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1 John: Epistemology

Radiant Church Visalia
Radiant Church Visalia
Episode • Mar 3, 2024 • 39m

radiantvisalia.com
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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