1 John 5:14-21
Q.1. What condition did God place upon answering our prayers? How are we to understand John’s teaching about praying regarding sin leading to death? – (1 Jn.5:14-17 c.f. Mt.12:22-32; Jms.5:15)
This teaching on prayer is sometimes understood to be a promise that God will answer all the prayers of His people in the affirmative. However, John put a very important proviso in his promise – This is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 Jn.5:14). For a start, He promised to hear, but not necessarily answer in the affirmative … and the condition is – if we ask anything according to His will (1 Jn.5:14). This presupposes that we inquire and know His will on a matter. To know this we must follow the principles God has revealed in His Word. Only then can we be confident to – … know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him (1 Jn.5:15). This is the reason for the confidence and faith of those who are in fellowship with the Lord – 19 We will know by this that we are of the truth and will assure our heart before Him 20 in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight (1 Jn.3:19-22). John also gave another restriction in our praying – 16 If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask and God will for him give life to those who commit sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death (1 Jn.5:16-17). John referred to the teaching of Jesus on the unpardonable sin (Mt.12:22-32). Jesus had explained that all sins except blasphemy against the Holy Spirit are forgivable. This is so because the Holy Spirit has been given the role of bringing conviction of sin (Jn.16:7-11). Refusing to respond to the Holy Spirit is unforgivable, because there is no other way for God to speak to us. In a similar way, John was instructing us to exercise discernment because we cannot overturn a sin leading to death (1 Cor.11:27-30). P.S. This does not apply to a person who expresses concern over committing such a sin because such a concern would indicate that the Holy Spirit is still at work in their lives. Â
Q.2. What protection is provided for the believer when he is tempted to sin? How does God help us to discern truth from error? What part does the believer play in overcoming sin? – (1 Jn.5:18-21 c.f. 1 Cor.10:12-14)
John did not conclude his letter on the seriousness of a sin leading to death (c.f. 1 Jn.5:16-17). He went on to explain that God has provided adequate protection for those who have been declared righteous in Christ, by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will not allow the evil one to keep us bound in a life of sin (1 Jn.5:18). There is a world of difference between the blood-bought child of God, and the rest of humanity, over whom the evil one holds sway (1 Jn.5:19). John reminded us that God has given discernment to those who belong to Christ – 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 … (1 Jn.5:20). Nevertheless, we must do our part by avoiding idols, and by guarding ourselves against their influence (1 Jn.5:21).