1 John 5

Written on 05/10/2024

Verses 1-5

  • We know that we believe in Jesus by the actions of loving others and obeying God's Word. 

  • And by this belief, we overcome the world. What is our belief in action?

    • We overcome the world by being cheerful in spite of the persecutions or tribulations we experience in the world (John 16:33).

    • We overcome the world by not being ruled or led astray by its sinful lusts and temptations (2 Peter 1:4, 1 John 2:15-17).

    • We overcome the world by doing good for others no matter how much evil they do to us (Romans 12:21).

 

Verses 6-8

  • The human body is made up of mostly water, and contains blood. Jesus came to earth in a human body—like ours—made up of water and of course blood.

  • In the heavenly realm, God the Father, written Scripture, and the voice of the Holy Spirit all confirm that Jesus Christ is the Savior and the Son of God.

  • Here on earth, the Spirit within us testifies to us that Jesus is the Christ. Also, Jesus was baptized in water, and He was crucified in blood. As such, water baptism and blood (with crucifixion) are both symbols of our salvation (Romans 6:2-4, 1 Peter 1:2,18-19).

 

Verses 9-13

  • God has personally testified of His Son, Jesus, by sending Him to preach, and to die and rise again from the dead. The record of the gospel—Jesus' life—is God's message; it does not come from man. This is why we can trust the Bible.

    • We often believe many things that we hear from man, and a man speaking truth can be helpful, but remember that God's own message is greater.

    • The life of Jesus, and the record of His life (as seen in the writings of the apostles), is the message that comes straight from God. 

      • Believe this message, and read it for yourself! It's through the Word that the God reveals Himself to us (Ephesians 4:21, John 17:7-8). 

  • If anyone rejects these writings of the Word, they are calling God, who cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), a liar. 

    • Why would the eternal God who has the power to create and control the entire universe provide us with a flawed or unreliable message? Surely this God has the power to preserve His Word for us. As such, you can trust the Bible fully. Trust in the Scriptures!

  • When we truly believe in Jesus, we know it in ourselves, without needing external evidence because God Himself has revealed Christ to us internally (Matthew 16:16-17).

    • (1) We have the witness in ourselves in experiencing our lives transformed by the power of the gospel (Romans 6:1-6). This personal experience is living proof to us.

      • We personally experience eternal life, and so we know that Jesus alone is the source (John 6:68)

    • (2) We have the witness in ourselves through the assurance and evidence that comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (Romans 8:16, Galatians 5:22).

 

Verses 14-15

  • Prayers are answered when we pray what God's will is. We don't always know God's exact will in every situation, and that's why our prayers can be inaccurate.

    • Prayers must be accurate in order to be effective for accomplishing tasks for the kingdom.

  • Grow your knowledge of Scripture and this will help you to pray more accurately. Grow in hearing from the Holy Spirit, and this will also be helpful.

    • One exercise you can do for prayer is to pray and ask God what you should pray. Quiet yourself and try to listen. Thoughts may come to you on what to pray. Pray what you hear. 

 

Verses 16-17

  • There are some sins that have greater consequences than others. Some sins are more destructive and more dangerous (1 Corinthians 6:18). There is sin that is fully grown, resulting in physical death (James 1:15) and sometimes spiritual death in denying one's salvation. Whether you can help someone to repent is influenced by what level of sin they're in.

    • If you notice a fellow believer in sin, and they can be helped to repent, help them (James 5:19-20, Galatians 6:1).

      • Don't think about specific sins, just help people if they will let you.

      • Some people must be left to themselves and given over to Satan (see 1 Corinthians 5 for an example).

 

Verses 18-19

  • Stay away from sin, and the devil won't be a problem in your life (James 4:7, John 14:30). Obedience is strength against the enemy.

  • The unbelieving world, on the other hand, is swayed by the devil. Don't give in to that sway by continuing in sin.

 

Verses 20-21

  • The truth is in Jesus, so stay focused on Jesus. 

    • Don't give your allegiance or focus to anything or anyone else.