Palm Sunday: Real Faith. Real Life. Real Jesus.
FOCUS TEXT: 1 John 5:1–12
This morning at Anchor Church, we stepped into episode nine of our series, KNOW: You Can Be Sure. As we opened the Word together on Palm Sunday, we remembered how Jesus entered Jerusalem not to overthrow Rome, but to bring victory over sin, death, and hell. The same crowds that shouted “Hosanna” would soon cry “Crucify Him”—but His path to the cross was the path to our redemption. In this moment, we looked at what real faith in Jesus produces: spiritual victory, eternal life, and unshakable assurance.
Truth #1: Real faith in Jesus results in new birth and love for God’s family
John begins this section by reminding us that belief in Jesus as the Christ isn’t just intellectual—it’s transformational. When we trust in Him, we are born of God. This spiritual rebirth gives us a new heart, new identity, and new love. If we love the Father, we will love His children. This love is not selective or superficial—it’s supernatural. John also gives us a test: real love for others flows from love for God and obedience to His commands. It doesn’t avoid hard moments—it leans in with grace and truth.
Truth #2: True faith produces joyful obedience to God's commands
John doesn’t leave us wondering what love for God looks like—he says plainly, “this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.” Obedience is not about performance; it’s the natural overflow of a heart captured by grace. And here's the encouragement: “His commandments are not burdensome.” For those born of God, obedience becomes delight, not duty. It’s not about trying harder—it’s about trusting deeper. God gives both the desire and the strength to walk in His ways.
Truth #3: True faith overcomes the world through union with Christ
“Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world,” John says. Not through willpower, but through faith. Real faith is not faith in faith—it’s faith in Jesus, the Son of God. Because He has overcome the world, we overcome in Him. This doesn’t mean we never struggle—but it means the world will not ultimately defeat us. By abiding in Christ and treasuring His promises, we walk in victory even when the battle feels intense.
Truth #4: Our assurance rests on God’s testimony, not our emotions
John presents three witnesses that affirm Jesus as the Christ: the water (His baptism), the blood (His crucifixion), and the Spirit (who testifies to our hearts). This testimony doesn’t come from men—it comes from God Himself. And those who believe have the testimony within them. Our confidence in salvation isn’t based on how we feel from day to day. It’s grounded in the unchanging truth of what God has declared and the assurance the Spirit provides.
Truth #5: Eternal life is found in Christ alone
John ends with unmatched clarity: “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” There is no middle ground. Eternal life isn’t earned by effort or inherited through tradition. It’s found in Jesus. On Palm Sunday, we remember that the King rode in to die—and through His resurrection, He now offers life to all who believe. So the question remains: Do you have the Son?
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
Have I experienced the new birth that produces love for God and others?
Am I walking in joyful obedience, or treating God’s commands as burdens?
Where do I need to trust Christ more deeply and rest in His victory?
PRAYER RESPONSE:
Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life in Your Son. Help me walk in love, obedience, and assurance. Strengthen my faith. Let me live this Holy Week not in fear or doubt, but in confident joy—knowing that because I have Jesus, I have life. Amen.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." – 1 John 5:12
NOTE: Service posts on YouTube by 2PM on Sunday.
