1 John 5:13–21 – 13 I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. 14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 16 If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. 17 All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death. 18 We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. 19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. 21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. (New Living Translation)

How can a Christian know he or she is saved? What three tests or evidences does John use to help us in our faith?

1. ___________________ (belief) – Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God

2. ______________________ (obedience) – Following the commands and will of God

3. _______________ (love) – loving people, particularly bothers and sisters in God’s family

Four Ways to Walk in Confidence in the Spiritual Journey

• Develop a ____________________-filled life

1 John 5:14–17 – 14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for. 16 If you see a Christian brother or sister sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. 17 All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death. (New Living Translation)

• Develop a ____________________-focused life

1 John 5:18 – We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. (New Living Translation)

• Develop a ____________________-filled life

1 John 5:19–20 – 19 We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life. (New Living Translation)

*Develop a ____________________-full life

1 John 5:21 – Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. (New Living Translation)