THREE TREMENDOUS TRUTHS
1 John 5:18-21
INTRODUCTION: Three times in our text for today the Bible says “WE KNOW.” We must not
allow our doubts cause us to overlook the things that God says we can know beyond any
shadow of doubt: Deuteronomy 29:29. Those truths that our God has revealed to us belong to
us and our children. 1 John was written to give believers the assurance of our salvation.
I. THE CERTAINTY OF CHRIST POWER TO TRANSFORM OUR LIVES!
The Holy Spirit inspired John to tell us about the assurance of Christ power to transform our
lives in Christ. We have power through our Lord Jesus Christ to overcome any sinful habits we
may have had in the past: 1 John 5:18. Now that may cause trouble for many because the
gospel of John tells us that if anyone says they do not sin they are liars: 1 John 1:8. What our
verse means is that no one who is truly a son or daughter of God will be continuously and
habitually sinning. Because of our position in Christ God gives us a desire to do His will:
Philippians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:17. If our lives are still marked by rebellion and sin against God
we are not true children of God. It is God’s power that transforms His children’s lives:
1 John 5:18. Jesus Christ not us is the One born of God: John 3:16. We do not have the ability
to keep ourselves from sin any more than we have power to save ourselves from sin:
Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1:3-5. Our Lord Jesus has the power to save and to keep His sheep:
John 10:27-30. Our Lord Jesus prayed for all of us who would one day trust in Him:
John 17:6-12. If you have been truly saved it is Jesus that is keeping you saved: 2 Timothy 1:12;
Jude 24-25. God keeps us from all harm from Satan: 1 John 5:18; Ephesians 6:16;
Ephesians 4:27; John 10:10; 1 John 4:4. If you are unsaved the story is very different for you.
Satan already has ahold of you and even if you are very religious, Satan has you right where he
wants you.
II. THE CERTAINTY OF OUR POSITION IN CHRIST!
We may know the certainty of our position in Christ! 1 John 5:19-21. Do you know that
you are a son or daughter of God? John under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit didn’t say we
hope we are the children of God; he said we know that we are in Christ. Just look again at the
contrast of the two possible positions you could be in right now: 1 John 5:19. Either you are
born again into the family of God or you are in the dominion of Satan. The majority of the
people in this world are going to think you very strange when you are controlled by the Holy
Spirit: 1 Corinthians 2:14.
III. THE CERTAINTY OF OUR NEW PERCEPTION IN CHRIST!
Our new position in Christ gives us a new perception of reality: 1 John 5:20. Did you notice the
Source of our new perception? When the light of the world comes into our hearts His light
allows us to see the secret things of God that the world will never be able to figure out! It is
then that we can know Him Who is true: 1 John 5:20. This is the true God, and eternal life! We
are told not to follow other gods or idols: 1 John 5:21. We are to keep ourselves from false
gods. An idol is anything you substitute for God. Whatever is keeping you from coming to
Jesus for salvation is your idol.