1. We are concluding our study of 1 John. 2. As we do so we are examining the information presented in 1 John 5:20-21.
Discussion:
I. IN VS.20 JOHN MENTIONED SOME THINGS WE CAN KNOW ABOUT CHRIST
A. He first said, "we know that the Son of God is come." 1. It was necessary for John to emphasize this because some people he called "antichrists" were saying that Jesus did not come in the flesh (4:3). 2. To prove that Jesus did come, John presented: a. his own testimony (1:1-2) b. the testimony of the Spirit (5:6). B. John continued by showing how we know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. 1. John emphasized this because the "antichrists" denied that Jesus is the Christ (2:22). 2. To prove that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, John presented: a. his own testimony (1:3) b. the testimony of God (5:9-10). C. By coming, Christ has given us an understanding that we may know: 1. Him that is true 2. that we are in Him. D. Vs.20 closes with a reference to "the true God," the source of "eternal life." 1. Something is implied in this statement. 2. Since there is one true God, other gods are false. 3. Also, false gods cannot provide "eternal life." 4. This leads us to John's final admonition.
II. IN VS.21 JOHN CALLED UPON CHRISTIANS TO ABSTAIN FROM IDOLATRY
A. The "antichrists" were influencing Christians to participate in sinful behavior. 1. This led John to show that God's people must: a. abstain from habitual sinful activity (2:1a) b. avoid loving the world (2:15). 2. It was also necessary for John to give a final admonition concerning idolatry. B. Christians are also instructed to avoid idolatry in 1 Corinthians 10:7, 14. 1. We might think that Christians should know better than to practice idolatry. 2. The Israelites should have known better than to get caught up in idolatry, but they did on many occasions. C. In addition to avoiding idolatry ourselves, our spirits ought to be stirred in us when we see others practicing it (Acts 17:16-17). D. Paul discussed the folly of worshipping idols in Acts 17:22-29. E. The Bible clearly teaches that God will punish idolaters. 1. According to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, they will not inherit God's kingdom. 2. Thankfully, idolatry can be overcome (1 Corinthians 6:11; Acts 18:8). 3. Idolaters who do not repent will be condemned at the judgment (Revelation 21:8). F. The Bible also teaches that idolaters must be avoided because of their influence. 1. 1 Corinthians 5:11 2. 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 G. The majority of people who claim to be Christians would never consider worshipping an idol; however, we must realize that "covetousness" is a form of idolatry. 1. See: a. Ephesians 5:5 b. Colossians 3:5 2. Perhaps this will help us appreciate the Lord's warning in Luke 12:15.
