The First Epistle of John

1. I John 5:13 – “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, and that you may believe in the name of the Son of God.” To which things is John referring? How about I John 1:4, 2:1, 2:13,14; 2:21,26, John 20:31, 21:24? who believe in the name of the Son of God is not in many translations Nevertheless, what does believing in Hisname mean to you? name is a person or thing’s identity name can imply all of the following Character, rank, majesty, power, excellence, i.e. everything that’s part of the person or thing I John 3:23, John 1:12, 2:23, 3:18, Acts 3:16, 4:12, I Tim 1:16. that you may know – perfect active subjunctive What kind of knowledge about eternal life is this? The First Epistle of John Confidence and Certainties of Believers 1- I John 5:13-15 1 Oct 9, 2011 Bob Eckel

2. The First Epistle of John Confidence and Certainties of Believers 1- I John 5:13-15 • eidō: head knowledge - to understand, perceive • of any fact • the force and meaning of something which has definite meaning • to know how, to be skilled in • and that you may believe in the name of the Son of God • present active subjunctive • Doesn’t this statement point to the fact that just coming to saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ is not sufficient, but that by faith we need to continue to grow in His infinite grace? • And it’s all based on the knowledge of Him - II Peter 1:3-8 • I John 5:14 “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” • confidence – boldness, cheerful courage, assurance • Notice to whom our confidence is directed. • Reflect on His name that was discussed above. 2 Oct 9, 2011 Bob Eckel

3. And this may be based on the our faith of His return – I Iohn 2:28, 4:17 we have – present active indicative And what is according to His will? Whatever is consistent with who we are in Christ. And what is God’s will for each and everyone of His children? Rom 8:28,29 – ‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to [His] purpose.For whom He foreknew, He also predestined [to be] conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.’ Eph 1:5 ‘having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,’ Eph 1:11 ‘In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,’. The First Epistle of John Confidence and Certainties of Believers 1- I John 5:13-15 3 Oct 9, 2011 Bob Eckel

4. And now back to the promise John 15:7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. The alternative James 4:3 ‘You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.’ James 1:6 ‘But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.’ Heb 10:35 ‘Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.’ Three very important questions: How do we know if what we ask is according to His will? What does it mean that He hears us? akouō: to attend to, consider what is or has been said present active indicative How do we know our prayers have been answered? The First Epistle of John Confidence and Certainties of Believers 1- I John 5:13-15 4 Oct 9, 2011 Bob Eckel

5. I John 5:15 – “And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.’ And an atmosphere of rest and patience needs to surround us. Phil 4:6 ‘And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.’ Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. The First Epistle of John Confidence and Certainties of Believers 1- I John 5:13-15 5 Oct 9, 2011 Bob Eckel