god's promise of eternal life

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SESSION 2

GOD’S PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE

The Point You were created for eternal life in Christ.

The Passage 1 John 5:6-13

The Bible Meets Life In the past century, people in America have seen their life expectancy increase by more than 25 years. Americans are living well into their 70s and 80s these days. And based on the volume of ads and infomercials on TV, companies are lined up to sell you products or programs claiming to increase that lifespan even more. To be sure, some of the advice and products being offered are good and can improve our lives—to some degree. But a lot of what we see is nothing more than a way for companies to make a quick buck from our yearning to live longer and look better. After all, life has to end. We can’t go on living forever—can we? The truth is we can have a life that continues on forever. That’s not a claim based on wishful optimism, but a reality founded on who Jesus is and what He has done. The short Book of 1 John points us to this sure hope of eternal life.

The Setting The Book of 1 John was written to encourage Christians to remain true to their faith in Jesus Christ. A heretical group had split from the church (see 1 John 2:19) but was still trying to influence them. Among the heretics’ teachings were a denial that Jesus was the Messiah (see 2:22; 4:15; 5:1), that Jesus had come in the flesh (see 4:2-3), and of the atoning nature of Jesus’ sacrifice that gives eternal life to those who believe in Him (see 5:6-13). © 2015 LifeWay

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What does the Bible say?

1 John 5:6-13 Water (vv. 6,8)—John used “water” as a reference to the baptism of Jesus Christ, which marked the beginning of His public ministry. Blood (vv. 6,8)—John used “blood” as a reference to Jesus dying on the cross, which marked the close of His public ministry.

6 Jesus Christ—He is the One who came by water and blood, not by water only,

but by water and by blood. And the Spirit is the One who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. 9 If we accept the testimony of men, God’s testimony is greater, because it is God’s testimony that He has given about His Son. 10 (The one who believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him. The one

who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony God has given about His Son.) 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn’t have the Son of God

does not have life. 13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God,

so that you may know that you have eternal life.

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THE POINT

You were created for eternal life in Christ.

GET INTO THE STUDY

5 minutes

DISCUSS: Question #1 on page 21 of

Notes

the Personal Study Guide (PSG): “What products or activities promise to increase our lifespan?” ACTIVITY (OPTIONAL): As a complement to Question #1, above, bring in several bottles or samples of anti-aging products. Instruct group members to pass the products around as you discuss Question #1. You can also encourage group members to read any fine print or side-effect warnings printed on those products. Note: Bringing in physical objects is a great way to connect with group members who have a “hands on” (kinesthetic) learning style. GUIDE: Direct group members to “The Bible Meets Life” on page 22 of the PSG. Introduce the theme of eternal life by reading or summarizing the text—or by encouraging group members to read on their own. GUIDE: Call attention to “The Point” at the top of page 22 of the PSG: “You were created for eternal life in Christ.” ENHANCEMENT: Display Pack Item 2, “Foundation,” to reinforce the overall theme of this resource. PRAY: Transition into the Scripture discussion by proclaiming your hope and trust in the Bible’s promise of eternal life in heaven. Ask the Holy Spirit to provide wisdom and clarity for your group as you engage the Scriptures.

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TIP: Be sure to vary the time and sequence of the different activities in your group— prayer, discussion, socializing, and so on.

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15 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE 1 John 5:6-9

Notes 6

Jesus Christ—He is the One who came by water and blood, not by water

only, but by water and by blood. And the Spirit is the One who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement. 9 If we accept the testimony of men, God’s testimony is greater, because it is God’s testimony that He has given about His Son. READ: 1 John 5:6-9 on page 23 of the PSG. Read the text out loud or ask a volunteer to do so. GUIDE: Use the first paragraph on page 31 of this Leader Guide to introduce the historical context behind these verses. DISCUSS: Question #2 on page 24 of the PSG: “What do these verses teach ALTERNATE QUESTION: What makes a testimony reliable?

us about Jesus?” DO: Direct group members to complete the activity “Promises, Promises” on page 25 of the PSG. If time allows, encourage group members to share what helps them trust in the promise of eternal life. Use the following columns to record advertising slogans or promises that are trustworthy and untrustworthy. Examples are provided to spark your thinking. Trustworthy

Untrustworthy

“FDIC insured”

“No money down!”

What helps you trust in God’s promise of eternal life?

TRANSITION: As we’ve seen, the apostle John directly attacked false teachings in verses 6-9. As we move to verses 10-11, we’ll see two possible responses to the truths he declared.

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© 2015 LifeWay

THE POINT

You were created for eternal life in Christ.

1 John 5:6-9 Commentary Late in his ministry, the apostle John served as pastor of the church at Ephesus. There, John was opposed by false teachers espousing an early form of the heresy called gnosticism. These heretics claimed secret knowledge unavailable except through their teaching. Specifically, they taught that Jesus was merely a man, the son of Mary and Joseph. “Christ” was a heavenly being who descended upon Jesus, the man, at his baptism and departed from Jesus before he died on the cross. This false teaching denied both the incarnation and the atoning death of our Lord Jesus Christ. In 1 John 5:6-9, the apostle wrote specifically to counter these heresies. [Verse 6] John says that Jesus Christ is the One who came by water and blood. The most likely interpretation is that the water refers to the baptism of Jesus, while the blood refers to the death of Jesus on the cross. By proclaiming that Jesus came not by water only, John was actively combatting the false teachers who believed the Spirit left Jesus before the crucifixion. John emphasized the truth that Jesus was the same Christ both before and after His baptism—and that He experienced the crucifixion as well. John emphatically declared that Jesus came by both water and blood. Because Jesus came by blood, we encounter the following testimonies at His crucifixion: supernatural events (three hour darkness, tearing of the curtain of the holy of holies, earthquakes, resurrections), fulfilled prophecies (see Ps. 22:1,4‑8,14‑18; Isa. 52:13–53:12), the Roman centurion (“This man really was God’s Son!” [Matt. 27:54]), and the blood itself (see Heb. 12:24). [Verses 7-8] There are three that testify. In Deuteronomy  19:15, two or three witnesses were required for establishing wrongdoing or sin against a person. John used three witnesses to show the validity of his claims about Jesus Christ: The Spirit, the water, and the blood. The Holy Spirit always testifies about Jesus (see John 15:26). The testimony of the water (in which the Father testified to His pleasure in His Son) was Jesus’ baptism. The testimony of the blood was that of the blood Jesus shed on the cross for our salvation (see Col. 1:19-20). All three testimonies are unified. [Verse 9] People accept testimony from others, particularly when there are two or more witnesses. How much more then we should accept the testimony of God? Not only should we accept God’s testimony because it is impossible for God to lie (see Heb. 6:17‑18), but also because God has given this testimony about His Son. The tense of has given means that while God first gave this testimony nearly 2000 years ago, His testimony remains true today—and will be so forever. © 2015 LifeWay

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5 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE 1 John 5:10-11

Notes 10

(The one who believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him.

The one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony God has given about His Son.) 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. READ: 1 John 5:10-11 on page 23 of the PSG. GUIDE: Use the first paragraph on page 33 of this Leader Guide to highlight the two possible responses for those who hear God’s testimony about Jesus. RECAP: Highlight the final two paragraphs on page 26 of the PSG: On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples what He was about to do and where He would be going. But Thomas didn’t understand the path Jesus was laying out for them. He asked, “How can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Although Thomas knew Jesus, he assumed he needed something more. People today make the same mistake. They question whether Jesus is enough. Or they think the answer to eternal fulfillment is Jesus plus something else. What was Jesus’ response? “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14: 6). John, who heard Jesus declare this truth to Thomas, reiterated it in 1 John 5:11: “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” Jesus is our life! ALTERNATE QUESTION: What does it mean to believe the testimony of Jesus?

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DISCUSS: Question #3 on page 26 of the PSG: “Why is it sometimes hard for  people to believe faith in Jesus is enough for salvation?” TRANSITION: As we conclude with verses 12-13, we’ll see a stark contrast between the eternal destinies of those who accept Jesus’ gift of eternal life and those who refuse.

© 2015 LifeWay

THE POINT

You were created for eternal life in Christ.

1 John 5:10-11 Commentary [Verse 10] Life is found in Jesus. There are two possible responses for those who hear God’s testimony. John deals initially with the person who believes God’s testimony. Two facts about this person are emphasized. First, because of God’s testimony, this person believes in the Son of God. John equates this belief with acceptance of God’s testimony about His Son—the testimony of the water, the blood, and the Spirit (see vv. 7-9). Believes means a lasting, ongoing reliance on Jesus Christ for eternal life. Believes in means that this person does not merely believe the facts about who Jesus is and what He has done. Rather, this one has entered into a trusting relationship with the Lord. Second, the one who believes God’s testimony (and believes in God’s Son) has this testimony within him. The one who believes is indwelled by the Holy Spirit (see 3:24). The Spirit within bears witness to the truth of God’s testimony about His Son (see 4:13-14). The Spirit works first in a person to convince him or her of the truth of God’s testimony about Jesus Christ (see John 16:8‑11). When a person believes in God’s Son, the Spirit indwells that person and reconfirms the truth of God’s testimony. The other possible response of a person who hears God’s testimony about Jesus Christ is to refuse to believe God. In not believing God’s testimony, this person refuses to enter into a trusting relationship with God’s Son for the forgiveness of their sins. The person who does this has made God to be a liar. In 1 John 1:10, unbelievers claim never to have sinned and not to be in need of a savior, thereby making God a liar for His condemnation of their sinfulness and His claim of their need for a savior. In chapter five, unbelievers call God a liar by rejecting His testimony about His Son. Those who call God a liar remain dead in their sins. [Verse 11] The outcome of God’s testimony is that God has given eternal life to those who believe His testimony. Given is a key word. God does not pay out salvation in response to one’s works. Eternal life is given to those who enter into a saving relationship with His Son through faith. The tense of the phrase has given shows that eternal life is a present reality for believers. Eternal life doesn’t begin when a person physically dies. Rather, it begins when a person repents and believes in God’s Son. Life is found only in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is a dominant truth in John’s writings (see John 1:1‑5,12‑13; 3:14‑18,36; 5:21‑29; 6:40; 10:10,28; 11:25‑26; 14:6; 17:3; 1 John 1:1‑2; 2:24‑25; 4:9; 5:20).

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15 minutes

STUDY THE BIBLE 1 John 5:12-13

Notes

12

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does

not have life. 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. READ: 1 John 5:12-13 on page 23 of the PSG. GUIDE: Use the final two paragraphs on page 35 of this Leader Guide to summarize the main themes of 1 John 5:6-13. ALTERNATE QUESTION: When did you come to believe Jesus is God’s Son?

DISCUSS: Question #4 on page 27 of the PSG: “What are the present and future benefits of accepting God’s promises in these verses?” DISCUSS: Question #5 on page 27 of the PSG: “What responsibilities do we  carry when we accept God’s promises in these verses?” Note: In both Question #4 and Question #5, above, consider encouraging group members to consider their answers from two points of view: 1) The benefits and responsibilities of accepting God’s promises as individuals, and 2) the benefits and promises of accepting God’s promises as a community. RECAP: Call attention to the final two paragraphs on page 27 of the PSG: Romans 10:9 states, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” There’s our answer: Believe in Jesus. Believe He is Lord. Believe He is God’s Son. Believe He died and rose again. Confess Him as Lord. You will be saved. GUIDE: Refer back to “The Point” of this session: “You were created for eternal life in Christ.” As time permits, encourage group members to share any final thoughts or questions.

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THE POINT

You were created for eternal life in Christ.

1 John 5:12-13 Commentary [Verse 12] We experience life when we believe in Jesus. Those who believe God’s testimony receive eternal life; they receive the Son who is life. To have the Son, Jesus Christ, is to have eternal life. Believers have the Son living in them (see John 14:23; 15:4‑6). These verses make a contrast with those who do not believe in or have the Son of God. The words of God add emphasis to John’s previous statement in 1 John 2:23: “No one who denies the Son can have the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well.” One cannot have the Father without having the Son and vice versa. The word life is emphasized by the sentence’s word order in the original Greek: The one who does not have the Son of God, life does not have. Those without the Son are already spiritually dead and, by their rejection of the Father’s offer of life through the Son, will remain in that state. [Verse 13] This verse is the climax, not only of the verses we have already considered, but of the entire epistle. Notice that these things is used by John in each of the four purposes he gave for writing the letter (see 1 John 1:4; 2:1,26; 5:13). These things refers to all the spiritual truths and spiritual arguments used by John in this epistle. The primary purpose of these things that John has written is so that believers may know that you have eternal life. The word know is used in the sense that John desires his readers to have confidence and assurance in the truth that through their belief in Jesus Christ they possess eternal life. Eternal life describes much more than going to heaven when we die. Too many people equate eternal life only with life after death. The concept includes the life believers have not only in heaven, but now in this world in their ongoing, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Throughout 1 John 5:6‑13, we have seen that believers can know they have eternal life because they believe God’s threefold testimony about His Son. This threefold testimony comes from the water and the blood and the Spirit. Those who believe God’s testimony have the Son, in whom life is found. Those who believe God’s testimony receive the inner testimony of the indwelling Spirit. Jesus came so that through Him we can have life that is both eternal and abundant. Life lived in obedience to God through Christ brings glory to God and full joy to the believer. Assurance of one’s eternal salvation is an essential element for fully enjoying eternal life now. Therefore, we must show believers how to find peace in the assurance of their salvation—and we must testify to unbelievers how they can receive eternal life. © 2015 LifeWay

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5 minutes

LIVE IT OUT GUIDE: Direct group members to page 28 of the PSG. Encourage them to consider the

Notes

following suggestions for responding to the promise of eternal life:

>> Accept Jesus. If you’ve never accepted

the gift of eternal life in Jesus, do so now. Talk to someone in your group or read the inside front cover to discover what’s involved in becoming a follower of Jesus.

>> Live for Jesus. Be intentional about considering how eternal life in Christ

affects your attitude and approach to the different hassles and routines you face each day—paying bills, juggling your schedule, dealing with difficult people, and so on. Let the eternal nature of your relationship with Christ impact everything else.

>> Share Jesus. You know others who are looking for meaning and purpose

in places other than Jesus. Tell your story and point them to the life they can have in Christ.

Wrap It Up TRANSITION: Read or restate the conclusion on page 28 of the PSG: It’s natural to long for everlasting life. After all, you were created for an eternal life expectancy. Yet no product, gimmick, or health regime can produce in you what only Jesus can give. So embrace Jesus. Embrace life. PRAY: Conclude the discussion by again expressing your hope in the promise of eternal life. Also express your gratitude to Jesus for His willingness to accept both the water and the blood in order to secure our salvation.

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