1 John: Epistemology

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1 John: Epistemology (1 John 5:13-21)

Scripture: 1 John 5:13-21, Mark 12:28-31, 1 John 3:14, Psalm 100

Intro:

• Focus on knowledge in 1 John 5:13-21.
• Human nature: driven by heart, not just logic.
• Knowledge matters; not just head or heart alone.

Knowledge Defined:

• Epistemology: study of knowledge.
• Belief vs. Knowledge: 
  • Belief: taking something as true.
  • Knowledge: true belief + justification.
  • Justification: knowing why you believe.
• John wants us to move from belief to knowledge (1 John 5:13).
• Two types of knowledge: 
  • Ido: factual, immediate, "seeing" (1 John 5:13).
  • Gnosko: experiential, progressive, transformative (1 John 5:20).

Why Knowledge Matters:

• Knowledge and Love are Connected:
  • Jesus: love God with heart and mind (Mark 12:28-31).
  • John: love shows we know God (1 John 3:14).
  • What we love, we learn.
  • Actions reflect love and knowledge.
• Gnostics Were Wrong:
  • Gnostics: secret knowledge for salvation.
  • John: eyewitness testimony, public knowledge (1 John 1:1-3).
  • Knowledge of God is accessible.
• Assurance of Salvation:
  • John: writes so we know we have eternal life (1 John 5:13).
  • Belief saves, knowledge assures (1 John 5:1).
  • Sin and Assurance (1 John 5:16-19): 
    • "Sin leading to death": hardness of heart, not one act.
    • Habitual sin hardens, repentance becomes difficult.
    • Sins confessed are forgivable.
    • Assurance is possible with repentance.
• Knowledge Prompts Worship:
  • Psalm 100: know God, worship Him.
  • Gnosko knowledge of God leads to worship.
  • God's goodness and love inspire worship.

Call to Action:

• Seek gnosko knowledge of God.
• Respond in worship: 
  • Communion: remembering Jesus' sacrifice.
  • Prayer: seeking experiential knowledge.
  • Singing: expressing praise.

Conclusion:

• Knowledge of God is vital for faith and worship.
• Seek both factual and experiential knowledge.

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*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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