What We Can Know

Introduction

A. Today is Resurrection Day. The first Sunday following the first full moon following the vernal equinox is Resurrection Sunday. This is the time of the Passover. It was a day like today that Jesus rose from the grave and brought salvation and freedom over death. So we celebrate that resurrection today. Tank is going to come and read the resurrection story and lead us in prayer. Then let’s join in singing reminding us of this resurrection and celebrate this resurrection through taking the supper together.

The Initial Readers

A. Having completed our study of 1 John let’s review what we have seen. John is writing to a group of people who have gone through a division. A group split off from the congregation and tried to lead others astray. This splinter group did not believe Jesus was the Messiah nor that he had come in the flesh. They didn’t see Jesus as the mediator and they claimed to have direct knowledge of and fellowship with God. They viewed themselves as spiritually elite.

B. Those who withdrew were especially proud of their knowledge. John writes this letter to battle the false teachers but also to bring assurance and confidence to the readers. The spiritual elite said they possessed real knowledge. John uses their own words against them. John uses the word “know” over and over again in this letter. Those who prided themselves in their spiritual insight looked down on others. John writes so that true knowledge is revealed.

C. John’s writing was intended to be read at one sitting. The congregation’s great friend wrote a letter to his dear friends and children. Having received John’s letter, the people would have sat with great attention listening to the words of their spiritual father. We are going to do that today. We take the Bible and divide it into manageable parts for teaching. John’s readers would have done some of that as well. But initially they would have sat with great anticipation to hear the words from John. I invite you to hear John’s letter as it was intended to be heard at least initially as two of our brothers read. You will hear them emphasize the word “know” as they read. Allow John’s writing to bring confidence to you as it surely brought confidence to those first hearers.

What We Can Know

A. The readers had been told by the false teachers that they knew so much more. John writes that his readers know much as well and it isn’t just knowledge which is important; it is fellowship with God. And only those who are obeying God and loving the brothers have fellowship.

B. What we know?

1. We know God is light (1:5)

2. We know God through keeping his commands (2:3)

3. We know that we are in God (2:5)

4. We know that this is last hour (2:18)

5. We know the truth (2:21)

6. We know we are born of God (2:29)

7. We know shall be like Jesus when he appears (3:2)

8. We know Jesus took away our sins (3:5)

9. We know that we do not want to keep sinning (3:6)

10. We know we have passed from death to life (3:14)

11. We know what real love looks like (3:16)

12. We know we are not anxious about our salvation (3:19)

13. We know God lives in us (3:24)

14. We know the Spirit of God (4:2)

15. We know God (4:6)

16. We know God is love (4:16)

17. We know we love the children of God (5:2)

18. We know we have eternal life (5:13)

19. We know God hears our prayers (5:15)

20. We know we are children of God (5:19)

C. John wrote to bring confidence. To allow the congregation to be encouraged by the truth. To keep the congregation from being persuaded that their knowledge was lacking. This is what we know. This is true. This is real. This brings confidence. Invitation.

Follow Jesus

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