1 John 5:13-21 Lesson 464

1 John 5:13-21
Lesson 464

Read both the "King James Bible" and the "New Living Translation."

In this lesson:

The promise of eternal life.
When does eternal life begin?

Count the times the words "we know" appear in this passage.
What is it that "we know?"

Also;
Final benediction.

Remember verses 5:14-15 when in need of prayer.

The way to salvation:

First, acknowledge that we have all sinned and that the penalty for sin is eternal death.

Second, repent and confess that Jesus is Lord, that He died for our sins and was resurrected.

Lastly, pray and make Jesus a part of your life.

Forgiveness of sins and salvation comes exclusively through Jesus Christ.

The First Epistle of John

The King James Bible

1 John 5:13-21
Faith in Christ

13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.

18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

2 1Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.

Margin notes:

"That ye may know that ye have eternal life." (5:13) - How do we know we have eternal life? Out of faith and because the Holy Spirit tells our inner self (Romans 8:16). This verse reinforces John 20:31. Additional note: Eternal life begins when we accept Christ.

"If we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." (5:14) - "If we pray for something, and it is in line with God's will, He will hear us." We can learn God's will be studying the Bible. John is repeating this message from verse 3:22 (lesson 459). Additional note: Everything God promised will be given to us (faith, understanding, etc.). God will hear if we pray (Psalm 34:17-19; Matthew 7:7).

"We know that he hear us." (5:15) - "We know God hears us."

"We know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (5:15) - "We know we will receive what we asked for."

"If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask..." (5:16) - If you see someone sin, pray for them. Notice that John doesn't tell us to criticize
sinners.

"There is a sin unto death." (5:16) - "There is a sin that leads to death." Which sin is John referring to? Perhaps it's the sin of blasphemy or the rejection of God. Jesus tells us that blasphemy against the Holy Ghost is an unforgiveable sin (Matthew 12:31-32; Mark 3:28-29; Luke 12:10). Blasphemy is the continual rejection or insulting (through words or actions) of our heavenly Father. It isn't just a one-time mistake made in a time of spiritual uncertainty, but an ongoing attitude of rebellion against God. It's a "sin unto death" because the sinner will never ask for forgiveness.

"All unrighteousness is sin." (5:17) - "All wrongdoing is sinful."

"He that is begotten of God keepeth himself." (5:18) - "Those who are born of God are protected by Jesus."

"We know that the Son of God is come." (5:20) - "We know that the Son of God has come (and died on the cross to save us)."

"That we may know him that is true." (5:20) - "That we may know Jesus is true." Christ is real, unlike false idols (see verse 5:21).

New Living Translation

1 John 5:13-21
Conclusion

13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.

14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

16 If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it.

17 All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death.

18 We know that God's children do not make a practice of sinning, for God's Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.

19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one.

20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.

21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God's place in your hearts.

This second Bible text from the "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."

Today's question:

1. Why did John write this epistle (letter)?

"He loved us not because we were lovable, but because He is love."

C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)

Answer: (Do you agree?)

1. The primary purpose of this letter is to assure believers they have eternal life (5:13).

Application thought for the day:

Make a list of the "idols" that tempt you.

This is the final lesson of "The First Epistle of John."

First John taught us about Christian fellowship and the importance of obeying Jesus and loving others.
We were alerted to the dangers of false preachers, a recurring theme in John's writings.
In this lesson (464), we also learned the power of prayer and the certainty of eternal life.

As with all the books in the Bible, go back and re-read 1 John.
It is only five pages long, and since you're already familiar with it, it is an easy read.
You'll be surprised at the new insights you gain.

In a few days -

We will send you the lesson on "The Second Epistle of John."

Just thirty-six lessons to go.

God Bless!

Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2024 evolke

Subscribe for Free Bible Lessons