#230 - 1 John 5:9-21 - Assurance, Idols, and Walking the Walk: Wrapping Up 1 John

Detailed Podcast Notes for "Assurance, Idols, and Walking the Walk: Wrapping Up 1 John 5"

Opening Section

• Introduction by Pastor Brian:
  • Podcast tagline: “Helping you love God, love your neighbor, and eat more tacos.”
  • Overview of today’s topic: Concluding the study of 1 John with chapter 5, verses 9-21.
  • Special guest: Noah joins the episode to discuss key theological truths.

Main Discussion

1. The Threefold Testimony of Christ (1 John 5:9-12)

• Context:

  • John uses the principle of testimony from ancient legal systems.
  • In human courts, the testimony of two or three witnesses was required to establish truth.

• Key Verse Breakdown:

  • Verse 9:

    • God’s testimony about His Son is greater than any human witness.
    • Belief in God’s testimony is foundational to faith.

  • Verses 10-11:

    • Internal Witness: Believers have the Holy Spirit affirming the truth of Christ within them.
    • Eternal Life: Life is found only in Jesus Christ. Without Him, there is no life.

  • Verse 12:

    • John’s black-and-white conclusion:
      • "He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."

• Illustration:

  • Imagine a court case with three eyewitnesses. If their testimony establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, how much more should we trust God’s divine and eternal witness?

• Takeaway:

  • Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide a perfect, threefold testimony of salvation.

2. Confidence in Prayer and God’s Will (1 John 5:13-15)

• Purpose of John’s Writing (v. 13):

  • Assurance of eternal life for believers.
  • Encouragement to continue believing in the Son of God.

• Key Verses on Prayer:

  • Verse 14: Confidence in prayer comes from knowing God hears us.
  • Verse 15: Aligning prayers with God’s will guarantees He will answer.

• Application:

  • God’s will is revealed in His Word. The more familiar you are with Scripture, the more your prayers will align with His will.
  • Example: Praying for material possessions (e.g., PS5) may not align with God’s priorities but praying for wisdom or growth in faith does.

3. The Sin Leading to Death (1 John 5:16-17)

• Explanation:

  • Sin not leading to death: A believer who sins but does not deny Christ. Prayer and repentance can restore them.
  • Sin leading to death: Apostasy, or the outright denial of Christ after professing faith. This sin puts the individual beyond intercession, as it is ultimately in God’s hands.

• Historical and Biblical Context:

  • Example from Jeremiah: God instructed the prophet to stop praying for Israel when they repeatedly hardened their hearts.
  • John mirrors this teaching, emphasizing that some sins—like denying Christ—cross a line into spiritual death.

• Practical Takeaway:

  • Pray for those who backslide or struggle with sin. Trust God’s sovereignty when dealing with those who reject Christ.

4. Assurance of Salvation (1 John 5:18-20)

• Marks of a True Believer (v. 18):

  • A person born of God does not habitually live in sin.
  • Spiritual disciplines (prayer, Bible reading, fellowship) help believers guard their hearts.

• Contrast with the World (v. 19):

  • Believers belong to God; the world is under the sway of Satan.
  • Assurance comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers.

• Theological Affirmation (v. 20):

  • Jesus Christ is the true God and eternal life.
  • Knowing God is both intellectual (understanding truth) and relational (fellowship with Christ).

• Illustration:

  • Pastor Brian’s "loaded baked potato" analogy for 1 John 5:20: The richness of this verse encapsulates Christ’s deity, assurance of salvation, and eternal life.

5. Final Exhortation: “Keep Yourselves from Idols” (1 John 5:21)

• Definition of an Idol:

  • Anything that takes first place in your heart above God.
  • Examples: Work, relationships, hobbies, even self-image.

• Practical Application:

  • Regularly examine your priorities and eliminate anything that competes with your devotion to God.
  • Worship is more than singing; it’s about the allegiance of your heart.

Illustrations and Key Phrases

• Courtroom Analogy: Helps listeners understand the threefold testimony of water, blood, and Spirit.
• "Loaded Baked Potato" Illustration: Describes the theological richness of 1 John 5:20.
• Searing Conscience Like Overcooked Meat: An image of the process of hardening one’s heart against God.

Summary of the Epistle of 1 John

• Assurance: Believers can confidently know they have eternal life in Christ.
• Faith in Action: True faith manifests in obedience and avoiding habitual sin.
• Vigilance: Guard against idols, false teachings, and worldly influences.
• Encouragement: Continue in prayer, fellowship, and trust in God’s Word.

Closing Section

• Call to Action:

  • Reflect on your walk with Christ. Are there any idols in your life?
  • Stay rooted in Scripture and prayer.

• Preview of Next Episode:

  • A look at what’s ahead for the podcast in 2025, including new topics and themes.

• Subscribe and Share:

  • Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and more.
  • Follow the podcast for updates and new episodes.

• Final Words:

  • “Keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” A mic-drop moment to inspire self-reflection.