Introduction:

1. 1 John has given several important tests of one’s spiritual condition.

2. Here he describes the believer’s victory in Jesus and states his desire for their confidence in that victory.

Discussion:

I. Overcoming the World (5:1-5)

A. John gives three tests in 5:1-5 to know who is born of God:

1. Belief that Jesus is the Christ, God’s Son (5:1a, 5; cf. Hebrews 11:6).

2. Love for the Begetter and the begotten (5:1b; cf. 4:7-21).

3. Obedience to the Father’s will (5:2-3; cf. 1:7; 2:3-6).

B. Those who live so have overcome the world (5:4; John 16:33).

II. The Surety of the Testimony (5:6-10)

A. These verses are difficult to interpret as they pertain to the water and the blood as part of the three-fold witness on earth.

B. Two explanations are worthy of consideration:

1. It refers to the water and blood from Jesus’ side, proving His humanity (John 19:34-35).

2. It refers to Jesus’ baptism and shed blood, proving that He was the Christ at both His baptism and death.

C. Both militate against the Gnostic teachings about the Christ.

D. God does not demand belief without or against the evidence.

III. That You May Know (5:11-13)

A. God’s testimony says He has given us eternal life in His Son.

B. John is writing these things that those who believe in the name (authority) of the Son of God may know they have this life.

C. Thankfully, we need not wonder if we have the Son as John has joined a host of other NT writers in detailing the tests.

1. Everyone loves to be victorious, and Jesus has given us victory in the most important contest ever, the battle for our eternal souls.

2. The tests are simple enough to know and test ourselves.

3. Do you know you have eternal life in Jesus?

4. If not, what will you do about it?