On God’s Authority (1 John 5:6-12)

Series: 1 John: That You May Know

Preacher: Pastor Brad Hillman

Summary

On whose authority can we base our faith? This message explores 1 John 5:6-12, establishing that God is the ultimate source of authority. Pastor Brad explains that we can have full assurance in our salvation because God Himself has testified that Jesus Christ is His Son—the true object of our faith. This divine testimony is confirmed through the water (Jesus' baptism), the blood (His death on the cross), and the Spirit (who indwells believers). The sermon challenges us to stop questioning God’s good authority and align every area of our lives—our thoughts, desires, and actions—with the truth that eternal life is found in the Son alone.

Key Points

• Jesus Christ is the object of the Christian's faith.
• God is the ultimate source of authority, and His testimony is greater than man's.
• God testifies that Jesus Christ is the Son of God through the water, the blood, and the Spirit.
• To reject this testimony is to question God Himself, but to believe in the Son is to have eternal life.

Reflect & Discuss

1. In what areas of your life (thoughts, desires, actions) do you tend to question God’s authority?
2. How does viewing God’s commands as loving protections, rather than mere restrictions, change your perspective on obedience?
3. When you face doubts, how can remembering God's threefold testimony (water, blood, Spirit) strengthen your assurance?

Main Passage: 1 John 5:6−12

Supporting Passages:

• Acts 17:24−25
• Hebrews 1:3
• Colossians 1:17
• John 10:10
• Exodus 20
• Matthew 28:18−20

Keywords: Authority, Testimony, 1 John, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Eternal Life, Faith, Holy Spirit, Salvation, Sanctification