Living in the Light: Finding Hope and Assurance in a Dark World
Notes
Transcript
Good morning! It is a joy to gather together today as a community of believers, seeking to grow in our understanding of God's Word and its relevance to our lives. As we come before the Lord, let me share with you an illustration that captures the essence of our message today.
Imagine, if you will, a scene of darkness enveloping everything around you. The world seems clouded with confusion, doubt, and uncertainty. It is in this darkness that you find yourself, searching for a glimmer of hope, a guiding light to lead you through the maze of life's challenges.
And then, in the midst of that darkness, a beam of light breaks through, piercing the gloom and illuminating your path. It shines brightly, casting aside the shadows and revealing a clear way forward. That beam of light represents the assurance and confidence that believers have in Christ, who is the light of the world.
In our passage today we are going to find the truths that remind us of the assurance we have in approaching God and the confidence we can find in our relationship with Him. Just as that beam of light dispels darkness, Jesus provides the guiding light in our lives, offering us assurance of eternal life and a steadfast hope that sustains us in the midst of challenges, doubts, and uncertainties.
The apostle John, writing to a community of believers facing their own struggles, understood the importance of anchoring their faith in the unwavering truth of Christ. In the verses we will explore today, he emphasizes the confidence we can have in approaching God and the power of prayer when aligned with His will.
So, let’s explore the significance of 1 John 5:13-21 and discover how it speaks to our lives today. I hope that through our time together we are encouraged and equipped to navigate the challenges and distractions that surround us, always keeping our eyes fixed on the guiding light of Jesus Christ.
And as we examine these truths, let us pray that the Holy Spirit will illuminate our hearts and minds, enabling us to apply the timeless wisdom of God's Word to our lives. That we might be transformed by His grace and find strength in the assurance and confidence that come from walking closely with our Savior.
Verse 13 begins with these words:
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.
John, in his desire to bolster the assurance of his readers, lays out his purpose for writing this letter. He wants them to have the confidence and certainty that they possess eternal life. But what does it mean to believe in the name of the Son of God?
Assurance of Eternal Life
Assurance of Eternal Life
To believe in the name of Jesus is to believe in the person who bears that name. It goes beyond a mere intellectual acknowledgment of Jesus as the Son of God. The Fourth Gospel reinforces this understanding by connecting belief in his name with believing in his person. Our belief in Jesus as the Son of God is foundational to our faith and is intricately linked to the assurance of our eternal life.
John wrote this letter because his readers had been disturbed by the false teachings of the secessionists. These individuals denied key elements of the message the readers had embraced from the beginning. They claimed special revelation through the Spirit, creating doubts and shaking the readers' assurance. John steps in to counteract these false teachings and restore their confidence.
He emphasizes that it is the readers who have truly received eternal life, who genuinely know God. The authentic marks of those who have eternal life are evident in their lives. They continue in the teaching they first heard from the eyewitnesses, they obey the commands of the Lord, and they demonstrate love for the children of God. These are the fruits of genuine faith and the indicators of eternal life within them.
Interestingly, we find a parallel between the purpose of this letter and the purpose stated in the Gospel of John. Both emphasize the importance of what has been written, belief in Jesus as the Son of God, and the possession of eternal life. However, there is a distinction. The Gospel has an evangelistic purpose, inviting people to believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. On the other hand, the purpose of this letter is to reassure those who are already believers, assuring them of their eternal life in Christ.
The challenges and doubts we face may sometimes shake our confidence, but the unchanging truth of God's Word remains. We need to hold onto the certainty that comes from believing in the name of the Son of God.
Verses 14 and 15 build upon the theme of assurance and confidence in our relationship with God.
We read in verse 14
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
John wants to emphasize that, along with the assurance of eternal life, believers also experience confidence in their relationship with God. It is a confidence that enables us to approach God boldly and with assurance. The Greek word used here for confidence conveys the idea of freedom in speech, boldness, and frankness. It speaks of an intimate relationship where we can approach God without fear or hesitation.
Confidence in Prayer
Confidence in Prayer
John describes this confidence as the assurance we have "in approaching God" or, more accurately, "in His presence." The phrase "toward him" carries the sense of being in the presence of God, recalling the language used in the Gospel of John, "and the Word was with God" (John 1:1). It speaks of our privileged position as believers to come before the Almighty, knowing that we are welcome in His presence.
But what brings us this confidence? John reveals that when we pray according to God's will, He hears us. This statement echoes the promise Jesus made to His disciples in the upper room regarding answered prayer (John 16:23–26). It is a powerful assurance that when we align our prayers with God's perfect will, He not only listens but responds.
Believers' confidence in prayer is deeply connected to their assurance of eternal life. It arises from knowing that we have a relationship with God through Christ. Furthermore, this confidence is intimately tied to asking according to God's will. Our prayers are not to be self-centered or driven by our own desires alone. Rather, we align ourselves with God's will, seeking His purposes and His heart in our petitions.
When we pray in this manner, the author assures us that God hears our requests. The word "hear" (akouō) carries the sense of "giving heed to" or responding positively to what is asked. God pays attention to the prayers of His people when they align with His will. It is a beautiful affirmation of His faithfulness and love for us.
Verse 15 further reinforces this truth and we read.
And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
As we ask according to God's will and are confident that He hears us, we can have the assurance that we will receive what we have asked. It is a powerful affirmation of God's response to the prayers of His children.
Never forget that we have the privilege of approaching God with confidence, knowing that He hears us and responds when we pray according to His will. Our assurance in prayer is rooted in our relationship with Him and our alignment with His purposes.
In verses 16 and 17, John addresses the topic of discerning the sin of a fellow believer. These verses shed light on the importance of prayer and understanding the distinction between sins that lead to death and those that do not.
In the first part of verse 16 we read.
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
In the first part of verse 16, John addresses the situation when a believer sees a fellow brother or sister committing a sin that does not lead to death. John's instruction is clear: we are called to pray for them. This observation of sin indicates that it is something observable, not merely an internal attitude.
Discerning the Sin of a Fellow Believer
Discerning the Sin of a Fellow Believer
John uses a future form of the verb "to pray," signifying a command to respond with prayer. When we pray in such circumstances, the author assures us that God will give life. There are different interpretations of who gives life – whether it is God or the believer who prays – but ultimately, it is God who grants life in response to prayer.
However, the promise of life is specifically reserved for those whose sin does not lead to death. John emphasizes the importance of identifying the distinction between sins that lead to death and those that do not. The sin that does not lead to death refers to the sins believers commit for which forgiveness has been secured through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. These are sins that can be confessed and forgiven, restoring the believer to life and fellowship with God (1:9; 2:1–2).
John's confidence in prayer for those who commit sin that does not lead to death stems from the assurance that such sins are forgivable and restorable. Our prayers for the repentant believer will be answered, and God will grant them life. The exact nature of the life granted is debated, but it is likely the promised resurrection life that sinning believers who repent will receive on the last day. This interpretation aligns with the future tense of the verb "he will give" (dōsei) and the overall context of the letter.
On the other hand, John also acknowledges the existence of a sin that leads to death in the last part of verse 16. Which reads
1 John 5:16 (ESV)
There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
The sin that leads to death refers to spiritual death, the failure to experience eternal life that is reserved for those who believe in the Son of God. John does not explicitly define this sin, but it is likely associated with the unrepentant denial of Jesus as the Christ come in the flesh and the significance of His atoning death. Those who persist in such unbelief place themselves outside the sphere of forgiveness, and their sins become sins unto death.
With this understanding, John advises his readers that he is not saying they should pray for those who commit this sin. It is a nuanced statement, leaving room for interpretation. While John does not explicitly prohibit praying for such individuals, his remarks imply caution or hesitancy in doing so. This may be due to the severity and willful persistence of their unrepentant state. It aligns with instances in the Old Testament and the Gospel of John where prayer for particular groups or situations is discouraged.
Verse 17 reinforces the distinction between sins that lead to death and those that do not. John states
All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
The purpose of this reinforcement is to provide assurance to his readers that although they may stumble and fall into sin from time to time, their sins do not lead to spiritual death. John reminds them of the forgiveness available through confession and cleansing from all unrighteousness (1:9).
In verses 18 through 20 John reminds us of our protected position in Christ, our identity as children of God, and the assurance of understanding. These verses reaffirm our faith and provide comfort and security in our relationship with God.
In verse 18, John begins by reiterating a previous statement made in the letter: anyone born of God does not continue to sin.
We read.
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.
This refers to believers who have been born again by the Spirit of God and have received new life in Christ Jesus.
Assurance of Being Born of God
Assurance of Being Born of God
The present tense form of the verb "to sin" emphasizes the ongoing process of sinning, highlighting the distinction between the lifestyle of sin and the transformed life of a believer. John further assures us that the one who was born of God keeps us safe, protecting us from the harm that the evil one intends to inflict upon us. This reference to the one born of God is best understood as a reference to Jesus Christ, who, like a shepherd, guards and preserves his flock. Just as Jesus prayed for the protection of his disciples from the evil one in the Gospel of John, we can trust that He watches over us and keeps us secure in His loving care.
In verse 19, John continues to provide reassurance by contrasting believers with the rest of the world.
We read.
We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.
The term "children" is not explicitly present in the original text, but it is understood from the context. Believers have been born of God and have become His children through faith in Jesus Christ. In contrast, the world remains under the influence and sway of the evil one. This understanding aligns with the Gospel of John, where Jesus speaks of the prince of this world and the need for believers to be delivered from its control. John affirms our privileged position as children of God, protected and set apart from the dominion of darkness.
In verse 20, John culminates his reassurance with a powerful statement:
He writes:
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
Here, John alludes to two aspects of the work of the Son of God. Firstly, Jesus Christ's incarnation as the historical Jesus, who came to dwell among us and reveal the Father to humanity. Secondly, Jesus has given us understanding, illuminating our hearts and minds to comprehend the truth of God's nature and His redemptive plan. Through the ministry of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have gained knowledge of the one who is true, that is, God the Father Himself. Our understanding of God and His truth is made possible because we are in Him who is true, through our union with His Son Jesus Christ. This union is a profound spiritual reality, where believers abide in God and God in them, facilitated by the agency of the Holy Spirit.
In the closing words of verse 20, John declares, "He is the true God and eternal life." The pronoun "He" can refer to either God the Father or Jesus Christ, and both interpretations have validity. If it refers to the Father, it emphasizes that He is the true God, the source of all life and the eternal One. This aligns with other biblical passages that speak of the Father as the only true God. If it refers to Jesus Christ, it highlights His divinity and role as the true God incarnate, the very embodiment of eternal life. This assertion echoes the powerful opening statement of the Gospel of John, affirming the deity of Jesus Christ as the Word who was with God and was God. I believe that John's intention is to emphasize the unity between the Father and the Son, affirming the divinity of Jesus Christ and the eternal life that is found in Him and Him alone.
As we come to the final verse of 1 John, we encounter a contrasting statement that serves as a final warning and closing remark.
John exhorts us with these words:
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
This exhortation has puzzled interpreters, leading to various interpretations. Today, we will explore the meaning behind this statement and its relevance to our lives.
Final Warning
Final Warning
The exhortation to "keep yourselves from idols" can be understood in both literal and metaphorical senses. Some scholars interpret it literally, suggesting that the author warns against participating in idolatry, especially in the face of persecution when pagans demanded Christians to offer sacrifices to idols. This interpretation highlights the historical context in which Christians were confronted with the choice between faithfulness to Christ and compromise to avoid martyrdom. The reference to Jesus coming by blood and water previously serves as a reminder of the price He paid for His testimony and the sacrificial love that believers ought to demonstrate. This view emphasizes the need to remain steadfast in the face of idolatrous practices.
On the other hand, some scholars interpret the mention of idols metaphorically. They propose that the word "idols" (eidōlon) should be understood as "phantoms" or "falseness." This metaphorical interpretation aligns with the classical Greek meaning of the word and its association with unreality. In this sense, the exhortation encourages believers to guard themselves against false teachings, particularly the denial of Jesus' true humanity and His resurrection. It serves as a warning against doctrines that distort the reality of Christ's life and undermine the truth of the Gospel. This view connects the exhortation to the broader theme of the letter, which addresses false teachings propagated by the secessionists.
In light of these interpretations, it is evident that the exhortation to "keep yourselves from idols" is closely related to the theme of knowing the one true God. In the context of the letter, it is not the pagans who lack knowledge of the true God, but rather the secessionists who deny essential truths about Jesus and His redemptive work. Therefore, the exhortation can be understood as a warning not to accept the false teaching of the secessionists. It urges believers to remain faithful to the authentic message of the Gospel and to guard against any distortions or deviations from the truth.
So What?
So What?
As we consider the application of this passage to our current culture, we recognize that while we may not encounter the same forms of idolatry as in the first century, the message remains profoundly relevant. We live in a world that presents us with countless idols, enticing us to place our trust and devotion in fleeting and empty pursuits. Our modern idols may not take the form of carved images or false deities, but they are equally alluring and deceptive.
In our digital age, we are bombarded with the idols of materialism, success, and self-gratification. The pursuit of wealth, possessions, and social status can easily consume our hearts and distract us from the true purpose of our lives. We are constantly enticed to find our identity and worth in what we have or what others think of us. These idols promise fulfillment and happiness, but ultimately leave us empty and unsatisfied.
Furthermore, the idols of our time can also manifest in the form of ideologies and worldviews that seek to replace or distort the truth of the Gospel. We are confronted with false teachings that deny the uniqueness of Christ, undermine the authority of Scripture, and promote relativism and self-centeredness. These ideologies attempt to redefine morality, redefine gender and sexuality, and promote individualism at the expense of community and love.
In light of these challenges, the exhortation to "keep yourselves from idols" takes on renewed significance. It calls us to examine our lives and identify the idols that have subtly crept in. It challenges us to be discerning and intentional about the values we embrace and the beliefs we hold. It invites us to prioritize the knowledge of the true God and the truth of His Word above all else.
To keep ourselves from idols means cultivating a deep and personal relationship with God. It means making Him the center of our lives and aligning our desires, pursuits, and actions with His will. It means seeking His guidance and wisdom in all aspects of our lives, surrendering our desires and ambitions to His purposes. It means being willing to let go of anything that hinders our fellowship with Him and compromises our faithfulness to His truth.
Keeping ourselves from idols also involves being discerning consumers of information and culture. It means critically evaluating the messages we encounter, whether through media, entertainment, or social platforms. We must filter them through the lens of Scripture, recognizing that not everything that is popular or widely accepted aligns with God's truth. We must guard our minds and hearts, being aware of the subtle ways in which false teachings can infiltrate our thinking.
Moreover, keeping ourselves from idols entails living as witnesses of the true God in a world filled with idols. We are called to shine the light of Christ, to live lives characterized by love, humility, and integrity. We have the privilege and responsibility to point others to the true source of hope and fulfillment, offering them an alternative to the empty promises of the idols around us.
As we navigate the complexities of our culture, let us heed the timeless wisdom of 1 John. Let us keep ourselves from idols, embracing the true God and His truth with unwavering devotion. I pray that we are a people who resist the allure of empty idols and live as authentic followers of Christ. In doing so, we will experience the abundant life that comes from knowing Him, and our lives will bear witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.
As we come to the close of our time together today and we close out our series on 1 John, let us reflect on the powerful image we started with—the beam of light shining in the darkness. Just as that light represents the assurance and confidence we have in Christ, so too does it serve as a reminder of the transformative power of His love and grace in our lives.
In 1 John, we have explored the depths of our assurance as believers and the confidence we can find in approaching God. We have seen that our assurance is not based on our own merits or efforts, but on the unchanging truth that we are children of God, born of His Spirit and called to walk in His light.
Through prayer, we have the incredible privilege of communing with our Heavenly Father, knowing that when we align our requests with His will, He hears us and responds. This assurance in prayer is not a guarantee that we will always receive exactly what we ask for, but it is a confidence that God, in His infinite wisdom and love, will answer according to His perfect plan.
Furthermore, we have been reminded to guard ourselves from idols, those things that can subtly creep into our lives and draw us away from the true worship of God. Just as the light exposes the darkness, we must continually examine our hearts, identifying anything that hinders our fellowship with Christ and redirecting our focus back to Him.
In a world filled with distractions, doubts, and uncertainties, Jesus remains the guiding light, illuminating our path and providing the assurance of eternal life. He is the true God and the source of all understanding. In Him, we find hope, peace, and security that transcend the challenges that we face.
May this truth resonate deeply within us, shaping our thoughts, actions, and interactions with others. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we always seek the light of Christ, allowing His love and truth to guide us and draw us closer to Him.
Let us go forth from this place, carrying the assurance and confidence that come from our relationship with God. Let us be bearers of His light, shining brightly in a world that desperately needs the hope and truth found in Jesus Christ.
May we, as a community of believers, remain steadfast in our devotion to Him, guarding our hearts, and always turning to the light that dispels darkness. And may our lives reflect the transformative power of the assurance and confidence we have in approaching God through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Remember you are the light of the world because the light of Christ dwells within you. Shine brightly, walk confidently, and may the assurance of eternal life in Him be the foundation of everything you do.
Amen.
Let us pray
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in gratitude for the assurance and confidence we have in You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the light that shines in the darkness, guiding us and illuminating our path.
Lord, we are reminded of the privilege we have to approach You in prayer, knowing that You hear us and respond according to Your will. Help us to continually seek Your guidance and align our hearts with Your purposes. Grant us the wisdom to discern Your will and the courage to surrender our desires to You.
We ask for Your grace to guard our hearts against the idols and distractions of this world. Help us to identify and remove anything that hinders our fellowship with You. May Your light expose every hidden darkness within us, transforming us into vessels of Your love and truth.
Thank You, Lord, for being our source of understanding. We acknowledge that true knowledge and wisdom come from You alone. Open our hearts and minds to grasp the depths of Your truth, that we may grow in our relationship with You and reflect Your light to others.
As we go from this place, may Your assurance and confidence fill our hearts. Empower us to be a beacon of hope and truth in a world that longs for Your love. Help us to shine brightly, pointing others to the eternal life found only in Jesus Christ.
Lord, we commit ourselves to You, surrendering our plans, worries, and uncertainties into Your capable hands. Strengthen us in times of doubt and equip us to walk in faith, knowing that You are with us every step of the way.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Benediction
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen