What Christians Should Know

Intro: in the book of 1 John the word know is used 30 times. 7 times John prefaces this word with the word we—so the term we know is used 7 times. Looking at these 7 usages of this phrase, John points out that every Christian should know these things

I. We know that Christians Live Right---2:29 –as we read this verse John is saying to us that to be a Christian, you must act like a Christian. That Christian isn’t in word only, but in lifestyle.

a. all through the New Testament we read the letters of Paul, John, Peter and we find a common theme, that there were people who had come into the church, that had named the name of Christ, that had a lifestyle that was not aligning with the word of God.

II. We know that when we see Christ we will be like Christ—3:2

This is such a beautiful thought that John says, every Christian should know this fact, that when Christ comes, we will be like Him. We will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.

a. a glorified body—mortal shall put on immortality, corruption shall put on incorruption.

b. We shall be like him---spotless, perfect—those having their robes washed in the blood of the lamb.

c. We shall see him as he is—what a beautiful hope for all of us, we shall see Christ in all His majesty and glory, set down at the right hand of the Father.

III. We know that Christ came to take away our sins—3:5

This is something every Christian should know, that Jesus came on a mission to destroy the works of the devil, to defeat sin, and nail it to the cross.

Take away our sins—no longer just a covering of sin as in the Old Testament, but a removing of sin, a taking away—as far as the east is from the west, to be remembered no more.

The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy, but I have come that they might have life, and life more abundantly.

IV. Love is the proof of Christianity—3:14

As you read through this letter you find that John is very strong on saints loving each other.

They will know we are Christians by our love.

How can you say you love God who you don’t see, but don’t love your brother who you do see.

Everyone who is born of God loves, because God is love.

V. The Holy Spirit Dwells in Christians—3:24

Another important thing for all Christians to know, is that the Holy Spirit dwells in those that are born again. There is a witness of the Spirit that you are in Christ. You are the temple of the Holy Spirit and he dwells in you.

This is so important for everyone to know. You aren’t alone in your battles, you aren’t alone in your walk for God. The Holy Spirit dwells in you, he is a helper, a comforter, he will endue you with power from on High.

VI. We know that we have eternal life—5:13—the next thing John gets across is that every Christian is to know this fact, they have eternal life.

Death has lost it’s sting, the grave has lost it’s victory.

As a Christian we know that we are that we have passed from death unto life, that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life, at the last trump of God the dead in Christ will rise first.

VII. We know that God answers prayers—5:15—here is the last point in John’s seven part sermon on the knowing of a Christian—is that God hears us and he answers our prayers.

Every Christian is to live a life of faith. We know that God hears, but not only hears, but answers prayer.

We have not because we ask not—

If we ask anything in his name, he will do it.

With God all things are possible