I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.
- Why is it important to know (have assurance) that we have eternal life?
- How does this knowledge affect the way you live?
- What topic does John immediately turn to after he talks about this assurance?
- What does this tell you about God’s priorities for your life?
- When John says “if we ask anything according to his will he hears us”, what does he have in mind?
- What is God’s will for us?
- What is God’s will for others?
Vs 16
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
God will give him life – means that God will give repentance (Acts 11:18)
- Who are you praying for who is in need of repentance?
- Do you have assurance that God is answering?
- What is the sin that leads to death? (Bible Answers, Matthew 12:31)
Note that John does not say you shouldn’t pray for those who have committed this sin. He leaves it up to the individual conscience.
- Are you praying for someone who has committed the sin that leads to death?
- How do you pray for them?
- What has Holy Spirit shown you about this?
- What does God’s word and the example of Jesus say about it?
