Purpose of John's Letter

1. Read 1 John 5:13-21. In verse 13, John states a purpose of his letter. What is that purpose?

2. What "things" has John written to help us know that we (as true Christians) have eternal life?

Some of "these things" include the following:

* We know we have come to know him if we ________ ______ ________________ (2:3).

* We know that we have passed from death to life, because we ____________ ________
________________ (3:14).

* If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is ________ ________ ____ ________, God lives in him and he in God (4:15).

* We know [that God lives in us] by the __________________ he gave us (3:24b).

Confidence in Prayer

3. What can we know concerning prayer (vv. 14-15)?

Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish,
and it will be given you" (John 15:7, NIV).

"Yet not what I will, but what you will" (Mark 14:36b).

"This then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, you will be done on earth as it is in heaven …" (Matthew 6:9-10, NIV)

4. Verses 16-17 specify one kind of prayer that can be made with confidence. Who and what should be included in our prayers?

What Else Can We Know?
John concludes his letter with three statements of certainty (verses 18-21), each beginning with "We know …"

5. The first two statements of certainty (verses 18-19) concern the true Christian's relationship to sin, the world, and the "evil one." How do these verses both caution and assure the Christian?

6. How does the coming of God's Son enable us to know the true God? (v. 20)

7. Why do you think John finishes his letter with verse 21? How can we keep ourselves from idols?

Reflection/Application
† Do you know that you have eternal life?

† Do you have faith in the Son of God? If you say "no," what are the specific reasons why you do not accept the testimony concerning Jesus Christ? Continue to seek the truth concerning Jesus. If you say "yes," does your life show that you have been born of God?

†v This week, read the entire book of 1 John, and reflect on its application to your life.