1 more reason why john wrote his letter (1 john 5:1-13)
Introduction:
1. Today we have been studying reasons why John wrote 1 John. 2. This morning we examined 2 reasons presented in 1 John 1:4; 2:1. 3. This evening we are concentrating on the information in 1 John 5:1-13 with special interest in "1 more reason why John wrote his letter" in vs.13. 4. 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). 5. (5:1-13) John showed how a person must resist the influence of the "antichrists" and believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. 6. These instructions enable us to know that we have eternal life. 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. The "antichrists" did not believe that Jesus is the Christ. 2. Because they did not believe that Jesus is Christ, they were not born of God. B. To be born of God, a person must believe that Jesus is the Christ; however, there are additional requirements. 1. (vs.1b) A person must love those who have been begotten of God. 2. (vs.2) We love God's children "when we love God, and keep his commandments." 3. (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, 19-21). 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. The "antichrists" did not believe that Jesus is God's Son. 2. 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 2 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." B. John also included the testimony of God in vs.9-12. 1. John mentioned God's testimony in vs.9 (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. Conclusion:
1. (vs.13) John revealed his reason for writing this information. 2. Believing that Jesus is God's Son is essential for receiving eternal life. 3. John explained what is involved in believing that Jesus is God's Son -- loving God, obeying God's commands, and loving God's children. 4. Those who truly believe that Jesus is God's Son have special knowledge -- having eternal life.
