Idea: As a child of God you have an amazing privilege, that of confident prayer. Therefore nurture your relationship through prayer.
Intro: John has brought the subject of his letter full circle by coming back to the Christian's assurance of salvation. He has pointed to Jesus as the source of eternal life, wanting you to find comfort in the promise of God to forgive your sins. In the broader letter, John has developed this theme to also make the point that faith will be lived out. Belief must be connected to action or virtue. He has also warned the church away from unbelief and to be on guard against the world, the flesh and the devil.
You could say that John has brought the letter to a close, but then adds a PS. In light of assurance, obedience, and watchfulness against the enemy, John wants to get in one more word about prayer. And it is very practical application of the doctrine of assurance as we shall see.
1. Prayer in the context of relationship
2. Prayers of petition
3. Prayers of intercession |
