There's a tabloid that makes it's living off the phrase, "Inquiring minds want to know." Being inquisitive is basic human nature. We want the latest gossip. We crane our necks to catch a glimpse of an accident as we drive by. We read the section in our local newspaper of the court records to find out who did what to whom, who got caught speeding, who's divorcing, who's getting married, etc. Celebrity gossip shows or websites get lots of viewers, because we just want to know.
As John pens the lines of 1 John, there are some things he wants us to know. He notes as he closes out the first of his three short epistles four basic "We knows." He tells us that he writes this first letter so that WE may KNOW we have eternal life. That's great information. WE can KNOW we have eternal life. We don't have to worry about. We can be assured. In his Gospel, John records Jesus' prayer in the garden in which Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ. Knowing is not knowing about God and Jesus. It's not a casual acquaintance with them. Knowing, in the context of John 17 is an intimate oneness with them.
John goes onto say in 1 John 5, that WE KNOW that anyone born of God does not continue to sin. Now when John says that he's talking about our attitude. It's really similar to what Paul writes in Romans 8. It's about our choice to really allow God ultimate control of our life. If we allow ourselves to walk in God's Holy Spirit, which He places in all His followers who surrender their life to Him and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we would never have to sin again. It's an attitude of choosing to pursue Christ on a daily basis.
He also says that WE KNOW that we are children of God (if we're born of God) and that we live in a world where the devil is in control. We're in foreign territory. We're behind enemy lines. The world isn't, non-Christians aren't our enemy, Satan is. God has allowed Satan dominion over this world, which mean as long as we're still on this planet, we have to live with, endure, overcome the nature of this broken and dying world. We can expect difficulties, trials, temptations, hardships, injustice and even moronic thinking.
He concludes this book by saying that WE KNOW that the Son of God has come to give us understanding, that WE may KNOW him who is true. We can't forget that we are in HIM who is true and in HIM is true eternal life. God really wants to have a deep, personal oneness with us. He reveals more and more of Himself as we our relationship with Him grows. The more we know Him and understand Him and His truths, the better equipped to deal with the travails of this life and the greater assurance of victory is ours.
God, I long to know you more and more, deeper and deeper. Enlighten me. Empower me. Give me the tools and insight I need on this journey of life. Protect me. Strengthen me. Give me perspective. Give me greater understanding of you and your truths. Assure me. Do this so that I may bring you glory and reveal you to the darkened, lost world around me.
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