Living in Assurance: Confidence, Compassion, and Vigilance

As I reflect on today’s message and the beautiful moments of baptism we shared, I am reminded of the incredible confidence we have in Jesus Christ. When John writes in 1 John 5:13 that we can know we have eternal life simply by believing in His name, he’s giving us a gift of assurance that is rooted not in our own efforts, but in what Jesus has already done for us. It’s a quiet, humble confidence—knowing that because Jesus defeated death, we too can walk in newness of life, free from the power of sin.

Today, as we watched those new believers declare their faith, I was struck by how baptism is a powerful symbol of that new life. It’s not just a ritual; it’s a public affirmation that we belong to Christ. When we go under the water, we’re buried with Him; when we come out, we’re raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). It’s a reminder that in Christ, we are made new, and that this new life begins right now—today.

One thing I want to emphasize is the importance of prayer, especially when we see our brothers and sisters caught in sin. John encourages us to pray for those who stumble, to intercede on their behalf, asking God to illuminate their hearts and bring them back into the light of His truth. It’s easy to judge or look down on others, but Jesus calls us to pray with compassion, trusting that God’s Spirit can work in even the most broken places. And yes, there are some sins—what John refers to as the “sin that leads to death”—that are more serious, and perhaps beyond our prayerful reach, but the main point remains: we are called to pray for one another, to lift each other up in love and humility.

Another key point from today’s message is that those born of God do not continue living in sin. We are called to walk in the truth, to live as new creations in Christ, who has already overcome the world and the evil one. This isn’t about perfection, but about a heart committed to following Jesus, loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. It’s about living in the freedom that Jesus purchased for us—freedom from sin, death, and the power of the evil one.

Finally, John’s closing words serve as a loving warning: guard yourselves from idols. Anything that takes the place of God in our hearts—whether it’s money, success, relationships, or even religious activity—can become an idol. We must be vigilant, keeping our love and devotion solely on God, who alone is worthy of our worship. In a world full of distractions and temptations, this is a daily, intentional act of surrender.

So, friends, I want to leave you with these four reminders: Be confident in Christ’s finished work; pray with compassion for those who stumble; walk in the truth of Jesus’ victory; and guard your heart from idols. Remember, you are God’s beloved child, redeemed and called to live in the light of His love. Let’s walk into that truth every day, living lives that reflect His grace and mercy.

And as we close today, I encourage you—whether you’ve been baptized today or not—to consider what it means to live fully in Christ. If you feel that tug on your spirit, don’t hesitate to step out in faith. God is gracious, and His love is waiting for you to receive it anew. Let’s live confidently, pray earnestly, walk faithfully, and guard our hearts diligently, all for His glory.