John's News Series

John’s News

1 John 5:5-13

At the gates of the city they gather, Jacob Ben Hadad has claimed that Saul Ben Calib has stolen his best hoe. Saul Ben Calib says that this is a lie and the hoe was a gift. They argue and almost come to blows until one of the elders sitting in judgement ask if there are any witnesses. Jacob calls and out of the crowd step 2 other men who state that Jacob has spoken the truth. This is the law, a fact is established in the testimony of 2 or 3.

A. In a court trial the evidence either makes or breaks a case. The evidence is examined and the court decides what is true or false.

B. John presents us with a bag full of evidence. He stated in verses 1-5 that belief in Jesus’ claim to be the Christ, the Son of God, makes humans the sons and daughters of God and overcomers of the world systems, v5. According to the law, there had to be corroborating evidence of 2 or 3 witnesses to establish a fact.

C. In our text god gives us some witnesses to prove that Jesus is His Son, and out Saviour. Let us hear these witnesses and make a judgement and forever put aside doubts that we may have.

I. The witness of the Spirit. v6-8

A. The most compelling testimony is always the eye witness. The only eye witness that we have to Jesus’ claims on earth today is the Holy Spirit.

B. Let’s examine His credentials . Notice v.6, He is the "Spirit of Truth".

C. The testimony states that Jesus came by;

1. Water, baptismal water, why is this important?

a. Baptism is the act of consecration. It shows intent, an intent to do God’s will, to be committed, to not give up and go back to the past.

b. Jesus was baptized as a witness that He was doing the Father’s will.

c. It signaled the beginning of His ministry to redeem man.

d. It witnessed also His coming death burial and resurrection.

e. So His baptism signified His intent to do all that the Christ had to do to redeem man, which makes Him the Saviour.

2. Jesus also came by blood.

a. The water signaled the beginning of His work, the blood signaled the end of the task. Man was redeemed.

b. He provided the perfect sacrifice to buy back our lost souls.

c. If Jesus had not been the Son of God, the chosen sacrifice, all He would have had to do was say so and He would have been spared.

d. If it had all been a lie, his mother would have said that she lied and He would have been set free.

D. The water, the blood and the work of the Spirit in the world verify the facts.

1. The Spirit was eye witness to the baptism and death of Jesus and He testifies to every person about this truth.

2. v8-9 tells us that all these witnesses agree to the truth.

II. The witness of the Father. v9

A. Years ago two lawyer friends were on opposite sides of a minor case. As they arrived one said to the other, "Mitchell, are these your witnesses?" pointing to some men behind the railing of the court room. "Why yes, " said Mitchell. the other lawyer shut his briefcase and said, "Well I might as well quit now, I’ve used them myself before, and they are good." One of the most important things about witnesses is their credibility, can you believe them. The most believable witness ever is the Father, Titus 1:2 tells us that God cannot lie. Not will not, but cannot.

B. John brings out the greatest witness in the world, the Father Himself.

1. He states, " If we believe the witness of men, then we should definitely believe God.

2. If your willing to believe a scientist who tells you the Bible is a lie, and your really a monkey in disguise, let me tell you, God is more believable.

C. Well OK, what does God say about Jesus?

1. At His baptism,

(Mat 3:16-17) "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: {17} And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

2. At His ministry,

(Luke 9:28-35) "And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. {29} And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. {30} And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: {31} Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. {32} But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. {33} And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. {34} While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. {35} And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him."