Bible Study Notes
This title may seem strange since we just covered how that we are to have confidence when we pray. But…what happens when the BELIEVER that we are praying for does everything in their power to rebellion against our prayers, and ultimately, God’s will for their life? Do you or I continue to pray for them? That is what John speaks on briefly in these next two verses. Everyone sins and that is the spiritual DNA that we inherited from our earthly father (Romans 5:12). However, there is a difference in sinning because you are a sinner and sinning because you are hard-headed and openly rebellious against God’s Word. This is where we will begin tonight.
To download these 4 pages of Bible Study notes, click here: 1 John 5.16-17.pdf
If there is any area that most Christians fall short in, it would be in the area of prayer. Prayer is so difficult, I believe, because it is the reality being brought to light of our own inadequacy and lack of control in every aspect of life. Simply put, we have to ask for help because we cannot do everything on our own. Prayer is the act of humbling ourselves before God to ask a favor of him and that bruises our brittle egos. Contrary to belief, it isn’t just the men, but ladies have egos to be bruised too. But the disciples found prayer so important that they asked for personal instruction on the matter, Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
To download 5 pages of these notes, click here: 1 John 5.14-15.pdf
We will be looking tonight July 15) at possibly the greatest verse in the scripture that, to some, assures the believer of the salvation that was given to them through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. John settles the issue with the previous verses. The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are Living Testaments to the life that’s within us because of what Christ did on the cross. Their testimony extends from heaven to earth and that testimony is greater than the witness of any man. Belief in the Son places that witness within us and is given to us by the Father and our eternal life is bound in the Son. At the moment of salvation, the new convert has all the confidence in the world concerning their new birth experience. But after a while, Satan plants the seed of doubt within their minds and the renewed struggle for the heart begins.
For the 6 pages of study notes for this lesson, go here: Bible Study Notes_1 John 5.13.pdf
In the verses that we will look at this evening, it can almost be compared to looking at the transcript of a court case that has already been held. You have a judge, Jesus, for all judgment has been given to Him, John 5:22 "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: John 5:27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man." You have two witnesses: The Holy Spirit and God the Father. You have evidence: the blood of Jesus and His Word. You have a record: personal testimony. You also have a jury: which is the reader. What is so remarkable about this case is that it is not some guilty party on trial who has committed some awful crime; it is the Judge Himself who is on trial.
To download the study notes for this June 24th, July 1 & July 8th lesson, go here:Bible Study Notes_1 John 5.6-12.pdf
The first three verses of this chapter are a continuation of the discussion that we looked at in chapter 4 and they may look out of place simply because our modern Bibles have chapter breaks and verses assigned. But the Holy Spirit has a purpose in placing them here because this is a letter and therefore should be viewed and read as a letter. John is simply setting the stage for a study of the believer's faith. Paul did the same when dealing with the converted Jews in his letter to them.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Download the 5 pages of Bible study notes here (June 10 & 17): 1 John 5.1-5.pdf
God’s love transforms the believer. The miraculous change made in a person’s life when they accept Jesus Christ can only be attributed to a love that is superior to any love found on earth; this love is heavenly. Over the nearly 100 years (which was an EXTREMELY long life in that day) of John’s existence, he had observed many lives that were completely turned around because of the love of God that is found only in Christ. Now as he begins to present, again, this love of God, he is basing it on a maturity that produces a confidence in that love.
Bible study notes (May 20, 27 and June 3): 1 John 4.17-21.pdf
John begins this chapter with a Divine method by which we may determine whether we have the Spirit of God or the spirit of delusion. The believer is sure and assured that God dwells in him by the Spirit that God gives him at the very moment of new birth. John warns us that we cannot believe every spirit, for even Satan and his ministers can profess to be true to the Word of God (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Satan can quote more Bible than most church members, and most teachers of error know more about the Bible that most born again believers. So, we find that it is especially important to be able to distinguish between the Spirit of God and the spirit of error.
To view the 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, May 13 Bible study, click this Facebook link.
Notes for the Wednesday, May 13 Bible study can be downloaded here: 1 John 4.1-6.pdf
I have no clue as to how many books have been written over the years that deal with exactly HOW we are to be successful in getting our prayers answered. I believe that I could safely say that an entire library could be amassed on this single subject. But when we think about the topic, why wouldn’t there be numerous books written about answered prayer? If I have ever met anyone that prayed actively that DIDN’T want their prayers answered, I don’t know who that person would be. We pray because we (others) have a need and we want that prayer answered so that the need disappears in the shadows of provision.
To view the Wednesday, May 6 Bible study, click this Facebook link.
For the notes for this Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Bible study, click on this link:1 John 3_22-24 Believer's Prayers.pdf