1. Review of Christian Knowledge
1 John 5

2. 1 John 5:1-5
We are still in the third application of tests. These verses seem to contain a ―triple combination‖ of the doctrinal, social, and moral tests of authentic Christianity. By combining the tests in such a way John teaches us that as far as believing in God, loving God‘s children, and obeying God‘s commandments are concerned, you can‘t have one without the other.
In this paragraph that combines the tests we expect to see multiple references to belief, love, and obedience. And so we do:
Vs 1,4,5 – belief/faith
Vs 1,2,3 - love
Vs 2,3 – keep his commands

3. The faith that overcomes the world
John boldly states that the one who has faith in Jesus Christ always has the victory over the temptations we face in the world. Why, then, do we so often fail? (vs 4)‖
Notice that in verse 1 John states that we believe that Jesus is the Christ and in verse 5 he says that we believe that Jesus is the Son of God. After going through this letter, why do you think he talks this way?
How does 1 John 5:2 help us know how to love our neighbor?

4. 1 John 5:6-8
The previous paragraph (5:1-5) began and ended with faith. Faith is dependent upon testimony. With these verses John presents three ―witnesses‖ to the validity of Christian faith.
“This” (v. 6) refers to Jesus in v. 5. Why do you suppose it says “This is the one who came…” instead of “comes”?
The first two of the three witnesses in v. 6 are water and blood. There have been three major interpretations of these witnesses over the years. Comment on each:
Baptism and Lord‘s Supper. (Spirit working through means of grace)
Water and blood from Jesus‘ side (cf Jn 19:34-35). St. Augustine
Jesus‘ baptism and death. (beginning and ending of public ministry)

5. 1 John 5:6-8
Note how these two witnesses are repeated in v. 6 for emphasis.
The third witness who speaks to the validity of Christian faith is the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is characterized as One who continually testifies. What is his testimony?
Explain how the witnesses complement each other.
The footnote might support Augustine’s view of this passage. How?
What is it that these three witnesses agree about?

6. 1 John 5:9-12
We have heard from the three witnesses as to the certainty of our faith. Now John assures us that these testimonies are divine, coming from God himself, and thus should not be questioned. The blessing for the one who trusts God‘s testimony about his Son is eternal life.
In v John discusses the believer by contrasting him with the unbeliever. What is the difference between the believer and the unbeliever?
God‘s testimony is fully developed in v : God has granted eternal life in connection with his Son! What important truths about eternal life does John teach by the phrase:
“God has given us …” (vs 11)
Double use of the word “Son” (vs 11)
The present tense usedthroughout v. 12? (“has” … “does not have”)
Compare these verses to the progression of thought in Jn 20:31. What impact does this progression have on the urgency of sharing the gospel with our friends?

7. 1 John 5:13-15
The Christian enjoys certainties, both for this life and the life to come. This is the theme as John now concludes his First Epistle. Note the prevalence of the word “know” as the letter ends.
To what does “these things” refer in v. 13?
Compare “so that you may know …” with the “that you may believe …” in John 20:31. What major difference do you see in the purpose of John‘s writing his Gospel as opposed to his First Epistle?

8. 1 John 5:13-15
The certainty of eternal life in v. 13 is followed by the certainty of answered prayer in v Note how this certainty is for the present life : “we have …”( Also notice that John describes prayer as “approaching God.”)

9. 1 John 5:13-15
What do the following in v. 14 tell us about Christian prayer?
“whatever we ask” (vs 14,15)
“according to his will” (vs 14)
“he hears us” (vs 15) cf. Jn 9:31; 11:41-42
Compare “we have what we have asked” to Jesus‘ Holy Week teaching on prayer in Mk 11:24.

10. 1 John 5:16-17
These verses continue John‘s focus on prayer as one of the Christian‘s assurances. Note that he gives examples of what the believer should and shouldn‘t be praying for.
John speaks of a Christian ―seeing‖ a brother who is living in sin. Compare 3:17. Whether our brother‘s need is physical or spiritual, it is often evident to us.
What is sin “that leads to death” or that “does not …”?
At times we confront a brother caught in sin. Here John urges us to pray.
Divide v. 17 in half. What is John preventing by stating the first half? What is he preventing by stating the second half?
What is the greatest difficulty in applying v. 16?

11. 1John 5:18-21
John ends his epistle in a manner consistent with its main body. With these last few verses John stresses three great affirmations which are beyond all dispute (in v. 18, 19, 20) in the Christian‘s life. What are they?
Summarize what v. 18 says we “know.”
Summarize what v. 19 says we “know.”

12. 1John 5:18-21
“true” can mean being genuine or speaking truthfully. How do you understand it here?
What does John say in verse 20 that would give a Jehovah’s Witness or a Mormon fits?
Summarize what John is teaching us in v. 20.
John does not conclude with a formal farewell or numerous greetings, though he does address his readers one last time as “dear children.” (v. 21).
“Keep yourselves from idols.” (brash or subtle?)