August 13, 2023
Morning Service

The Apostle John wrote us this letter with a grandfatherly tone with some specific purposes.

1Jn 1:1-4 NKJV  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—  (2)  the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—  (3)  that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.  (4)  And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.

            First, he wanted us to enjoy the same fellowship he had with Jesus. John stresses here that he was an eye witness as he walked, talked and lived with Jesus physically, but we too are given that opportunity to have that same closeness with Jesus in the spiritual world.  We can draw as close to Him as we desire and He has promised us to “never leave us or forsake us!”  This fellowship then makes our lives full of joy as knowing Jesus intimately changes everything.  As John closes this letter he again emphasizes the proof we have that all he is telling us is true.

 

1Jn 5:6-12 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.  (7)  For there are three that bear witness in heaven: The Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.  (8)  And there are three that bear witness on earth: The Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.  (9)  If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God Which He has testified of His Son.  (10)  He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.  (11)  And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  (12)  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

            John here is in a way presenting evidence to us as a lawyer would to build his case so his words are backed up by undeniable actions that prove what he is telling us is true.  He is speaking of the evidence that occurred at the beginning of Jesus ministry and the end.  First, the water refers to His baptism (Matt. 3:17) where the Spirit descended upon Him like a dove and God the Father was heard saying; “This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased!”  Secondly, the blood refers to Jesus upon the cross as He shed His life blood, as prophesied for the sins of the world.  Many miracles occurred in that moment that even prompted a Roman soldier to proclaim; “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matt. 27:54) The third witness is the Holy Spirit that was sent to believers after Jesus’ accession.  Jesus Himself told us this of the Spirit in John’s gospel:

           

  Joh 15:26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.

            The Holy Spirit within each of us will guide us to discern the truth and that truth will line up perfectly confirming to us that Jesus is the Christ.  The final source of evidence comes from God the Father Himself; what greater proof is there than His testimony?  John stresses that fact in verse 9, “the witness of God is greater!”  He has the authority above everyone else and by not only saying it audibly (at Jesus’ baptism and the transfiguration), but through the many documented miracles that Jesus did including rising from the grave.  His voice speaks loud and clear who Jesus is.  John summarizes the result of our believing, not only from his testimony but also these four sources, in verse 12.  “He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”  How easy is that for us to understand?  With Jesus I win in the end, without Him I will lose.  Truth made simple.  Life wins over death.  Light wins over darkness.  Love wins over hate. Good wins over evil.  For me at 12 years’ old that was an easy choice to make that I never regret. John now again emphasizes a second reason for writing this letter to us.

 1Jn 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

            John wants us to be totally confident in our salvation; know that we know.  Are you there?  There are times where we all have some doubt simply because we know how weak and vulnerable we are.  But our salvation does not rest in our hands, it is in the Hands of the very Son of God who is the Lord of lords and King of kings!  Paul revealed this to us which seems to keep coming up quite often lately:

 

Col 2:9-10 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; (10) and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

            He completes us and is “the head of all principality and power” leaving no doubt that He has successfully secured our salvation.  So it is ok to doubt yourself, but never doubt what Jesus has done for you; He completes you meaning you lack nothing.  If you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart, you WILL be saved. (Rom. 10:9) Our salvation is a “know so” because of Jesus, not us. We’re fighting a battle; He has already won!    That gives us a confidence in Him that John now speaks of:

 

1Jn 5:14-17 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.  (15)  And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.  (16)  If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.  (17)  All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death.

            When we fully trust Jesus at His Word we are given a confidence that we are part of the family of God and with that adoption we are given certain privileges.  One of those privileges is a promise that when we pray and “cast our cares upon Him,” He hears us.  He also promises to answer those prayers with what is best for us according to His Will for our lives.  As we yield our lives to the leading of the Holy Spirit, our requests to God will change from being driven by our will and desires to being driven to line up with what God has planned for us; “not my will, but let yours be done.”

  One example John give us here is our prayers and petitions of our loved ones that are not saved or have wondered off from Jesus into sin.  The “sin that leads to death” could be speaking of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit which is considered apostasy; total renunciation and abandonment of the things of God.  That sin is unforgivable because, I believe anyone who gets that far away from God will never seek repentance keeping God from giving forgiveness. All other sin can be forgiven by true repentance that creates a change in your life.  John show us that our prayers can be valuable in this process of the sinner seeking restoration.  Be faithful to pray for those around you who struggle with sin that they will be open to the calling of Jesus.  Remember God’s desire is for all men to be saved. (I Tim 2:4).  John now closes pushing us to stand firm upon the things we do know.

 

 1Jn 5:18-21 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.  (19)  We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.  (20)  And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.  (21)  Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

            John’s final words remind us to stand firm on the things we know to be true.  First we are to avoid sin as being the children of God we seek to live a life free from sin (shooting for perfection); knowing this is the will of God.  Secondly, know we are at war with the wicked one, who is the ruler of this world and we should always be on guard of his deceiving ways.  Thirdly, stand firm on the fact that Jesus has “given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true.”  We are blessed with God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we may know Jesus, have fellowship with Him, and follow Him fully trusting that He is there for us as family.  That is why John wrote this letter, that we too could have fellowship with them.  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8) Following Jesus is not a religion, it is a relationship.

 

Heavenly Father thank You for Your Word and the men You chose to faithfully write it for us.  Guide our heart and mind to be drawn closer to You by standing firmly upon the things we know to be true.