Unshakable Confidence and Eternal Hope
FOCUS TEXT: 1 John 5:13–21
BIG IDEA: Because Jesus rose, we can live with unshakable confidence and eternal hope.
THIS MORNING AT ANCHOR CHURCH
This Easter Sunday, we concluded our 10-week series in 1 John called KNOW. You Can Be Sure. What a fitting end on Resurrection Sunday as we celebrated the victory of Jesus and the confidence that comes from new life in Him. In 1 John 5:13–21, the apostle John writes so that we would know we have eternal life—not guess, not assume, not hope—but know. Because Jesus lives, we don’t just have hope for the future, we have power and confidence today.
Here are five truths from this morning that remind us of the resurrection power available to all who believe:
TRUTH #1: You Can Be Sure of Eternal Life
1 John 5:13 is the purpose statement of the whole letter: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.”
Eternal life isn’t just a future destination. It’s a present reality—life with God, now and forever. It comes through full surrender to the risen Christ. If you’ve trusted in Jesus, you have eternal life. Not someday. Today.
TRUTH #2: Real Faith Gives Us Confidence in Prayer
John reminds us that those who are in Christ can approach God with boldness: “If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (v.14).
Resurrection confidence means we pray knowing we are heard. As we align with His will, God moves. He changes hearts and opens doors. Jesus is alive, and your prayers matter.
TRUTH #3: Real Faith Moves Us to Intercede for Others
In verses 16–17, John calls us to pray for those caught in sin. Instead of pulling away, we press in through prayer, trusting God to bring life and renewal.
The empty tomb empowers our intercession. Who are you praying for? Who needs to come home to Jesus? Don’t give up. Resurrection people pray with hope.
TRUTH #4: Real Faith Discerns Truth from Lies
John assures us: “Everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning…and the evil one does not touch him” (v.18). In a world under the sway of the enemy, Jesus protects those who are His.
We don’t walk in fear or confusion. We stand firm in the truth. The Risen King guards us, and the evil one cannot cling to us. Discernment and clarity flow from resurrection confidence.
TRUTH #5: Real Faith Clings to Jesus Alone
John ends with this declaration: “He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (vv.20–21).
Every substitute for Jesus is a lie. Every idol over-promises and under-delivers. But Jesus is the true God. He is life. Real faith turns from the false and clings to Him.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
Do I have the Son? Have I fully surrendered my life to Jesus?
Is my prayer life shaped by resurrection confidence?
Who in my life needs me to intercede and point them back to Jesus?
Where have I traded the truth of Jesus for a lesser substitute?
PRAYER RESPONSE: Jesus, thank You for dying in my place and rising in victory. Because You live, I have hope, confidence, and new life. Guard my heart from idols, sharpen my discernment, and deepen my faith. Let my life be shaped by the power of the resurrection. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE:
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” – 1 John 5:13
NOTE: Service posts on our YouTube channel around 1pm on Sunday.
