Intro: In our passage today, John the apostle is older. In fact, at the time of this writing (85AD), he may be the only original apostle still living. In his letter, John wants to assure the next generation of believers about God’s care and his provision of grace for eternal life in Christ. He wants them to know Christ “is” eternal life; a life that begins with faith and is walked out as we put our trust in Christ as our Lord. For this reason, humility and commitment to Christ are essential if we are going to walk in the newness of eternal life. Faith-driven believers live very different then the world (unbelievers), because we live to please God.
John knew Christ in a very personal way; he had an experiential understanding of Christ’s love and power because he was an eyewitness, as well as a recipient. So, when John says, “We know…” you can be sure because he has talked and walked with Jesus and witnessed the Truth about life and spiritual matters. We “know” that we have eternal life if we believe in Christ’s sacrifice for our sin and have obediently committed ourselves to Jesus. When Jesus has first place in our lives he sits as Lord. Then, we can lean on his authority and power to avoid sinning against God. Satan has no power over Jesus. Do you “know” you have eternal life?
1 John 5:13, 18-21 (NLT)
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.
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.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that I know I have eternal life with you. My assurance does not come from my feelings or any good things I may do. My assurance comes because you are eternal life and truth and I know by faith you live within me to protect me and guide my life. Help me follow you more closely each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.