SHORTCUT TO WEEK 5: DAY 1 - DAY 2 - DAY 3 - DAY 4

Week 5 - Day 2

Today we arrive at our thesis verse and memory verse. I hope today to show why I believe this to be the fulcrum the entire book of 1st John is balance on. Not only in theme, but in theology. This verse signifies a change in the tone of the book. John is transitioning from introducing and supporting ideas about the assurance of salvation to closing the book and reiterating some final thoughts. This is why I believe 1st John balances on 5:13. So, let’s dig in…

READ or QUOTE FROM MEMORY 1st John 5:13.

 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God,
that you may know that you have eternal life.”

Let’s take or thesis verse part by part:

“I write these things to you”

1. John is referencing the previous 4 1/2 chapters of the book. Look back on all the previous weeks and choose 1 or 2 of the most convincing arguments John has presented for assurance of salvation. What is the most compelling of comforting to you?

“who believe in the name of the Son of God”

2. John is telling us his intended audience. He is writing to Christians to assure them of their salvation in the midst of false teachers and much confusion. Have you gotten more confident or less confident through this study that you are a true believer in Jesus and know him as eternal life?

“that you may now that you have eternal life.”

3. In your own words, how does someone come to have eternal life? How does someone become a Christian?

4. If eternal life isn’t a thing to possess, but a person to know, as stated earlier in this study, describe your relationship with Jesus in your own words.

CLOSING PERSONAL CHALLENGE:

A friend of mine shared the painting below with me. It is titled, “First Day in Heaven.” I think it is a powerful visual of what that moment might be like when we first step into heaven. For a moment stare at this painting and let your mind be filled with this moment as it happens for you on your first day in heaven. Meditate on what you are seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling, sensing, thinking, and more. Meditate now, and when you’re ready, proceed to the last question for today.

The thing I love about this painting is it depicts how Christianity truly is about a loving relationship with a person, not a religious system of thought. Two closing questions:

5. Does this painting accurately portray what you think your first few moments in heaven will be like?

6. Write down what you think this moment will be like?

What was your major takeaway today?