Truth & Love #12

For Sure

I John 5:13-21 (NKJV)

“know” – “absolute certainty”

Know We Have Eternal Life (v. 13)

I John 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.

Three reasons John wrote the letter:

1. Their joy may be full (1:4)

2. They may not sin (2:1)

3. They may know they have eternal life (5:13)

Attributes of children of God

- Practice righteousness (2:29)

- Do not habitually practice sin (3:9)

- Love other Christians (3:14)

- Love others (4:7)

- Overcome the world (5:4)

Know We Have Answered Prayer (v. 14-17)

I John 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.

Keys to prayer

1. We must ask (v. 14)

James 4:2b “… Yet you do not have because you do not ask.”

2. We can ask about anything (v. 14)

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

3. We are to pray according to God’s will (v. 14)

Luke 22:41-42 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.

4. God hears and answers our prayer (v. 15)

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. NIV

Know We Are Changed (v. 18-21)

I John 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.

Being born of God and living a life of habitual, unrepentant sin are incompatible

Being born of God frees us from the domain of death and control of Satan

Being born of God gives us understanding

Question: Is there anything in my life that has eclipsed my devotion to God?