Who is God – Part 8

First John, chapter five, verse thirteen.

Scripture Reference

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Introduction

We come to the close of First John with a practical, pastoral, and deeply encouraging emphasis: God is life. Dr. Terry LeQuieu takes us through the closing chapter quickly but carefully, giving us three helpful lenses through which to understand what it means to live as those who have been born of God. The goal of the message is straightforward and pastoral — to help believers know they have eternal life, to encourage obedience and holiness, and to strengthen confidence in God’s promises and presence.

Quote from Preacher

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Outline

Achievements of Life
1. Obey our Sovereign
  The Christian life begins with obedience rooted in belief. First John 5:1–3 shows that believing Jesus is the Christ and loving Him will result in keeping God’s commandments. Obedience is not meant to be burdensome — “his commandments are not grievous.” Practically, obedience reveals a new birth and results in blessing. The more we read Scripture, the more we love Christ and the easier obedience becomes because the Spirit reshapes our desires.
2. Overcome our Society
  Verses 4–5 declare that everyone born of God “overcometh the world,” and the victory is our faith. Overcoming the world’s pressure is a matter of believing God is greater than the pull of the flesh and the lies of the devil. Overcoming brings new behavior, new ambitions, and new desires because the Holy Spirit indwells us. Habits of godliness — daily Bible reading, prayer, fellowship — train the flesh to follow the Spirit.
Assurances of Life
1. Assurance by Witnesses
  First John 5:6–8 explains multiple witnesses to the truth of Christ: Christ came by water and blood and the Spirit bears witness. The three in heaven — the Father, the Word (the Son), and the Holy Ghost — and the three on earth — the Spirit, the water, and the blood — agree. This Trinitarian and incarnational testimony secures our confidence.
2. Assurance by God’s Character
  Verses 9–10 pivot to the character of God as the basis of assurance. If God testifies of His Son and we trust that testimony, the inward witness of the Holy Spirit confirms salvation. Our certainty is not a shaky feeling but rests upon God’s faithful promise and the Spirit’s work in our hearts.
3. Assurance in the Son
  Verses 11–12 state plainly: “This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” He who hath the Son hath life. Salvation is objective and centered in Christ, not in fluctuating feelings. The gospel remains the unchanging ground for assurance.
4. Assurance through Intimacy and Answers
  Verse 13 stresses that the words were written so believers may know they have eternal life. The closer we walk with God, the more the Spirit will illuminate Scripture to us. Verses 14–15 further strengthen assurance: God hears prayers asked according to His will. Answered prayer that aligns with Scripture fortifies confidence in our standing with God because He who saved us also hears and cares for us.
Admonitions of Life
1. Intercession and the Sin Not Unto Death
  Verse 16 introduces a difficult but pastoral truth about intercession for a brother’s sin. There exists a “sin unto death” — a grievous rebellion or final crossing of God’s deadline — that Scripture does not identify by a single checklist. Pastors must pray; believers should intercede; but we must also recognize that continuing rebellion can lead to God’s disciplinary removal from this life. The passage calls for sober attention, prayer, and persistent gospel pleading.
2. Nature of the Born Again
  Verse 18 reminds us that “whosoever is born of God sinneth not”—not meaning sinless perfection but indicating a changed nature that does not habitually live in sin. The born again person keeps himself (by the Spirit), and the wicked one toucheth him not, because the Spirit guards and empowers him to resist the world’s corruption.
3. Separation from Idols
  Verse 21 is a succinct command: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” Idols are not just carved images but anything that competes with the preeminence of Christ — possessions, popularity, pleasure,—even good things that become ultimate things. The safeguard of the Christian life is a daily focus on Christ and His Word.

Summary

First John 5 is a pastoral finale: God is life, and He gives that life through His Son. The chapter reminds us that the Christian life should produce obedience, victory over the world, and habits of holiness. Assurance of salvation rests on the testimony of the Trinity, the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, and the objective work of Christ. Yet assurance comes with a call to holy living, prayerful intercession, and separation from idols. The balances are clear: confidence in God’s promises, humility in our walk, and vigilance against rebellion.

Quote to Ponder

We are in this world, but we’re not of this world.

Application for the Week

Create a 28-day habit of Bible reading and prayer
Begin each morning this week with 10–15 minutes in God’s Word (start with First John or a Gospel), followed by five minutes of simple prayer. Do this for four weeks straight to build spiritual rhythm. Keep a small journal of any verses that illuminate your heart; those notes are evidence of the Holy Spirit at work.
Pray intentionally for an unbelieving friend or family member
Follow First John’s model of intercession. Pray daily that the Holy Spirit would bear witness to them, and ask the Lord to open opportunities for gospel conversations. Record any small answers to prayer — they strengthen assurance and faith.
Audit your heart for idols
Make a list of top time-consuming activities, recurring worries, or frequent pleasures that may compete with Christ. Choose one “idol” to actively reduce this week (less screen time, fewer sports broadcasts, different Sunday evening habit) and replace that time with Scripture reading or serving someone in need.
Practice a simple obedience challenge
Pick one command of Scripture to obey this week — for example, speaking gently, giving generously, forgiving quickly, or honoring the Lord’s Day. Keep it specific, measurable, and review progress each evening with a short prayer asking the Spirit to help you persevere.
Strengthen your prayer life around God’s will
When you pray, use the pattern: (1) Praise God for who He is, (2) Confess known sin, (3) Ask according to God’s Word (quote Scripture as you pray it), (4) Submit to His will — “Not my will, but thine be done.” This trains you to pray in step with the promises and purposes of God.

May this week be one in which you grow a little closer to the Lord — not merely acquiring information, but cultivating intimacy with the living God who is Life itself. Remember: the Son gives life; the Spirit testifies; obedience and separation show the world that we belong to Him.