How do you know that you know that? If you were asked: What would you list? How do you know that you know that? Do you really know it, or just think you know it?

John in 1 John Addresses What We Can Really Know Uses “We know” 13 times Uses “know” at least 40 times From two different words Ginosko Oida Inception or progress in knowledge Fullness of knowledge Implies an active relation between one who knows & the person or thing known Expresses fact that the object has come into the scope of the perception W. E. Vine

To Combat Gnostic Error Emphasis on Knowledge To Combat Gnostic Error Called “Gnostics” because claimed superior knowledge “This knowledge (gnosis) became the center of their distinctive beliefs and lifestyle.” (King, xx) Salvation comes by this spiritual enlightenment Released from normal rules of society Can be righteous without doing righteousness

Certainty of Faith & Hope Point John is Making: Certainty of Faith & Hope To Assure 1 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.” “Whereas the Gospel of John was written to create faith and so confer life (cf. John 20:31), the First Epistle was penned to give certainty of faith and possession of eternal life…It is apparent that he is writing to assure disciples who have been caused to question their salvation by opponents who seem very sure of themselves in their heterodoxy” (King, xxi).

Things We Can Know From 1 John

Things We Can Know From 1 John Know the Truth God has always given a standard by which to determine God’s will Example: Urim and Thummin (Exo. 28:30; Num. 27:21; 1 Sam. 28:6)

Know the Truth By those with miraculous gifts (2:20-21) 1 John 2:20, 21; 4:6 By those with miraculous gifts (2:20-21) Probably refers to the discerning of spirits (1 Cor. 12:10) Compare v. 27 By revelation of the apostles (4:6) This is how we test the teacher (v. 1) If agrees with apostles is true – if not, error! Assured: I can know the truth on any Bible matter No wondering “who is right?” Not require some special gift or talent

Things We Can Know From 1 John Know the Truth Know We Have a Savior

Know We Have a Savior Know the Son of God has come (5:20) 1 John 3:5; 5:20 Know the Son of God has come (5:20) Know that deity was manifest in flesh (John 1:1, 14) Know that Jesus is the Son of God by res. (Rom. 1:4) Know he was manifest to take away our sins (3:5) Came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15) Become flesh that he might die as a sacrifice (Heb. 2:14-15) Assured: That we have a savior that takes away our sin – we have hope

Things We Can Know From 1 John Know the Truth Know We Have a Savior Know Are Living Right

Know Are Living Right Know are in him – when keep commands (2:5) 1 John 2:5, 22; 3:14, 24; 4:13; 5:18 Know are in him – when keep commands (2:5) Know practice righteousness (2:29) Know passed from death to life (3:14) Know he abides in us (3:24) Know we abide in him & he in us (4:13) Know born of God & don’t practice sin (5:18) Assured: that we are living a life pleasing to God!

Things We Can Know From 1 John Know the Truth Know We Have a Savior Know Are Living Right Know God

Know God Know God if keep commandments (2:3-4) 1 John 2:3-4; 4:7-8 Know God if keep commandments (2:3-4) Know God = known by God (Gal. 4:8-9) Thus, a close relationship – know him very well! Know God if we love (4:7-8) Means to take on characteristics of God Far more than knowing he exist Far more than knowing something about God Assured: I know God & God knows me Ever feel that no one takes notice or even knows about you? God knows & takes notice!

Things We Can Know From 1 John Know the Truth Know We Have a Savior Know Are Living Right Know God Know God Hears Our Prayers

Know God Hears Our Prayers 1 John 5:14-15 Know God hears (5:14-15) Confidence – ask according to his will (v. 14) Whatever we ask (v. 15) Assured: God listens & cares & responds Ever feel that no one is listening? God hears your every request! My prayers do good (Jas. 5:16)

Things We Can Know From 1 John Know the Truth Know We Have a Savior Know Are Living Right Know God Know God Hears Our Prayers Know What Love Means

Know What Love Means Know love (3:16) Know we love brethren (5:2) 1 John 3:16; 5:2 Know love (3:16) By looking at the supreme example (v. 16a) Apply principle to love for brethren (v. 16b) Know we love brethren (5:2) When we love God & keep commandments Love for God and love for brethren are so interwoven that one implies the other Assured: I know what love means! More than talk – more than a feeling It is demonstrated in action

Things We Can Know From 1 John Know the Truth Know We Have a Savior Know Are Living Right Know God Know God Hears Our Prayers Know What Love Means Know Going to Heaven

Know Going to Heaven Know have eternal life (5:13) 1 John 3:2; 5:13 Know have eternal life (5:13) Only have it in promise (1 Tim. 4:8; Titus 1:2) Can be assured – know – not guessing or wondering Know we will be like him (3:2) Don’t know what we will be like when we are changed (1 Cor. 15:51) Comforting to know that we will be like him Assured: when all is done – I am going to heaven!

Things We Can Know From 1 John Know the Truth Know We Have a Savior Know Are Living Right Know God Know God Hears Our Prayers Know What Love Means Know Going to Heaven