From Gary... Leave the frog right where it is!!!

Unusual picture isn't it?  A beautiful flower with an "ugly" frog seeking refuge amongst its petals.  I guess what caught my attention was the contrast between "beauty and the beast"!!!  This beauty literally covers the less-than-attractive frog.  Remind you of anything... perhaps the 32nd Psalm?

Psalms 32:1-11 NASB
(1)  A Psalm of David. A Maskil. How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered!
(2)  How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit!
(3)  When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long.
(4)  For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
(5)  I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.
(6)  Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; Surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
(7)  You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.
(8)  I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
(9)  Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you.
(10)  Many are the sorrows of the wicked, But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
(11)  Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.

You may be the most beautiful human being that ever lived, but wait sixty years.  By that time, wrinkles, grey hair and fat will make you FEEL OLD!!!  However, if you concern yourself with what you are like on the INSIDE, then outward appearance really doesn't matter, does it?  And if God does not impute iniquity to you because you are hiding in HIM- well, verse eleven above says it best.  In a word- REJOICE!!!  Go ahead, hide- the beauty to be found is an eternal one.  And for all the "frogs" out there- THIS MEANS YOU!!!!

From Gary... Bible Reading October 15

Bible Reading   

October 15

The World English Bible

Oct. 15

Proverbs 18-20

Pro 18:1 An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.

Pro 18:2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing his own opinion.

Pro 18:3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.

Pro 18:4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

Pro 18:5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

Pro 18:6 A fool's lips come into strife, and his mouth invites beatings.

Pro 18:7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are a snare to his soul.

Pro 18:8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person's innermost parts.

Pro 18:9 One who is slack in his work is brother to him who is a master of destruction.

Pro 18:10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous run to him, and are safe.

Pro 18:11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, like an unscalable wall in his own imagination.

Pro 18:12 Before destruction the heart of man is proud, but before honor is humility.

Pro 18:13 He who gives answer before he hears, that is folly and shame to him.

Pro 18:14 A man's spirit will sustain him in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?

Pro 18:15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Pro 18:16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.

Pro 18:17 He who pleads his cause first seems right; until another comes and questions him.

Pro 18:18 The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.

Pro 18:19 A brother offended is more difficult than a fortified city; and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

Pro 18:20 A man's stomach is filled with the fruit of his mouth. With the harvest of his lips he is satisfied.

Pro 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.

Pro 18:22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.

Pro 18:23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

Pro 18:24 A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Pro 19:1 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool.

Pro 19:2 It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.

Pro 19:3 The foolishness of man subverts his way; his heart rages against Yahweh.

Pro 19:4 Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from his friend.

Pro 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who pours out lies shall not go free.

Pro 19:6 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.

Pro 19:7 All the relatives of the poor shun him: how much more do his friends avoid him! He pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.

Pro 19:8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul. He who keeps understanding shall find good.

Pro 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished. He who utters lies shall perish.

Pro 19:10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Pro 19:11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.

Pro 19:12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

Pro 19:13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father. A wife's quarrels are a continual dripping.

Pro 19:14 House and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from Yahweh.

Pro 19:15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Pro 19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.

Pro 19:17 He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.

Pro 19:18 Discipline your son, for there is hope; don't be a willing party to his death.

Pro 19:19 A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty, for if you rescue him, you must do it again.

Pro 19:20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.

Pro 19:21 There are many plans in a man's heart, but Yahweh's counsel will prevail.

Pro 19:22 That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness. A poor man is better than a liar.

Pro 19:23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; he rests and will not be touched by trouble.

Pro 19:24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.

Pro 19:25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

Pro 19:26 He who robs his father and drives away his mother, is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.

Pro 19:27 If you stop listening to instruction, my son, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

Pro 19:28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.

Pro 19:29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Pro 20:2 The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion. He who provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.

Pro 20:3 It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.

Pro 20:4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

Pro 20:5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Pro 20:6 Many men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?

Pro 20:7 A righteous man walks in integrity. Blessed are his children after him.

Pro 20:8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes.

Pro 20:9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?"

Pro 20:10 Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.

Pro 20:11 Even a child makes himself known by his doings, whether his work is pure, and whether it is right.

Pro 20:12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them.

Pro 20:13 Don't love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.

Pro 20:14 "It's no good, it's no good," says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.

Pro 20:15 There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.

Pro 20:16 Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.

Pro 20:17 Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.

Pro 20:18 Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!

Pro 20:19 He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.

Pro 20:20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.

Pro 20:21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won't be blessed in the end.

Pro 20:22 Don't say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.

Pro 20:23 Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.

Pro 20:24 A man's steps are from Yahweh; how then can man understand his way?

Pro 20:25 It is a snare to a man to make a rash dedication, then later to consider his vows.

Pro 20:26 A wise king winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.

Pro 20:27 The spirit of man is Yahweh's lamp, searching all his innermost parts.

Pro 20:28 Love and faithfulness keep the king safe. His throne is sustained by love.

Pro 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength. The splendor of old men is their gray hair.

Pro 20:30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.

 

Oct. 15

Ephesians 6

Eph 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Eph 6:2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise:

Eph 6:3 "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."

Eph 6:4 You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;

Eph 6:6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

Eph 6:7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men;

Eph 6:8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.

Eph 6:9 You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.

Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Eph 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Eph 6:13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Eph 6:15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace;

Eph 6:16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the spoken word of God;

Eph 6:18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

Eph 6:19 on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News,

Eph 6:20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Eph 6:21 But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things;

Eph 6:22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.

Eph 6:23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Eph 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.

From Mark Copeland... Three Tests Of Authentic Christianity (1 John 5:1-5)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

             Three Tests Of Authentic Christianity (5:1-5)

INTRODUCTION

1. As we began our study of First John, it was noted that it had a 
   different objective than the Gospel of John...
   a. John wrote his gospel in order that one might "have" eternal life
      - Jn 20:30-31
   b. His epistle was written so that one might "know" they have 
      eternal life - 1Jn 5:13

2. Throughout his epistle, then, John has mentioned the kind of things
   that provide evidence that one is truly a child of God, possessing 
   fellowship with the Father and the Son - e.g., 1Jn 3:10

3. There are actually several tests that John has been applying by 
   which we can know that we have eternal life, and in the text for our
   study (1Jn 5:1-5), they are mentioned together (READ)

[In these verses there are "Three Tests Of Authentic Christianity",
and the first one is...]

I. THE TEST OF "BELIEF"

   A. IN PARTICULAR, BELIEF IN JESUS...
      1. As the Christ - 1Jn 5:1a
      2. As the Son of God - 1Jn 5:5b
      3. Who has come in the flesh - cf. 1Jn 4:2

   B. TO DENY JESUS AS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD...
      1. Makes one a liar and antichrist - cf. 1Jn 2:22
      2. Makes fellowship with the Father and the Son impossible - cf. 
         1Jn 2:22-23; 2Jn 7-9

   C. THE IMPORTANCE OF SUCH FAITH IN JESUS...
      1. Necessary for one to be "born of God" - 1Jn 5:1a
         a. Just as faith in God is necessary to please Him - He 11:6
         b. So faith in Jesus is necessary to experience eternal life -
            cf. Jn 8:24; Ac 8:36-37
      2. Necessary for one to "overcome the world" - 1Jn 5:4-5
         a. We can overcome the world only through the One who lives in
            us - cf. 1Jn 4:4
         b. But with such strength, we can do anything God desires of 
            us - cf. Php 4:13

[Without faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God who came in the 
flesh, we cannot be born of God and so live so as to overcome the 
world!

But is "belief in Jesus" the only test of authentic Christianity?  

Not according to Jesus, as found in Jn 8:30-31.  As taught by both 
Jesus and His beloved disciple John, there is also...]

II. THE TEST OF "LOVE"

   A. JESUS HAD MADE BROTHERLY LOVE...
      1. A mark of discipleship - Jn 13:34-35
      2. A commandment to prove we are His friends - Jn 15:12-14,17

   B. JOHN HAD STRESSED BROTHERLY LOVE...
      1. As evidence of abiding in the light - 1Jn 2:10
      2. As evidence of being a child of God - 1Jn 3:10
      3. As evidence of having passed from death to live - 1Jn 3:14
      4. As evidence of knowing God and being born of God - 1Jn 4:7-8

   C. AND NOW, IN DISCUSSING BROTHERLY LOVE...
      1. John describes it as a necessary corollary to loving God - 
         1Jn 5:1a
         a. If you love God who brings forth children...
         b. ...then you must love those children who have come from 
            Him!
      2. John reveals how we can be sure that we love God's children 
         (i.e., have brotherly love):  by loving God and keeping His 
         commandments - 1Jn 5:2
         a. I may claim to love my brethren...
         b. But if I do not love God and keep His commandments, my 
            claim is a shallow one!

[One who is truly "born of God" not only believes in Jesus, then, but 
also loves the children of God.

In discussing the necessity of loving the children of God, John 
mentioned keeping the commandments of God.  This leads to the third 
test of authentic Christianity, that of...]

III. THE TEST OF "OBEDIENCE"

   A. JOHN HAD EMPHASIZED THIS TEST EARLIER...
      1. As essential to having fellowship with the Father - 1Jn 1:6-7
      2. As essential to knowing Jesus - 1Jn 2:3-4
      3. As essential to loving God - 1Jn 2:5
      4. As essential to abiding in Jesus - 1Jn 2:6
      5. As essential to being a child of God - 1Jn 3:10
      6. As essential to having our prayers answered - 1Jn 3:22

   B. NOW HE STRESSES THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL TO...
      1. Loving the children of God - 1Jn 5:2
      2. Loving God Himself - 1Jn 5:3a

   C. TO JOHN, HOWEVER, THIS "TEST" IS NOT A BURDEN...
      1. The commandments of God are not "burdensome" - 1Jn 5:3b
      2. Though he had served the Lord for many years (possibly 50 or 
         more), he had not found the commandments "grievous" (KJV)
      3. His attitude toward "commandment-keeping" was like that of 
         David's - Ps 19:7-11

CONCLUSION

1. In these three areas, then, we find the proof of authentic 
   Christianity:
   a. Belief in Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh
   b. Love for the brethren
   c. Obedience in keeping the commandments of God

2. It is interesting that today...
   a. Many people do not have any problem with the first two (belief 
      and love)
   b. But will often balk when told they need to be obedient to the 
      commands of Jesus Christ ("Oh, you are just being legalistic!")

3. But if we really love God and His children, if we really believe in 
   Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh and died for our sins,
   then the commandments of the Lord will not be grievous...
               
           "If you love Me, keep My commandments." - Jn 14:15

Are we passing the tests of authentic Christianity?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Witnesses For Jesus Christ (1 John 5:6-10)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

                  Witnesses For Jesus Christ (5:6-10)

INTRODUCTION

1. Earlier in his epistle, John stressed two important things...
   a. That Jesus Christ has come in the flesh - 1Jn 4:2
   b. That those who believe Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are "of
      God"; indeed, they have been "born of God" - 1Jn 4:2; 5:1a

2. In the text for our study (1Jn 5:6-10), John offers several 
   "witnesses" in support of these claims made about Jesus...
   a. The key word is "witness", and in various forms is found eight 
      times in our text (nine, if you count verse 8)
   b. The word in Greek  is "martureo" {mar-too-reh'-o}, and it means:
      1) "to be a witness, i.e. testify"
      2) "to give evidence for, to bear record:

[In our lesson we shall briefly list these "Witnesses For Jesus Christ"
and see how each of them has their part in providing evidence about 
Jesus.  

We begin with two witnesses, actually, who together tell us something 
about Jesus coming in the flesh...]

I. THE WITNESS OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD (6a,8b)

   A. THE LIKELY CONTEXT OF JOHN'S WORDS...
      1. Evidently there was a doctrine that denied Jesus Christ as 
         coming in the flesh - 1Jn 4:1-3; cf. 2Jn 7
      2. A heretical movement later known as Gnosticism was developing
         at this time
      3. One representative of Gnosticism, a man named Cerinthus, 
         taught:
         a. That the divine Christ descended upon Jesus at the time of
            his baptism
         b. And then left him before he died on the cross
      4. Thus the Gnostics claimed that the "Christ" did not experience
         death

   B. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WATER AND THE BLOOD...
      1. The "water" likely refers to Jesus' baptism, and the "blood" 
         to His death on the cross
      2. John's emphasis is that Jesus Christ came by both water and 
         blood, and not by water only - cf. 1Jn 5:6a
      3. Thus emphasizing that not only was the Christ present at the 
         baptism, but that He also suffered in the flesh on the cross

[Like the stones set up by Jacob and Laban served as a "witness" (cf. 
Gen 31:43-52), so the waters of Jesus' baptism and the blood that 
flowed from His side offer testimony concerning who Jesus Christ truly
was.

But these two "witnesses" (water and blood) are not alone, they are 
joined by another...]

II. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT (6b,8b)

   A. THE SPIRIT ALSO BEARS WITNESS...
      1. Because of His involvement in the earthly life of Jesus, the 
         Spirit can testify to...
         a. The conception of Jesus - cf. Mt 1:20
         b. The baptism of Jesus - cf. Mt 3:16
         c. The temptation of Jesus - cf. Lk 4:1
         d. The ministry of Jesus - cf. Lk 4:18
      2. According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit was to testify about Jesus
         - Jn 15:26
      3. The Holy Spirit did this by inspiring the apostles and 
         confirming their word with spiritual gifts - cf. Jn 16:13-14;
         He 2:3-4

   B. THE SPIRIT AGREES WITH THE WATER AND THE BLOOD...
      1. The Spirit, the water, and the blood, all three bear witness,
         and agree as one
      2. That is, they all testify that Jesus Christ has come in the 
         flesh!
      3. The significance of having three witnesses agreeing may be 
         taken from the requirement found in Deut 19:15, "by the mouth
         of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established."

[At this point we might simply note that most translations omit the 
words from "in heaven" (vs. 7) through "on earth" (vs. 8).  Apparently
there is good reason for doing so, since these words are found only in
four or five manuscripts, and none dating earlier than the 14th century
A.D.  They are not found in literally thousands of manuscripts dating 
much earlier.  They are likely a gloss.

As we continue, John mentions yet another witness...]

III. THE WITNESS OF GOD (9)

   A. WHICH OUGHT TO HAVE GREAT WEIGHT WITH US...
      1. "If we receive the witness of men..."
         a. This is a simple conditional sentence that is true to fact
         b. It means "Since we receive the witness of men..." (which we
            do in courts of law, don't we?)
      2. Any witness of God would naturally be greater than that of man

   B. GOD HAS TESTIFIED OF HIS SON...
      1. Certainly God has born witness to Jesus on several occasions
         a. At His baptism - Mt 3:17
         b. At the mount of transfiguration - Mt 17:5
      2. It is probable, though, that John has reference to the witness
         of the blood, the water, and the Spirit, that together they 
         form the witness of God

[So we have three witnesses who in agreement speak for the fourth 
witness (God).

When a person believes the testimony given about Jesus as the Son of 
God, there is even a "fifth witness", that such faith will result in 
one being "born of God"...]

IV. THE WITNESS IN THE BELIEVER (10a)

   A. HE WHO BELIEVES IN THE SON OF GOD HAS THE WITNESS IN HIMSELF...
      1. This statement is reminiscent of Jesus' words in Jn 7:16-17
         a. Those who do the will of God (as taught by Jesus)...
         b. ...shall know that the doctrine of Christ is truly from God
      2. Likewise the one who believes in the Son, receives 
         confirmation "in himself"...
         a. About who Jesus truly is
         b. How one who believes in Him is "born of God"

   B. ADMITTEDLY, THIS IS A VERY SUBJECTIVE WITNESS...
      1. As such, one must be very careful with it
      2. Many people can easily deceive themselves into thinking that 
         some feeling is an indication that they are saved, or that God
         has confirmed something to them - cf. Pr 14:12; 16:25
      3. But if we believe (and act upon) the witness of God concerning
         His Son...
         a. Revealed in His Spirit-inspired Word
         b. Which agrees with the witness of the water and the blood
         ...then we will have confirmation in ourselves that Jesus is 
         truly the Son of God!
      4. One way we have confirmation is the change that takes place in
         our lives as we grow in Christ
         a. Just as our love for one another is an indication of 
            passing from death to life - cf. 1Jn 3:14
         b. Just as our unity with one another is evidence that Jesus
            was truly was sent from God - cf. Jn 17:20-23
         
CONCLUSION

1. These are the "witnesses", then, that John offers in support of 
   Jesus Christ...
   a. That He came in the flesh
   b. That those who believe Jesus is the Christ are "born of God"

2. The first four (water, blood, Spirit, God) provide their evidence 
   whether you believe them or not; but if you will believe them, then
   you will receive the fifth (the witness in yourself)!
   
3. But suppose you do not believe the four witnesses?  John says you 
   then make God a liar! - cf. 1Jn 5:11b

Do you wish to stand before God on the day of judgment and answer why 
you believed Him to be a liar?  How much better to believe on the Son,
and through obedient faith become His child! - cf. Ga 3:26-27

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Life In The Son (1 John 5:11-13)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

                       Life In The Son (5:11-13)

INTRODUCTION

1. We saw in the previous lesson that the word "witness" was used eight
   times in one form or another - cf. 1Jn 5:6-10

2. A form of the word is used again in verses 11-13, translated as 
   "testimony" in the NKJV ("record" in the KJV)

3. In these verses, John reviews the "testimony" that God has given 
   about His Son...
   a. In this case, it does not appear to be the "evidence" God has 
      offered (that was covered in verses 6-10)
   b. Rather, it is the "content" of the testimony which the evidence 
      supports

[What is the "content" of God's testimony concerning His Son?  What has
God declared?  And what does John say about these things?

In this lesson, entitled "Life In The Son", we shall examine verses
11-13 to see what we can learn.  For example, we are first told
that...]

I. GOD HAS GIVEN US ETERNAL LIFE (11a)

   A. ETERNAL LIFE:  A PRESENT POSSESSION, OR A FUTURE HOPE?
      1. John writes of "eternal life" as a present possession...
         a. "God has given us (not will give us) eternal life" - 1Jn 5:11
         b. "He who has the Son has (not will have) eternal life" -
            1Jn 5:12
         c. "...that you may know that you have (not will have) eternal
            life"- 1Jn 5:13
      2. Yet Paul wrote of "eternal life" as a future hope...
         a. "who will render to each one according to his deeds:
            eternal life to those..." - Ro 2:6-7
         b. "...you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, 
            everlasting life" - Ro 6:22
         c. "in hope of eternal life..." - Tit 1:2
      --Which then is it?  A present possession, or a future hope?

   B. ETERNAL LIFE:  BOTH A PRESENT POSSESSION AND A FUTURE HOPE!
      1. I believe it is "both", not one or the other
      2. This is a case where the same term (eternal life) is used by 
         different authors to describe different concepts
         a. Paul normally uses the term to describe that which begins 
            after the judgment...
            1) The same way Jesus uses it in Mt 25:46
            2) And again in Jn 12:25
         b. Whereas John uses the term to describe the life we now have
            in Christ because of the fellowship we enjoy with the 
            Father and the Son...
            1) Jesus defined "eternal life" as knowing the Father and 
               His Son - Jn 17:1-3
            2) John defines it similarly in 1Jn 5:20
      3. We must be careful, therefore, and allow the immediate context
         to determine the proper meaning by a particular author

   C. THE MEANING OF ETERNAL LIFE IN OUR TEXT...
      1. John began his epistle by referring to Jesus as "that eternal
         life" - 1Jn 1:2
      2. He ends his epistle by describing eternal life as knowing Him 
         who is true and being in Him who is true (i.e., in Jesus) - 
         1Jn 5:20
      3. This leads me to conclude that John uses "eternal life" in the
         same way Jesus did in Jn 17:3
      4. I.e., a quality of life that comes from having true fellowship
         with Deity...
         a. Which begins upon our conversion from "death" to "life" - 
            cf. 1Jn 3:14-15
         b. Which comes from knowing God and Jesus (the term "knowing"
            suggesting a close and personal relationship, not a casual
            awareness)
         c. Because God and Jesus are "eternal life" (cf. 1Jn 1:2),
            those in fellowship with them have life that is best 
            described as "eternal" (in quality, though potentially in
            quantity)

[So the testimony of God is first this:  He has given us "eternal 
life", a quality of life based upon fellowship with Deity!

But where does one find this "eternal life"?  The testimony of God 
continues...]

II. ETERNAL LIFE IS IN HIS SON (11b,12)

   A. HE WHO HAS THE SON HAS LIFE...
      1. We saw where Jesus defined "eternal life" as knowing God and 
         Himself - cf. Jn 17:3
      2. Jesus also taught that He came that we might have "abundant 
         life" - Jn 10:10
      3. As confessed by Peter, only Jesus truly has "the words of 
         eternal life" - Jn 6:68
      4. Paul wrote that all spiritual blessings (of which eternal life
         is one) are found in Jesus Christ - Ep 1:3
      -- The conclusion should be fairly obvious:  it is only in Jesus
         that eternal life can be found, and if we wish to have eternal
         life, we must be in Jesus!

   B. HE WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE SON OF GOD DOES NOT HAVE LIFE...
      1. This sounds rather exclusive, but no more so than Jesus' own
         words in Jn 14:6
      2. Peter also made it clear that salvation (life) is found only
         in Jesus - Ac 4:12
      -- Therefore, one who remains outside of Christ has no hope for
         eternal life (in either sense of term)

[Of course, it is not the will of God than any perish (cf. 2Pe 3:9; 
1Ti 2:3-4).  Therefore, through His Spirit He inspired John to write
so we might know whether or not we have the Son.

Or in other words...]

III. WE MAY KNOW THAT WE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE (13)

   A. JOHN HAS WRITTEN THAT WE MIGHT KNOW...
      1. That has been the purpose of this particular epistle
      2. His desire is that we "know" we are saved, not just hope that
         we are...
         a. "Now by this we know that we know Him..." - 1Jn 2:3
         b. "By this we know that we are in Him." - 1Jn 2:5b
         c. "We know we have passed from death to life..." - 1Jn 3:14a
         d. "And by this we know that we are of the truth..." - 1Jn 3:19a
         e. "And by this we know that He abides in us..." - 1Jn 3:24b
         f. "By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us..." - 
            1Jn 4:13a
      3. Thus, throughout his epistle he has been giving us 
         "benchmarks" by which we can know whether we have eternal life
         in us

   B. WHEN DOES ONE "KNOW" THEY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?
      1. When they keep the commandments of Jesus - 1Jn 2:3-4
      2. Whey they keep His words - 1Jn 2:5
      3. When they love the brethren - 1Jn 3:14
      4. When they believe what the Spirit has revealed about such 
         things - 1Jn 3:24; 4:13
      5. When they confess Jesus to be the Son of God - 1Jn 4:15
      6. When they believe that Jesus is the Christ - 1Jn 5:1
      -- Taken together, these "benchmarks" reveal that one truly 
         "knows" the Lord, and thereby has "eternal life" - cf. 1Jn 5:20

CONCLUSION

1. John's desire was that his readers would continue to believe in the
   name of the Son of God - 1Jn 5:13c
   a. That is my desire also, and I pray that in some small way that I
      have encouraged you to remain strong in your faith in Jesus 
      Christ
   b. If you do not yet believe, or your faith is weak, I commend to 
      you the Gospel of John - cf. Jn 20:30-31
 
2. Dear friend, do you truly have "eternal life"?
   a. Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who came
      in the flesh and died for our sins? - cf. Jn 8:24
   b. Are you keeping the commands of Jesus?
      1) Such as His command to be baptized? - cf. Mt 28:18-20; Mk 16:
         15-16
      2) Which we learn from His apostles is the means by which we 
         receive Christ? - cf. Ga 3:26-27
   c. Do you love the brethren? - cf. Jn 13:34-35

May this First Epistle of John encourage you to examine whether you 
really "know" Jesus Christ, and thereby have "eternal life" in Him!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Mark Copeland... Praying With Confidence And Compassion (1 John 5:14-17)

                      "THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN"

            Praying With Confidence And Compassion (5:14-17)

INTRODUCTION

1. Rapidly approaching the end of his epistle, John has a few words on
   the subject of prayer - 1Jn 5:14-17

2. This is not the first time he has broached this subject, for he has 
   already mentioned...
   a. The value of confessing our sins, which is done in prayer - 1Jn 1:9
   b. Our Advocate in prayer, Jesus Christ the righteous - 1Jn 2:1
   c. One reason why we receive what we ask in prayer - 1Jn 3:22

3. In his final words on this subject, John does two things:
   a. Expands upon a theme in prayer already introduced (praying with 
      confidence)
   b. Brings in another theme in prayer that is harmony with the tone 
      throughout his epistle (praying with compassion, consistent with
      his teachings on brotherly love)

[As we examine his words in verses 14-17, we shall endeavor to take 
note of what else John has written, and use this as the basis for this
study which we call "Praying With Confidence And Compassion".

First, let's consider how we can pray with confidence our prayers will
be answered...]

I. PRAYING WITH CONFIDENCE (14-15)

   A. REQUIRES ASKING ACCORDING TO GOD'S WILL...
      1. This is the point emphasized in 1Jn 5:14-15
      2. Confidence in prayer is not based upon some assumption that we
         have "carte blanche" in regards to prayer...
         a. Some may improperly conclude that we do from Jesus'
            statements in Jn 14:13-14
         b. But even Jesus' own example illustrates that answer to
            prayer depends upon whether or not it is in harmony with
            God's will - e.g., Mt 26:39,42
         c. Paul learned this same lesson when he prayed about his
            "thorn in the flesh" - cf. 2Co 12:7-9
      3. However, the more we learn God's revealed will (i.e., the Word
         of God)...
         a. The more likely we will pray according to His will
         b. The greater confidence we can have that our prayers will be
            answered accordingly

   B. REQUIRES KEEPING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS...
      1. This was stressed in 1Jn 3:22
      2. Even if we are asking something that would normally be within
         God's will for us...
         a. If we are not keeping His commandments...
         b. ...can we really expect God to favorably answer our 
            prayers?
      3. As Peter quoted from the Proverbs:  "For the eyes of the LORD 
         are on the righteous,  And his ears are open to their 
         prayers..." - 1Pe 3:12
      4. The righteous, of course, are those who "do those things that 
         are pleasing in His sight" - cf. 1Jn 3:22b
      5. Especially in regard to believing in Jesus and loving the 
         brethren, two commandments given to us - 1Jn 3:23

   C. REQUIRES ABIDING IN JESUS, AND HIS WORDS ABIDING IN US...
      1. This was taught by Jesus Himself, and recorded by John in 
         Jn 15:7
      2. This should also help to clarify any misunderstanding from 
         taking Jn 14:13-14 in isolation from its context
      3. These words of Jesus actually summarize what we have already 
         seen John to say...
         a. Confidence in prayer depends upon keeping the commandments,
            but keeping the commandments is the key to abiding in 
            Jesus! - cf. 1Jn 3:24a
         b. Confidence in prayer depends upon asking according to God's
            Will, but if Jesus' words abide in us, won't that help us 
            know what God's will is, and what is proper to ask of Him?

[Therefore, if we learn the words of Jesus, keep His commandments and 
thereby abide in Him, we will know what is in harmony with God's will 
and pray accordingly.  In this way we can have the "confidence in 
prayer" of which John writes!

But from an apostle to whom the command to "love the brethren" was a 
recurring theme, we should not be surprised to find him teaching also 
about...]

II. PRAYING WITH COMPASSION (16-17)

   A. FOR A BROTHER...
      1. This epistle of John has been one in which John has stressed 
         "brotherly love"
      2. He has told us that we "ought to lay down our lives for the 
         brethren" - 1Jn 3:16
      3. He has said that if "one sees his brother in need, and shuts 
         up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?"
         - 1Jn 3:17
      4. Certainly, then, we should be willing and ready to pray for 
         our brethren, especially when we see them...

   B. SINNING A SIN NOT UNTO DEATH...
      1. This is a difficult passage, one that raises several 
         questions...
         a. Does the present tense of the verb "sinning" necessarily 
            imply that the brother is still engaged in the sin when we
            are to pray for him?
         b. What is the "sin not unto death" versus the "sin unto 
            death"?
         c. What is meant that "He will give him life"?
         -- Whatever conclusions we draw should be in harmony with the 
            rest of the scriptures, and with other principles revealed
            therein, just as we do not draw conclusions about praying 
            with confidence based upon Jn 14:13-14 alone
      2. While open to further consideration, my present understanding
         of this passage is this:
         a. The present tense of the verb does not demand that the 
            brother is still engaged in the sin when we are to pray for
            him...
            1) Present tense in the Greek can describe action that is 
               either linear or punctiliar
            2) That is, John could just as easily be saying "If anyone 
               sees his brother SIN (not SINNING) a sin..."
            3) And thus the asking in his behalf is after the fact, 
               i.e., in the future after the sin has been committed 
               (note, "he WILL ask", suggesting in the future)
         b. The difference between "a sin which does not lead to death"
            and "a sin leading to death"...
            1) John says in 1Jn 5:17a, "all unrighteousness is sin",
               therefore any sin is not to be taken lightly
            2) But there is sin "not leading to death"
               a) That is, sin which does not progress to the point in
                  which one experiences spiritual death, or separation 
                  from God
               b) As indicated by James, sin does not produce "death" 
                  until it is "full grown" - Jm 1:15
               c) Sin which does not produce (lead to) death would 
                  therefore be sin "repented of"
            3) Sin "leading to death", producing spiritual death and 
               separation from God would be sin "unrepented of"
               a) We cannot expect God to forgive one who refuses to 
                  repent
               b) As John writes with some understatement:  "I do not 
                  say that he should pray about that" - 1Jn 5:16d

   C. GOD WILL GIVE HIM LIFE...
      1. If the "death" in this passage is "spiritual death", it is 
         natural to assume the life is "spiritual life"
         a. The "life" which God will grant our penitent brother in 
            answer to our prayers could also be described as 
            "forgiveness"
         b. Which is a crucial element of the "eternal life" to which 
            John has referred throughout this epistle
      2. Thus the promise offered in 1Jn 1:9 to the child of God who
         penitently confesses his own sin in prayer is offered in 1Jn 5:16 

         to the penitent brother when prayer is made on his 
         behalf by another member of the family of God
         a. One might ask, "Why bother to pray for a penitent brother 
            if his sins will be forgiven anyway as taught in 1Jn 1:9?
         b. One answer might be found in Jm 5:16, where we are taught
            to pray for one another:  "The effective, fervent prayer of
            a righteous man avails much."

CONCLUSION

1. The privilege of prayer is a wonderful blessing, especially when we
   do so with...
   a. Confidence
   b. Compassion

2. Are we fulfilling the requirements to be able to pray with 
   confidence?
   a. Abiding in Jesus, and letting His words abide in us?
   b. Keeping His commandments and doing the things pleasing in His 
      sight?
   c. Asking according to God's Will?

3. Are we praying with compassion?
   a. Praying not only for ourselves, but for our brethren in need?
   b. Praying for brethren overtaken by sin, but who have demonstrated 
      that their sin is not one leading to death?

As we all need the fullness of God's blessings in our lives, let's 
encourage one another to do whatever we can to be able to pray with 
both confidence and compassion!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011