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. We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 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. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
John’s “Grand Finale”
In a Canada Day fireworks show, to wrap things up in a satisfying way, there is usually a Grand Finale with a burst of very brilliant but short lived fireworks in quick succession. The last four verses of John’s letter are a bit like this. He makes a series of short but powerful affirmations. These are statements of potent spiritual truths that provide a framework for living.
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.
everyone born of God – those who have been born from above by the Holy Spirit. John 3:3-8.
does not keep on sinning – does not persist in sin.
he who was born of God – Jesus. His origin (nature) is from God. 1 John 1:1-4.
protects him – watch over, guard. Jesus protects believers from persisting in sin in many ways
- by the promptings of His Spirit
- by the influence and prayers of fellow believers (1 John 5:16)
- by the power of His name and His word.
- by His intercession for us (Hebrews 7:24-25 NIV).
- How else does Jesus protect us? What ways can you think of?
the evil one does not touch him – touch so as to influence or change. Matthew 9:21, Matthew 17:7
How should we pray for loved ones who have heard the gospel and seem to be ignoring God’s promptings?
- if they were truly born of God
- if they were not truly born of God
We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
we are from God – born of God (vs 18) and chosen in Christ from eternity (Ephesians 1:4)
the whole world lies in the power of the evil one – not the entire universe, but the world system dominated by sin
- What does this mean, practically speaking, for our life in Christ?
- What doesn’t it mean?
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.
the Son of God has come and has given us understanding –
- How is it that you have understood and responded to the good news about Jesus, while others have not?
- What should be your attitude in response to this amazing fact?
We are in him who is true – the Greek word means true (lit: made of truth), real, genuine. It describes not just intellectual truth but also the character, authenticity and reliability of Jesus. John is saying “He’s the real deal”.
Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
- What is an idol?
- What is the most effective way of keeping yourself away from destructive influences?
Wrapup
What is one key truth that has been reinforced for you by our study of 1 John? How are you applying this in your life?
