Birthmarks: Evidences Your Faith Is Real

Devotional

Day 1: The Birthmarks of Real Faith: Knowing Ourselves, God, and Christ

A true Christian bears the spiritual birthmark of God, which is evidenced by a right understanding of themselves as sinners, the Creator as sovereign, and Jesus as the Christ. This recognition is not about perfection but about a genuine awareness of our fallen state, our need for grace, and the unique role of Jesus as the only way to the Father. Such knowledge humbles us, awakens our conscience, and leads us to depend wholly on God's initiative and mercy, not our own efforts. [14:29]

1 John 5:1
"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him."

Reflection: In what ways do you see evidence in your life that you truly understand your need for grace and the unique role of Jesus as Savior, rather than relying on your own efforts or spiritual heritage?

Day 2: Loving the Brethren: The Mark of Genuine Fellowship

One of the unmistakable marks of real faith is a special, intentional love for fellow believers—a love that goes beyond general goodwill and is lived out in the context of the local church. This love is not indifferent or ambivalent but is expressed through shared lives, mutual encouragement, and a commitment to building up the body of Christ. To love the brethren is to value the church as Christ does, giving ourselves for one another despite our differences and imperfections. [20:38]

Ephesians 5:25
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

Reflection: Who in your church family could you reach out to this week to encourage, support, or simply spend time with, demonstrating Christlike love in a tangible way?

Day 3: Joyful Obedience: Expressing Love Through Action

Obedience to God's commandments is not a burdensome duty for the believer but a joyful response born of the Spirit's work within. True love for God and for the brethren is made visible through a life that seeks to follow Jesus' teachings, not out of mere obligation but from a transformed heart. Even when we fail, the pattern of our lives is one of repentance, perseverance, and a desire to walk in the light, knowing that our obedience brings joy and encouragement to others. [28:59]

John 14:23-24
"Jesus answered him, 'If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.'"

Reflection: Is there a specific command of Jesus you have been resisting or neglecting? What would it look like to joyfully obey Him in that area today?

Day 4: Overcoming the World: Living in Victory by Faith

Every person born of God is given the power to overcome the world—not by their own strength, but by the faith that God Himself has placed within them. This victory is not about escaping struggle but about persevering through it, resisting the pull of worldly desires, and living with hope for the eternal city God is preparing. The Christian's life is marked by a supernatural ability to endure, to resist temptation, and to look forward to Christ's return, all by the power of the Spirit. [34:22]

1 John 5:4-5
"For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

Reflection: What worldly desire or pressure do you most need to overcome right now, and how can you rely on the Spirit’s power and the victory of Christ to do so?

Day 5: The Power Conquering by the Blood of the Lamb

The ultimate source of the Christian's victory is not personal resolve but the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony. Through Christ's death and resurrection, believers are empowered to conquer sin, resist the accuser, and remain faithful even in the face of suffering. This confidence is rooted in what Jesus has accomplished, not in our own ability, and calls us to humble faith, repentance, and surrender to His lordship every day. [36:21]

Revelation 12:10-11
"And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.'"

Reflection: How does remembering Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection empower you to face your current struggles or temptations differently today?

Sermon Summary

The marks of a true Christian are not outward rituals or mere religious affiliation, but the unmistakable imprint of God’s Spirit within. Just as birthmarks are physical signs of our development, so too are there spiritual “birthmarks” that reveal the reality of new birth in Christ. Every person who is truly born again carries the signature of God—evident in their beliefs, their love, their obedience, and their perseverance. This is not about perfection, but about the presence of a new pattern, a spiritual DNA that cannot be manufactured by human effort.

First, there is a right understanding of ourselves, our Creator, and Christ. We recognize our own sinfulness and inability to stand before God on our own merit. We see God as the sovereign Creator, the One who gives life and initiates salvation. And we see Jesus as the only way to the Father, the preeminent Son who alone can save. This humility and clarity about who we are and who God is, is a mark of genuine faith.

Second, there is a supernatural love for others who share this faith. The love for the brethren is not optional or secondary—it is a defining trait. This love is not just a general goodwill, but a deep, sacrificial commitment to the local church, the body of Christ. Indifference, not hate, is the true opposite of this love. To neglect fellowship is to deny one of the core evidences of new birth.

Third, there is a joyful obedience to God’s commands. The commands of God are not burdensome to those who are born of the Spirit, because something new has been born within. Obedience flows not from duty, but from delight in God. While we stumble and fail, the pattern of our lives is one of following after Christ, repenting, and growing in holiness.

Fourth, there is a persevering faith that overcomes the world. True believers are not immune to struggle, but they do not ultimately fall away. The victory is not in our own strength, but in the faith that God Himself has given. This faith produces love, obedience, and endurance. It is all a gift, from start to finish, and it leads us to worship and humility.

Ultimately, the assurance of salvation is not found in our performance, but in the evidence of God’s work within us. The call is to believe—truly, humbly, and repentantly—on the Lord Jesus Christ, and to rest in the power of His cross and resurrection.

Key Takeaways

1. A Right View of Self, God, and Christ True faith begins with a sober understanding of our own sinfulness, the sovereignty of God as Creator, and the unique sufficiency of Jesus as Savior. This humility is not self-loathing, but an honest reckoning with our need for grace and the greatness of God’s initiative in salvation. Without this, we are left striving in vain, but with it, we rest in the miracle of new birth. [08:45]
2. Love for the Brethren as a Spiritual Birthmark The love we have for fellow believers is not a mere sentiment, but a supernatural bond that compels us to invest in the local church. Indifference, not hate, is the true enemy of this love; to neglect the body is to deny the very DNA of God within us. Our commitment to one another is a living testimony of Christ’s love for His church. [20:24]
3. Obedience Flows from New Life, Not Legalism The commands of God are not a burden to those who are born of the Spirit, because obedience is the natural outflow of a transformed heart. While we are not perfect, the pattern of our lives is one of repentance and pursuit of holiness. This is not about earning God’s favor, but about living out the reality of His work within us. [28:59]
4. Perseverance and Overcoming the World Every true believer will face opposition from the world, the flesh, and the devil, but the mark of new birth is a persevering faith that overcomes. This victory is not self-generated, but is the result of God’s gift of faith, which produces endurance, love, and obedience. Our hope is not in our own strength, but in the finished work of Christ and the ongoing power of the Spirit. [32:06]
5. Assurance Rooted in God’s Work, Not Ours Confidence in salvation is not found in our performance, but in the evidence of God’s Spirit at work within us—belief, love, obedience, and perseverance. The call is not to strive for perfection, but to humbly believe, repent, and surrender to Christ’s lordship. If even the desire to do this is present, it is evidence of the Spirit’s new birth within.

** [38:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:50] - Physical and Spiritual Birthmarks
[02:13] - The Signature of the Holy Spirit
[03:38] - Assurance and Evidence of Faith
[05:04] - Four Birthmarks of Real Faith
[06:37] - Believing Rightly About Self, God, and Christ
[13:39] - The Preeminence of Jesus
[17:45] - Loving the Brethren
[20:24] - The Local Church and Genuine Fellowship
[24:52] - Indifference vs. Love
[26:17] - Joyful Obedience to God’s Commands
[29:20] - Patterns of Perseverance
[32:06] - Overcoming the World by Faith
[34:22] - Not Loving the World
[36:21] - The Power Christ’s Death and Resurrection
[37:47] - The Call to Believe and Repent
[38:21] - Closing and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 John 5:1-5 (ESV) — 1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him.
2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Observation Questions

According to 1 John 5:1-5, what are the key “birthmarks” or evidences of someone who has been born of God?
How does the passage describe the relationship between loving God, loving other believers, and obeying God’s commands?
What does the text say about the nature of God’s commandments for those who are born of God? Are they described as burdensome or something else?
In the sermon, what is said to be the true opposite of love for the brethren, and why is this significant? [[25:06]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that a right view of ourselves, God, and Christ is a mark of genuine faith. Why is it important to recognize our own sinfulness and God’s sovereignty? How does this affect the way we approach God? [[08:45]]
The love for fellow believers is described as a “supernatural bond” and not just a feeling. What does it look like practically to have this kind of love for the local church? [[20:24]]
The sermon mentions that obedience flows from delight, not duty. How does a transformed heart change the way we view God’s commands? [[28:59]]
The passage says that everyone born of God “overcomes the world.” What does it mean to overcome the world, and how is this connected to faith? [[32:06]]

Application Questions

The sermon says that assurance of salvation is not found in our performance, but in the evidence of God’s work within us. When you look at your own life, do you see a new pattern of belief, love, obedience, or perseverance? Which of these is most evident, and which is hardest for you to see? [[38:12]]
The love for the brethren is described as a deep, sacrificial commitment to the local church. Are there ways you have been indifferent rather than loving toward your church family? What is one step you could take this week to invest more intentionally in someone at church? [[20:24]]
The sermon says that God’s commands are not burdensome for those born of the Spirit. Is there a specific command of God that feels burdensome to you right now? What might it look like to approach it with a heart of delight rather than duty? [[28:59]]
The message challenges us to see indifference—not hate—as the true opposite of love. Can you think of a time when you were indifferent to someone in the church? How could you move from indifference to active love? [[25:06]]
The sermon talks about persevering faith that overcomes the world. What are some “worldly” pressures or temptations you are facing right now? How can your faith in Christ help you endure or overcome them? [[32:06]]
The call is to believe, repent, and surrender to Christ’s lordship. Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to surrender to Jesus? What would it look like to take a step of surrender this week? [[38:12]]
The sermon says that even the desire to believe and repent is evidence of the Spirit’s work. If you are struggling with doubt or feeling weak in faith, how can you find encouragement in this truth? [[38:12]]

Sermon Clips

As stubborn as we may be and as hard as we may try to go it on our own, ultimately, we have some knowledge that this is God's world. Without this knowledge, we go through life working our way to heaven or trying to. Without this understanding of the depth of our sin, then we think we will just rehabilitate eventually and we'll just go to heaven. We'll get there. The born-again person knows that there is no rehabilitation for dead. Amen. If you're born again, you know there's no fixing that except miracles, supernatural miracle. That's why it's grace. He affects it. [00:11:27] (47 seconds) #GraceOverRehabilitation

There's no substitute for Jesus. And I don't believe you can be born again without believing that Jesus is the Son of God who died on the cross and rose again. I don't believe you can be born again unless you have a view of Jesus like God has of Him as best as you humanly can. [00:17:21] (18 seconds) #JesusIsTheOnlyWay

When I became an adult and learned the joy of sharing my life, knowing others in the faith and being known by them, I'll never go back to just being a dutiful follower. One, at my own convenience, I just pick my times and come Easter and Christmas or whatever. I'll never go back to that because I would miss you. Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. That settled it for me as it relates to me and my church. Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. That settles it. [00:20:02] (38 seconds) #ChurchFamilyMatters

How could anyone rightly say that they love the brethren, which is one of the indicators that we just read? How could anyone say that they love anybody without any time with them, without any sharing lives together? What kind of husband would I be if I never talked to my wife or never touched her face or called my children on the phone? What kind of father? What kind of Christian says, I got my ticket punched. I'm all good with God. I'll just be a lone ranger. Not Christian. Not right. [00:22:11] (36 seconds) #IndifferenceIsOppositeOfLove

The opposite of love is not hate, Eli Weissel says. Remember him. Remember him. He was a Holocaust survivor, a noble laureate. The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference. You think about what that means. We talked about what love is last week. The agape love, the sacrificial type, not the self-interested type, but the self-giving type of love. What would be the opposite of the kind of love that gives themself away to other people? What would be the opposite of that? Oh, I hate you? No. It's ambivalence. It's indifference. It means that you just don't even care enough to try. That is the condition many people are in. [00:24:46] (49 seconds) #SupernaturalNewBirth

You know why it's not burdensome? Because there's something new born in you. All human energy to please God is going to fail. It's going to fail because you're working out your salvation through human effort. Christianity is a supernatural thing. God does this. When He does this, He puts birthmarks in you that are from Him. [00:29:02] (26 seconds) #HolyLivingIsEssential

The Christian who has no concern for holy living and obedient lifestyle, you're a contradiction. And I think more than contradiction, you're as lost as a ball in high weeds. And that's lost. Not getting any eight minutes from that. [00:31:23] (22 seconds) #OvercomingThroughFaith

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. Did it say most of you? I hope you will. Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world. What is that victory? Our faith. What is this faith? Born from above. This faith of ours. Not energized. Not through rational thinking did we come to our senses. But by God's gracious gift, He brought us into His family. And when He did that, He created the faith that produces the love for the brethren. It produces the obedience. And it produces the overcoming. [00:32:13] (43 seconds) #NotOfTheWorld

This whole thing is God's doing from start to glorification. This is why we worship, by the way. If we could stand back and say about ourselves, I'm doing good now. Man, I'm doing it pretty good these days. For Jesus. No man has any basis for boasting because faith is a gift. Sanctification is Holy Spirit-caused, driven and energized. It's all a gift. That's why we worship. And that's why we have no basis for self-advancement or promotion of ourselves. [00:33:42] (36 seconds) #GracePowerSource

``Are you confident now, listen to me, are you confident that you have Jesus' work on the cross? His resurrection power at work in your life. You say, well, pastor, I try to do all this. I know you try. What do I do? Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. [00:37:00] (20 seconds)

When the Holy Spirit awakens you and makes you alive, what do you do? You're humble. You just come to God and give yourself the best you can and repent. That's why Jesus said, believe and repent. Turn to him. Turn away from him. Put God as ruler and Lord of your life. How perfectly do I have to do it? If you can do it at all, you're spirit born. Yeah, but what if I can't do it good enough? See, that's not the right way to think of it. If you can do it at all, say, I want you to rule and reign in my life. And you made it possible with Jesus. That's how you get born again. That's how you have the birthmark of God in you and live through you. [00:37:40] (43 seconds)

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