1. In this lesson we are examining the information presented in 1 John 5:1-12. 2. As we study this letter we must remember that John wrote it to Christians who were being influenced by false teachers he called "antichrists." a. These people created quite a disturbance in the early church. b. In 2:26 John issued a strong warning against these people. 1) Some of them denied that Jesus is the Christ (2:22-23). 2) Some of them denied that Jesus came in the flesh as God's Son (4:3). 3. (5:1-12) John showed how a person must resist the influence of the "antichrists" and believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Discussion: I. (vs.1-3) TO BE BORN OF GOD, WE MUST BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST
A. (vs.1a) "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." 1. Did the "antichrists" believe that Jesus is the Christ? 2. No, and because they did not believe that Jesus is the Christ, they were not born of God. B. To be born of God, a person must believe that Jesus is the Christ; however, are there any other requirements? 1. (vs.1b) A person must love those who have been begotten of God. 2. How do we know when we love God's children? 3. (vs.2) We love God's children "when we love God, and keep his commandments." 4. Why must we keep God's commandments? 5. (vs.3) We show our love for God by keeping His commandments, and we do not consider them to be burdensome. C. Basically, John summed up in vs.1-3 what he has been teaching about having fellowship with God and being born of God (2:3-5, 9-11; 3:23-24a; 4:15, 19, 20-21). II. (vs.4-5) TO OVERCOME THE WORLD, WE MUST BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD
A. (vs.5) "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1. Did the "antichrists" believe that Jesus is God's Son? 2. No, and because they did not believe that Jesus is God's Son, they were overcome by the world. B. (vs.4a) To be born of God, a person must overcome the world. C. John basically summed up what he said earlier about the Christian's relationship with the world (2:15-17). D. (vs.4b) Faith in Christ is the key to overcoming the world (Colossians 3:1-4). III. (vs.6-12) JOHN PRESENTED THE TESTIMONY OF SEVERAL WITNESSES TO PROVE THAT JESUS CHRIST CAME IN THE FLESH AS GOD'S SON
A. John began with the testimony of the Spirit in vs.6-8. 1. His testimony is reliable because "the Spirit is truth" (see John 16:13). 2. The Spirit testifies that Jesus "came by water and blood." a. Water: Matthew 3:13-16; John 1:32-34 b. Blood: John 19:34 B. John also included the testimony of God in vs.9-12. 1. John mentioned God's testimony about Jesus in vs.9 -- His testimony is recorded in Matthew 3:17; 17:5. 2. John showed in vs.10-12 that God's testimony about Jesus must be believed. a. Those who accept it inherit eternal life. b. Those who reject it do not have life.
