Articles
We Know - 1 John 5:18-20
The word know appears almost forty times in John’s first epistle. Robert L. Plummer and E. Roderick Elledge observe that the two Greek words translated know in 1 John are essentially synonymous and are used interchangeably. The words that John used often refer to cognitive knowledge. One lexicon defines know as “be in receipt of information with focus on awareness.” John’s frequent use of the word know provides readers with insight concerning the reason he wrote his epistle. He wrote to strengthen the confidence and awareness of believers. Their faith was under attack by some who were claiming that Jesus did not come in the flesh. These false teachers claimed to have real knowledge of God and were creating doubt in the minds of believers. John pointed his audience to what they could know as a means of strengthening their faith.
John wrote, “We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him” (1 Jn. 5:18). This was a point that he made earlier in his epistle (1 Jn. 3:6-10). Those who continually engage in sinful thoughts and behavior do not belong to God. The opponents who were frustrating the faith of believers claimed to know God (a relational knowledge). Their conduct, however, revealed that they did not abide in Him (1 John 2:4). John challenged believers to examine the claims and conduct of their opponents as a way of strengthening their faith and assurance. Believers should return to what they know when they are troubled or discouraged by the actions of others.
John also wrote, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). The opponents claimed to belong to God, but John provided assurance to believers that the opponents were mistaken. How can believers be assured that they are of God? Earlier John wrote, “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him” (1 John 2:29). The false claims of the opponents should not derail the faith and assurance of believers. Rather, we can be strengthened by being aware of our status as God’s children.
Finally John wrote, “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true…” (1 John 5:20). John addressed two important issues that emphasize the error of their opponents. First, believers can be assured that Jesus came in the flesh. Second, believers can be assured that they have the true knowledge about God.
John provided believers with knowledge and assurance that would strengthen their faith. Let’s remember to consider what we know. Knowledge answers doubts, leaving us standing on firmer ground.
