CLOSING WITH CONCERN
1 John 5:13-21
INTRODUCTION: We are here at the end of the letter of first John. What a study this has been. We have looked at the very heart of John as he communicated practical, biblical truth to those who heard this message, and those who still continue to read the transcript. So here in these closing words, John conclude with three thoughts. The first is that of assurance regarding, and the second is that of assurance regarding answered prayer, and the third -- freedom from sin.
I ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE -- 5:13
A John gives this assurance to believers
1 Only people who can know for sure that they have eternal life are those who believe in Jesus
2 Without Christ – there is no assurance of eternal life
a There is an internal fear of death
b There is an internal fear of what happens after death
c There are a multitude of alternatives for not trusting in Jesus
B John brings his purpose to a close
1 John’s purposes in penning these words -- 1 John 1:4 We write this to make our joy complete.
a No better way to experience joy that to have eternal life
II ASSURANCE OF ANSWERED PRAYER – 5:14
A The confidence of prayer
1 The ability to pray boldly
a Boldness comes from knowing the answer
b Boldness comes from know God
B The key to answered prayer
1 Approach God in prayer
2 Approach God in prayer according to His will
a This manner of approach assures us of answered prayer
3 My most important prayer SHOULD be that prayer asking to be closer to God
a Pray knowing my condition – God, I am coming to you as a redeemed Son
b Praying with confidence – God, I am coming to you as a beloved son
c Praying in God’s will – God, I am coming to you as a sensitive son (sensitive to Holy Spirit)
WHAT WE NEED TO UNDERSTAND IS THAT AS WE COME TO PRAYER THIS WAY (CLOSE TO GOD) THE CONDITIONS ARE ALREADY MET FOR GOD TO ANSWER MY PRAYER – I WILL GET AN ANSWER!
If we knew God’s will thoroughly, and submitted to it heartily, it would be impossible for us to ask anything for the spirit or for the body which He should not perform; it is this ideal state which the apostle has in view.
III THE ASSURANCE OF FREEDOM FROM SIN – 5:15-21
A We receive freedom from sin by the intercession of other people – verse 16
1 Observation needs to result in intercession
2 We need to be praying for each other
a Being an intercessor
b Asking God (as an inferior)
3 We need to understand that ANY sin continued long enough will affect our life!
James 5:19-20 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.
Proverbs 11:19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.
4 There are sins which bring about a rapid consequence of death
a Scripture speaks of issues where sin brought physical death
1) Ananias and Sapphira – Acts 5
2) “unworthy manner” of communion – 1 Cor 11:27-30
b Scripture speaks of issues where sin brought spiritual death
1) Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit – Mark 3:29
2) Rejection of Christ – Heb 6:4-6
c Important to understand
1) John did not tell us what death he was talking about
2) John did not tell us what sin he was talking about
3) It would be FAR better to concentrate on praying for the sinner and discerning the sin
KEEPING IN MIND THAT WE PRAY AS ONE WHO ASKS, NOT AS ONE WHO HAS THE AUTHORITY TO REQUEST
B We receive freedom from sin by knowing that ALL unrighteousness is sin – verse 17
1 We live in a world today that thinks FAR too lightly about sin
2 We live in a “rank” obsessed world
a Some sins are small; others are big.
b Some sins are white; others are black.
c Some sins are more permissible; others are less permissible.
d Some sins are more acceptable; others are less acceptable.
3 But note what Scripture says: “all unrighteousness is sin.” There is not a single act of unrighteousness that is not sin
The point is this: the way we live free of sin is to know that all unrighteousness is sin. There is not an act of unrighteousness that is not sin. No matter what we think, no matter how we may rank sin, there is no rank of sin with God. Sin is sin; unrighteousness is unrighteousness. We must repent and forsake all sin—know that all unrighteous acts are sin—if we are to live free of sin.
C We receive freedom from sin by putting ourselves under the power of God – verse 18
1 Salvation keeps us safe!
2 Salvation says – I have the freedom to obey God
3 Salvation says – Every aspect of my relationship with God is based on Jesus and not me
4 Salvation says -- God continues to watch over me
5 Salvation says -- The connection I had with sin is severed
D We receive freedom from sin by knowing Satan controls the world – verse 19
1 We have a corrupt and deteriorating world
a It is passing away
b Becoming attached to the world is like becoming attached to a sinking ship
c Avoid loving this world so much that we want to stay here more than go to heaven
2 We have governments and societies affected by Satan
Daniel 10:13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.
a We never satisfy our responsibility to be loyal to our governments
b Yet, no government is perfect
c Need to support the good and challenge the bad
3 We have an infected world
a Infected by sin and lust
b Infected by pride and rebellion
4 This is not the world God created – it is the world man corrupted
E We receive freedom from sin by seeking the spiritual understanding given by God – verse 20
1 Understanding that no other area of life provides freedom from sin
2 Understanding the God and God alone is true – and He alone has the answers!
F We receive freedom from sin by avoiding idols
1 An idol is ANY substitute for true faith
2 An idols is anything taking first place in your life – the place God should occupy
3 Man can make an idol of anything!
John’s final words to us are words of encouragement. Encouragement to rest assured of our eternal life, our answered prayer, and our freedom from sin
