SHORTCUT TO WEEK 6: DAY 1 - DAY 2 - DAY 3 - DAY 4

Week 6 - Day 1

READ 1st John 5:16-18

This is a very debated and can be a very confusing passage. Because of that, we are going to approach this passage at a high level at first to ensure we understand the basics of what John is talking about here, then if needed we can dive deeper into the depth of this passage as we meet together.

1. What strikes you as important or confusing about this passage from the very first read?

This language about sins leading to death and some sins not leading to death is not very common language for Christians. It sounds a bit unfamiliar.

First, let’s establish what John is not talking about when he refers to sins leading to death.

Read 1st John 1:8-9.

2. According to this passage, what kind of sins can be forgiven?

3. According to this passage, how many sins can be forgiven?

It’s safe to assume from the context of 1st John and the rest of the Bible, that certain sins are not in mind here as unforgivable. The idea that a thief can’t be forgiven and find himself in heaven when he passes away is not accurate. We only have to look at the thief next to Jesus on the cross when he tells him “today you will be in paradise with me” after the thief had proclaimed his love and faithfulness to Jesus.

Also, there is the question here if John is referring to physical death or spiritual death. The immediate context of v. 18 and the greater context of 1st John as a whole is consistently speaking about death and life as eternal death and eternal life.

So with these foundations established, let’s look at what this sin that leads to death is, then turn our attention to what is the main point of the passage which is, praying for brothers and sisters that are in sins not leading to death so that they may be restored. Let’s look at another passage that may bring a little clarity.

Mark 3:28-30 - “Truly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the children of man, and whatever blasphemies they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— for they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

4. According to this passage, what sins can be forgiven?

5. How do we become a Christian and receive forgiveness for our sins?

6. What part does the Holy Spirt play in bringing us to salvation?

7. If we deny/blasphemy, the Holy Spirit that draws us to Christ’s for forgiveness, why is it that that sin cannot be forgiven?

SUMMARY:

The only sin that falls outside the cross’ ability to forgive is denying/blaspheming the Holy Spirit as the way you are drawn to the cross as the means of forgiveness for all sins.

READ 1st John 5:16-18 again.

8. So if denying/blaspheming the Holy Spirit is the only sin that in unforgivable, if we see a Christian struggle with sin, how should we pray for them?

9. How does v. 18 give us confidence when praying for a brother who is struggling with sin?

10. How has your idea of prayer been challenged today?

What was your major takeaway today?