1 John 5:13-21

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Benefits of Christian Fellowship

The essence of Christian fellowship is intimate communion with God Himself, and that is what unites believers together. See 1 John 1:3.
John’s gospel is evangelistic; John’s first epistle is written to believers to give them assurance of salvation. See 1 John 5:13.
Requirements of Christian fellowship are walking in the light and confessing your sins.
Tests of Christian fellowship are obedience to the commands of the Lord, separation from the world and separation from false teaching.
Characteristics of Christian fellowship are righteousness, brotherly love and faith.
Joy is one of the results of true Christian fellowship.

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13). What a blessing and benefit it is to know that you are saved, and not have doubts concerning your salvation. Have you ever had doubts concerning your salvation? Read this verse from the Bible and rest on God’s promise to you.
“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us and we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14-15) Notice God’s gracious limitation to this promise – “according to His will.” Aren’t you glad that God doesn’t say “Yes” to all of your prayers? Are you praying in His will? If so, then expect an answer to your prayers.
“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself and the wicked one does not touch him.” (1 John 5:18) The whole world system is satanic in its operation, but the believer is protected from Satan. As long as you are not practicing sin and you are living in the enjoyment of Christian fellowship, Satan cannot touch you. This is what the spiritual armor is all about in Ephesians 6. This does not mean that we will not be tempted, for we will be tempted, but we are protected. Are you thanking God for this protection?

Re-read 1 John 5:20-21. Observe both a promise (“we may know Him”) and a command (Keep yourselves from idols”). The Gnostics of the first century prided themselves on knowledge, but they didn’t know God. The true believer may come to know not just about God, but to know God Himself, more and more in an intimate and deep way. It is God we want to know, so the idols must go. Remember, an idol is anything that takes the place of God, keeping the believer from knowing God more. Is there an idol in your life (possessions, interests, pastimes, human priorities, human plans)? Examine your life and clear out the idols.

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of god, that you may know that you have eternal life…” 1 John 5:13
“This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us…and we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15
“We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself and the wicked one does not touch him.” 1 John 5:18
“We know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 5:20
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21