? [01:04:26]
Application questions
If someone asked, “On a scale of 1–10, how sure are you that you have eternal life?” what number would you give today—and why? What would it take to move from a “six or seven” to a “ten” based on 1 John 5:13? [46:26]
Prayer includes yes, no, and later according to God’s will. Where are you currently hearing a “no” or “later,” and how might trusting the Father’s wisdom change your attitude toward that request? Share one “no” you’re now thankful for. [53:39]
When you see a brother or sister drifting, which of the three responses do you tend to choose: do nothing (self-protection), talk to others (gossip), or intercede and go to them (love)? What would it look like to “risk the friendship to rescue the friend” this week? [01:06:53]
Idols are subtle counterfeits that promise comfort and control without surrender. What are the likely idols tugging at your heart in this season (approval, success, ease, image, control)? What is one practical step to “keep yourself from idols” this week? [01:01:17]
When doubt creeps in, what helps you hear the Father’s voice? Identify one simple practice to run to the Father this week (e.g., praying aloud during a walk, journaling a Psalm as-is, listening to Scripture while driving). [01:13:50]
God protects His people, and He often does it through His people. Who has permission to pull you back when you wander? Who might God be asking you to lovingly confront or pray for right now? What first step will you take? [01:07:21]
Sermon Clips
Friends, God is holy and perfect. Your name and your reputation in church and how long you've been coming and what you know and how you can wax eloquence will not be enough on the last day when God says, why should I let you in? The name of Jesus is all that you need to say you can be led into heaven. It's his name. It's believing. It's putting your security in his name completely. And in that, you can be sure. You can say 10 out of 10. I know, I know, I know. John wants that for you.
[00:49:00]
(39 seconds)
#JesusNameSaves
See, God answers your prayers. It may be yes, it may be no, and it may be later, but it's always for his glory and your good. Because he's not just a good father, he is a perfect father. So you go to him, you have conversations with him, you share with him. And the reality is many of us struggle to do that. Many of us struggle to pray, don't we? I talk to people all the time. Tim, I know you're like a pastor, so you're more spiritual than I am. So God probably hears all your prayers. My prayers seem like they don't get past the ceiling.
[00:55:48]
(35 seconds)
#PrayWithConfidence
Some of you feel distant from God. You feel uncertain, anxious in your relationship with God. And I ask you, when's the last time you went to him? When's the last time you shared that with him? Shared what? Well, that I don't really, I feel kind of dry in this season. I don't really want to read God's word. I don't really want to come to church. You want me to share that with God? God, yeah, he already knows. When's the last time you shared it with him? I would never. See, that doubt leads to distance. But that distance just breeds more doubt. And it's a never-ending cycle.
[00:56:59]
(37 seconds)
#ShareYourDoubtWithGod
My challenge to some of you this Christmas season is to whatever you're feeling, all the chaos, all the chaos, all the anxiety, all the uncertainty, all the frustration with small talk with your in-laws. That you would bring all of that to God. That you would give it to all to him in prayer. He's not shocked by it. He welcomes it like a father welcomes his kid. And in that conversation, you get confidence. And in that confidence, you get more conversation. And it will radically transform your prayer life. But you've got to open the gift of prayer.
[00:57:37]
(38 seconds)
#OpenTheGiftOfPrayer
You can do something out of hate. You can talk to everybody else about their sin and not them. That's called gossip, not prayer requests. You can do something out of hate. Or you can do something out of love. You can ask God. You can intercede for a brother or sister in Christ. You can go to them directly and say, hey, can we pray about this sin together? And you can risk the friendship but love the person.
[01:06:42]
(28 seconds)
#IntercedeDontGossip
Some of the people in my life who I absolutely was at least annoyed by, if not hated at the time, came to me about my sin. I didn't like them. Now I love them. Because they were protecting me from adultery. They were protecting me from ruining my family. They were protecting me from lies that were killing me. They were protecting me. I love them. I'm thankful for them. Amen.
[01:07:11]
(33 seconds)
#ThankfulForToughLove
That's the kind of, like, that's foxhole friends. Not just people who are like, hey, how's the weather? It's sunny every day here. Let's talk about something that matters. And how many people, we're struggling, we're hanging on for dear life. And we're talking about sports. Let's talk about something that matters. Amen. Because we love one another.
[01:07:44]
(23 seconds)
#TalkAboutWhatMatters
Many people in that day were uncertain with this idea of their salvation. They were asking the question that many of you may ask, am I really saved? Am I really saved? To zoom out, contextually, in first century Judaism, people didn't really walk around with this confidence knowing where they would end up in eternity. They didn't have that kind of assurance in their last days. Now, they may have felt like, I belong to God. I know the Torah. I've obeyed the commandments. Maybe even I've memorized them. I offer sacrifices. But I'm not sure what's going to happen at the end of days.
[02:15:05]
(37 seconds)
#AssuranceThenAndNow
They were in real time wrestling now with an anxiety about an uncertainty of their salvation. You see, there were a church like ours, and yet they had false teachers who had infiltrated their camp, people who had left the church. John said earlier in the book, they had been of us, but now they're not of us. And they were talking about anti-Christ and being anti-Jesus as the Messiah. And they were giving some kind of like special moral code that if you really knew God, if you were the elite Christian, like you would do these things.
[02:16:10]
(37 seconds)
#WatchForFalseTeachers
You can't DIY your way into heaven, right? You are imperfect. I love you. You are imperfect. You're sinful. You're flawed. I am too. And we need not our name to get to heaven. We need not our name to be in right standing, have what's called theologically justification. We need not, like, our name has no bearing on the matter, except for the sin that our name is associated with.
[02:20:25]
(31 seconds)
#GraceNotPerformance
It's self-righteousness. The name of Jesus Christ, however, that justification we get, it's called the great exchange. Martin Luther called it that. He takes our sin upon the cross, all upon his name, all upon his life. He gives us his righteousness. It's the great exchange, people, praise God. And we are declared righteous in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. If you believe, not if you come to church your whole life, not if you memorize a bunch of Bible verses, not if you look extra spiritual on Christmas, not if you have a nativity scene in your front yard.
[02:20:55]
(38 seconds)
#TheGreatExchange
Sometimes we think just, man, I need to punch my ticket to heaven. People will want to get baptized often. Just so they can, if I die today, I would go to heaven. But, and we're missing the idea of knowing that you have eternal life is knowing God right now. I'm so excited about heaven. I'm so excited about the gold streets. But I'm more excited about the no traffic on the gold streets.
[02:22:31]
(25 seconds)
#EternalLifeStartsNow
He uses this word throughout the book. Abide, abide, abide. You're dwelling. The way you make your home is in Christ. And you can know that. How much of your anxiety would dissipate if you lived like that was true? If you experienced highs, but you also experienced lows. But you knew the son of God, the perfect one was holding you. If you were dwelling with him throughout every moment of every day, eternal life starts now. And you can be sure that you have it if you know Jesus.
[02:24:06]
(40 seconds)
#AbideInChrist
Now, let me just tell you, I'm a flawed father. I'm an imperfect father. God is a perfect heavenly father. He has no shifting shadow, no variation. He's constant. He doesn't get tired. He doesn't sleep or slumber. However, that God invites you to talk to him as one of his kids. John's trying to say, hey, you don't know if God really hears you. You don't know if you have identity in God. Therefore, that affects your intimacy with God. You need to know that you can be sure of your access to God as father.
[02:28:10]
(34 seconds)
#AccessToOurFather
Does this mean you can ask God and get a Cybertruck black on black? No, keep reading. He gives a guardrail. He says, according to his will. Why? He's a good parent. And parents, how many of you know? God has the same answers to your kid's request that you have to your kid's request. Yes, no, or later. We always answer, but it's yes, no, or later. God says, yes, no, or later. Listen, I'm glad that he says no sometimes, but it's usually in hindsight.
[02:29:06]
(40 seconds)
#GodAnswersYesNoLater
Praise God, 12 years later, we're in sunny Phoenix, not doom and gloom Portland. Okay? I'm so glad he did not say yes to that prayer. I'm so glad that I woke up this morning and put on flip-flops. I'm so glad that we have, you know, you can't reproduce the sun. You can take all the vitamin D that you want. I'm so glad that God said no. Because God's a good parent. Some of you right now, God's saying no to you. One of these days, you're going to thank him.
[02:30:45]
(33 seconds)
#ThankfulForGodsNo
What happens if you break that cycle? I'm just going to open the gift because I can talk to God. And I'm going to go to him with confidence. That confidence breeds conversation. That conversation brings more confidence. The more you talk to God, the more confident you are to talk to him again. The more confident that you are that you're his. Do you have a hard time praying? Stop treating it like a skill to master. And start treating it like a gift. Where you can share anything with your perfect heavenly father.
[02:33:41]
(39 seconds)
#PrayerIsAGift
Here's why I don't think that's the case. It's because if you look at the whole scope of 1 John, what's John talking about? Assurance that you know the real Jesus. But if you look at this text, he says in the last few verses, the true Jesus. Not just right and wrong, but the authentic Jesus. John, remember, spent time with Jesus. He's saying, hey, come know the Jesus that I walked with, that I experienced. He's verifiable. He's accessible.
[02:35:23]
(31 seconds)
#KnowTheTrueJesus
So what I believe John is talking about is this sin that leads to death. Is the one sin that leads to death is the one sin to say, I reject the life that is in Jesus. I reject the message of Jesus. I reject the person and work of Jesus. And that sin leads to death. How do you know it's not some mysterious, like unforgivable, like one specific sin that maybe you committed yesterday? You know why I know that? Because John didn't tell us.
[02:35:54]
(28 seconds)
#RejectingJesusIsDeath
And John's a good grandpa, who the whole point of what he's trying to do is bring security and assurance to people in doubt. You think he just throws out at the end of his letter, here's one mysterious sin. Have I committed it? Well, I'm not going to tell you. Keep guessing that's not contextually consistent with anything that John has said. So I believe it's the sin of ultimately rejecting Jesus Christ.
[02:36:22]
(25 seconds)
#JohnOffersAssurance
