Total Assurance In A World Under Evil | 1 John 5:13-20
The Journey Through 1 John
Reflecting on the past weeks of study, Avel Rivera underscores that John wrote his epistle to provide genuine security—not just a fleeting feeling of safety. We’re reminded that true assurance isn’t found within ourselves but solely in the Son of God.
Main Points of the Sermon
The message is built around three pillars, drawn directly from the passage:
Assurance in Our Relationship with God (Verses 13–15)
John wants believers to know they have eternal life, not just hope or feel it. Our confidence before God derives from Christ’s work on our behalf—not our own performance, emotions, or religious maturity.
“If you have the Son, you have life. If you do not have the Son, you do not have life.”
This binary declaration—no middle ground—means believers can approach God boldly and with true confidence in prayer.Assurance Expressed in Love for Others (Verses 16–17)
The assurance we have in Christ should stir our hearts toward compassion, especially for those struggling with sin. Instead of condemnation, we intercede for our brothers and sisters, asking God to restore and uplift them.
John distinguishes between a believer’s spiritual weakness (which needs grace and restoration) and outright rebellion against Christ (which leads to separation).
“Many sins require intercession, not condemnation.”Doctrinal Assurance That Secures Our Identity (Verses 18–20)
John repeats the phrase “we know” three times, emphasizing that our identity and security is found in Christ.We know we are born of God and protected by Him.
We know we belong to God and not to the world dominated by the evil one.
We know the Son of God has come and given us understanding, uniting us with Himself—the true God and eternal life.
Despite living in a world under spiritual opposition, believers rest assured in their belonging and protection in Christ. The enemy may tempt, accuse, or attack, but cannot possess or destroy those kept by Jesus.
Living Out Our Assurance
This assurance isn’t meant to create spiritual arrogance. Instead, it cultivates humility and watchfulness, allowing believers to live with confidence and hope even in “enemy territory.” Avel Rivera encourages:
Abide in Christ: Outside of Him there is no life, but in Him there’s eternal hope and security.
Come to Christ: Whether you’re struggling or have yet to believe, Jesus is not just the provider of eternal life—He is eternal life.
Pray and care for others: Let your security in Christ drive practical love and intercession for those in need.
Final Thoughts & Invitation
The letter of John closes with this timeless truth: “Our assurance does not depend on our strength, performance, or perfect obedience, but on the Son of God who came, overcame, gave us understanding, and united us to Himself forever.”
Let us continually abide in Him, living out the certainty of eternal life and assurance—both for ourselves and for those around us. As Avel Rivera prays, may God strengthen those who struggle and draw near those yet to believe. In Christ, we have life, access, security, and hope that endures beyond every circumstance.