1 John 5 verse 16 If any man see his brother sin a
sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, And he shall give
him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto
death. I do not say that he shall pray
for it. All unrighteousness is sin. And there is a sin not unto death. A key word in the first part
of this passage here is brother. If a man is truly your brother
in Christ, then his sin is not unto death. All sin, in a sense, is unto
death. The wages of sin is death. Unless you're a brother. And still the wages of sin are
death, just not your death. So if it's your brother, you
ask. Your brother sins a sin that's
not unto death. So ask for him. John specifies here that we are
not to pray for sin that is unto death. This is the sin of the
reprobate. It's not a brother. Those who
are dead never to live again. Well, how do we know who they
are? You don't. But men have known that. God
has revealed that before. And when Paul wrote this, the
Lord met with Paul and spoke to him face to face. The Lord
was still revealing things in a little different way then than
he is now. You don't have any idea who's
reprobate and who's not. But men have known this. God
has said it's recorded more than once in the scripture. Don't
pray for these specific people. Don't pray for them. And that's
what Paul is saying here. If God says don't pray for them,
don't pray for them. Listen to Jeremiah 7, 16. Therefore pray not, thou for
this people. Neither lift up cry nor prayer
for them, neither make intercession to me. For I will not hear you. Paul's saying, I'm not telling
you to pray for them. Their sin is unto death. Their
sin is... And what a terrible thing this
is. What a terrible thing. Can you imagine if God told you
about somebody you love? Don't you bother praying for
them. Just forget it. Forget it. Terrible thing, but don't get
distracted like many people do trying to figure out what this
sin under death is It's not a single specific sin. It's the sin of
somebody who God has given up and God for a Long time now has
stopped revealing such things to me That's not the message
of this passage is that there's a sin under death and you need
to watch out for it That's not the message of it The message
of this scripture here remember the context he's talking about
asking in the verses before this he's talking about asking And
in passing as a qualification only he mentions this sin unto
death because that's something you just not gonna Don't intercede
for somebody when the lord says don't But the message to us this morning
here is pretty clear in the context here when you're asking Don't
always ask for yourself Don't always just ask for yourself.
Pray for your brothers and sisters in the Lord. Well, what are we
to pray for them? What are we to pray for them?
Well, the example here given is a real good one. Every problem
that I have is because of my sin. And so I just reckon it's
the same for you. So he says pray for their sin.
Pray for them in their sin. When they sin, pray for them. Brethren, if a man be overtaken
in a fault, restore such in one. Don't despise them. Don't be
self-righteous and say, how could they do something like that?
Same way you could, that's how. You which are spiritual, restore
such in one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens,
and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to
be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. If you
think you're something, you're lying to yourself. And that's the only thing now.
Why is that in the context? If you think you're something,
you're lying to yourself. Why is that in the context of
praying for your brother? Because you know what? And I've
been guilty of this. Many of you, I've witnessed you
be guilty of this. Well, a few. When we see somebody
sin, that we know our first thought is to distance ourselves. How in the world can they do
that? They need to be reprimanded. Preacher ought to have a talking
to with them, you know. Our first thought ought to be,
what can I do? How can I help? Let me get on
my knees before God. Does it be me now? And I believe
if it was me, you'd be on your knees before God. I believe you
would. I want to be like that. And you know what will keep you
from hitting your knees before God and pleading for them and
loving them? and your heart breaking over
their soul, you thinking you're something. That's what will keep
you from it. Now another thing that's often
missed here in this passage we just read in our text, because
people see this sin unto death business and they ignore the
main teaching of the verse. But there's a monumental truth
here that's declared that we just kind of pass over. He makes this clear Incredible
statement there is a sin not under death Think about that There is a sin that does not
result in death Though the wages of sin is death though all sin
deserves death all sin earns death That's what wages are.
It's what you earned is what you richly deserve It's what
you ought to get All sin deserves death, but not all sin will receive
death. Not by the one who committed
it. There is a sin that will not result in death for the one
who committed it. Isn't that a glorious truth? And the word is sin, not because
it's a single specific sin, but because it's the sin, the whole
mass of sin. The reason that there is a sin
not unto death is the death of the one who committed
no sin. There is a sin that is not unto
death because of the death of the sinless one. He didn't commit
it. He didn't commit that sin that's not unto death. He
didn't commit it or any sin. The one who did know sin neither
was any guile found in his mouth. Every day, every hour, every
moment I commit sin that bless God is not unto death. Because my redeemer has died
for my sins according to the scriptures my sins not unto death Now if you know about any of
that though If you know about some of my sin, that's not unto
death pray for me about that Pray for me That's the simple
message of those verses right there when you're asking ask
But don't just ask about yourself. Ask for your brother and sister.
Wouldn't they sin? Because that's the root of it,
isn't it? We have all kinds of problems, but the root of it
is our sin. Now verse 18, we know that whosoever
is born of God sinneth not. But he that is begotten of God
keepeth himself, and that wicked one touches him not. Now John
just got through saying now, well people say, well look at
that, believers can come to the place where they don't sin. He
just got through saying that if a brother commits a sin, pray
for him. He's not saying believers don't
commit sin. Whosoever is born of God, that's
believers. Sinneth not. So what is he saying? They don't sin unto death. We
know that. And the new man, the real man,
the real me, doesn't see him. Well, wait a minute, Chris. If
there's an old you and a new you, why are you saying the new
you is the real you? Maybe the old you is the real
you. No, you know why I say the new me is the real me? Because
it's the only one God sees. Only you can see the other one.
Even I can't see it that good. God don't see him at all. Now this is mysterious, but as
we learn in Romans 7, there is a you that cannot not see him. Wouldn't you describe it that
way when Paul says, the things that I would, I can't, I want
to honor God's law and I just can't do it. And the things that
I would not do in order to honor Christ, those are the things
I do. You know what that is? You cannot not sin. Everything
you do is full of sin. But there's also a you that delights
in the law of God. We know that God does not regard
the old you. The scriptures are full of that.
Referring to a believer, we're talking about Jacob. Jacob is
a worm. God called him a worm. He said,
you're my worm, so don't be afraid. You're my worm. And I'm going
to save you. I've redeemed you. I've called
you. Don't fear. But you know what
he said about Jacob? I have not beheld iniquity in
Jacob. Now he's referring to the whole
nation of Israel there, all of his people, by that name Jacob. You know, remember what he said
about Job? He said, my servant Job is a perfect and an upright
man and one that fears God and hates evil. Where's the old Job? He's dead. He's dead. And so the one who is born of
God, in the estimation of God, does not sin. And never has. And never will. Well, I don't see it that way,
Chris. I'm glad you're not God then. Because I need for God
to not see me in my sin. And the reason He don't is because
of my Savior and His precious blood. And I tell you this, I want to
see things God's way, don't you? I want to see me God's way. I'd
rest a lot more than I do. I want to see you God's way.
I want to see you like he sees you. I believe that'd be a good way
to see things, don't you? He hasn't beheld any iniquity
in you. I think it'd be good if I saw you like he does. And we're talking about praying
for our brethren when they sin. So John reminds us here That
though they sin and we see you I see your sin I want to see
you the way God does but I just don't I see your sin And we're
to pray for one another in our sin, but we're reminded here
That when though they do sin and we're praying for them in
their sin Remember that God sees them as they really are As they
are in Christ sinless spotless and pure And so even when you
are praying for their sin, try to see them the way God sees
them. They don't see him. Verse 19, and we know that we
are, isn't this a wonderful way to refer to you and me? Of God. We know that we are of God. And
this whole world lies in wickedness. What a wonderful thing to know.
Do you know that you're of God? What a wonderful way. Of God. But of Him are you in Christ
Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification,
and redemption. God of God are you in Christ
of God, you know God of God you have eternal life We are of God
How do we know he says, you know, we know we do we know we do well
This whole epistle is about that. Remember verse 13. I've written
these things that you might know That you have eternal life Remember how many times in this
book John wrote these words by this we know or some form thereof Trying to illustrate this let
me ask you a question. How do you know that you're alive?
I Know that I'm alive right now. Well, I'm moving around I'm breathing
I can feel my heart is beating I Can see you I would if I? Oh,
in love, I wouldn't be able to see you right now. You know what
the spiritual equivalents of all of those things are? Faith
and love. The very evidences that he gave
here that you're alive spiritually in this book of 1 John. Faith
and love. How do I know I'm alive spiritually?
I believe. By God's grace, I believe. Well,
Chris, do you love me? Lord, you know all things. You know I love you. I showed her to think of the
quality of that love. But you know that's interesting,
even that. Because look, John in this book, in this same context,
1st John, he gives love as an evidence of life, but when he
talks about quality of love, he says don't look at your love.
Did you notice that? Hereby we know we love. But herein is love, not that
you loved. You see that? That's important
now. It's important we see that. Because
when you're thinking, oh, you know, the evidence of our life
in Christ is our love, you know. So boy, you know, let's look
at our love. No, don't do that. If you love him, that's evidence
of life. You wouldn't see, you wouldn't
be able to move, your heart wouldn't be beating if you weren't alive.
But herein is love, not that you loved him. If we're going
to talk about quality of love, you're going to talk about his
love. Herein is love that he loved you and gave his precious
son to be the sin offering for your sin. Verse 20. And we know, we know. Here's something else we know.
And this is always a time for examination, isn't it? Because
when John says, we know, you just about, you have to stop
and say, well, do I know? Do I know? We know that the Son
of God has come. You remember he said before,
if you believe not that the Son of God has come in the flesh,
You're not of God. But we know that the Son of God
is come and has given us an understanding that we may know. Do you see that? We know that Christ
came and gave us an understanding,
and that's how we know. That we may know Him that is
true, and we are in Him that is true. In Him, as our brother
read from John 17, I in them and thou in me, that we may be
perfect in one. We are in Him that is true, even
in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God. This is
eternal life. And when he talks about it, this
is how we know that we have eternal life. This is what he's talking
about. This is eternal life. Now think
about what John just said in verse 19, as we're contemplating
these two, this verse 20. Now, we know that we are of God and we're the exception. the whole world lies in wickedness
except we know God by his grace we know God there he said we are of God we
are of God we know God we are of God now he is saying we know
how and why we are of God You see that? Because He came
and gave it to us. How do you know God? The whole
world lies in wickedness. Not everybody knows God. This
whole blasted world lies in wickedness and somehow or other you know
God. How? The Son of God came and gave me an understanding We know God, don't we? We're
of God. And by His grace, I know how
that is and why, and it doesn't have anything to do with my will.
It doesn't have anything to do with a decision I ever made or
will make. Here's why. We are the recipients
of a gift. The gift of God's grace in Christ
Jesus. The gift of sight. The gift of
hearing. The gift of life. I remember
when the disciples asked our Lord, why do you speak to them
in parables? If you look at the context, you
look at the other places in scripture where this is dealt with, here's
what they're saying. Why do you say things to these people that
just confuse them? You speak these parables and
they walk away shaking their heads. They don't know what you're
talking about. They misunderstand. They go away
mad. And then you explain to us the
parable. You remember that? We're not
any smarter than they are. We're confused too when you speak
in these parables. But then you pull us aside and
explain it to us. You tell us what it means. Why
do you do things that way? Do you remember his answer? Because
it is given unto you. And to them it is not given. That's what John said. The Son
of God came down here and gave me, out of this whole world that
lies in wickedness, He gave me an understanding. What was the result of that?
What did He give me an understanding of? That I might know Him. He'll
minister to them it's not given. It's the same way this morning
right here. The Lord is still doing things
exactly the same way he did then. This book is a mystery. Did you
know that? Just like those parables he spoke.
Rich, beautiful, simple truth and yet a mystery. Some see it as some kind of code
book that holds the secret to success if you can just unravel
the code, you know. Some see it as a rule book that
if they can just follow, they'll qualify for heaven. Blind, and
blind leaders are the blind. It's many things to many people.
Most, most people just don't know much about it at all. They
just don't even bother reading. They'll read a couple of sentences
and be like, I don't even, that don't make any sense to me. I
don't understand. And then just quit. But there are some, a few,
a remnant, to whom the Son of God explains the parable. He takes them aside after everybody
else is gone. He said, here's what I say. Here's what I say. to them it is given. He sends his Holy Spirit to some
while the gospel is preached and the Holy Spirit of God takes
the things of Christ which is what this whole book truly is
the things of Christ and shows them to those elect few sinners. Few elect Expressed by those
words this whole world lies in wickedness, but we know God we
know God And those who see him rejoice only in him Those who
see him Know the difference between knowing doctrine and knowing
him They see just as clear as a bell. They see the difference
They understand because we've been there how that the Pharisees
can know this whole book and not know the one it's about They
understand that Those who see him When he begins at Moses and
in all the Psalms and in all the prophets begins to show a
sinner the things concerning himself that sinner is no longer
a super lapsarian or an infer lapse area He just simply lays
hold of Christ as he's revealed in this book and nothing else
will do. Those who see him no longer have
any confidence in his flesh. Why? Because they rejoice in
Christ Jesus and only in him. And say with Paul, God forbid
that I glory except in him and what he did for me. His glory
excelleth all other. Do you understand that? Then
he's given you an understanding. Notice that it is an understanding
given, not that we may know doctrinal systems, not that we may know
great mysteries that aren't revealed to other men, not even that we
may know true things. but that we may know him that
is true." It's life and death. Life and death. Paul said, if
I understand all mysteries and I don't love him, it profiteth me nothing. We are given an understanding
that we may know Him that is true. Him that is truth. Knowing Him is life eternal.
This is the record that God has given unto us eternal life and
this life is in His Son. And we're in Him. That's the
next phrase. We are in Him that is true. Think
about this combination. Think about this combination.
We know Him and we are in Him. To know Him is eternal life. But this thing of salvation is
not just about our knowledge of Him. It's also about His knowledge
of me. My comfort and rest and security
and assurance is not my knowledge of him. It's his knowledge of
me. Well, how does God know us? What
is God's perception of us? How does God regard us in his
son? That's what this is saying. We
know him, but also We are in Him. Even when we don't know it. And
that's very important. Because I know Him. But there are times I don't even
know it. But I'm still in Him. My knowledge, my faith waxes
and wanes and fails In the sense of Our Lord
had to say to his disciples one day. How is it that you have
no faith? How is that? How can you have no faith? But he don't fail the object
of my faith doesn't fail And this is the true God What exactly is John saying there? This is the true God. What does he mean by that? Listen
very carefully. The one who reveals himself, giving us an understanding, the
one who reveals himself, who gives understanding to whom he
will, and when he does, and this is important, The one who gives an understanding
and when he gives it the result is life The result is we know him When
he give it's effectual in it his gift is effectual We know
him the one that is true That is the true God Not the one they're talking about
down here. Not the one they're talking about up there. Not the
one they're talking about in 99.99993 so-called churches in
this world. This is the true God. The one
who gives understanding to whom he will. They were walking on
the road to Emmaus. Sad. They were sad because their
their Savior had died. And he said, why are you sad? And they said, well, don't you
know, you must not be from around here. Jesus of Nazareth was crucified
and we had hoped it would be him that would be our champion,
our captain. He's gone. And he began to open
this book, this book right here, this part of it up here in front. And he began to reveal that in
all of this, it concerns himself. And he taught him from Moses,
the first five books, from the Psalms, from all the prophets,
the major prophets, the minor prophets. He went all through
the word and he said, this is concerning me. This is concerning
the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. And
then at some point along the road, It says he opened their
understanding that they might know what he was saying. That
they might understand the scriptures. And he acted like he was going
to leave them and they said, no, don't go anywhere. Don't
you go. Don't you go. He revealed himself to them who
he was. He had hidden his identity from
them. And he showed them how that this
whole book is about him. His precious blood shed for sinners,
how a man, how a sinner, how a vile, wretched worm can be
justified before God, and God be just. And when he opened their understanding,
they understood. That's the true God. They understood because they
were walking with the true God. The one who gives an understanding,
and when he does, you're alive. You know, you believe, you love,
you live. That's the true God right there. The true God is Jesus Christ,
the Savior. He is the true God and He is
eternal life. He said this is the true God
and this is eternal life. What is? He is. Now, that last
little verse there. Seems like we just threw that
in there. Where'd that come from? Keep yourselves from idols. Now
that you know the true God, Now that you know the one who
dispenses life at his sovereign pleasure and is gracious to do
that, who delights to do that, who is plenteous in mercy. Now
that you know the true God, shun everybody and everything else
that presents itself as God. Shun everything and everybody
else that would take his place in your heart. Keep yourselves
from idols. We could spend a lot of time
talking about idols. Idols take many forms. But just
understand this. Anything or anybody that would
get any of your trust, any of your worship, rob any glory from
the one true God, is an idol. And it doesn't matter if it's
a job, a person, or a piece of wood or metal. It doesn't matter
what it is. It's an idol. And here's the message. Christ
is our Lord and our God. He is the true God. Worship Him
alone. Trust Him alone. Rest in Him alone. Don't find any security in anything
else, any riches or any relationships. Trust Him alone. Rest in Him
alone. Never doubt Him. If you rest
in anything else, it's an idol. If you trust anything else, it's
an idol. If you look to anything else for help, it's an idol. Never doubt him Honor him alone And you know, here's the thing
about that this won't make other things and people less precious
to you They will become more meaningful to you When they have
their proper place before him Think about this there is a sense
there is a center very true sense in which all else but him is
nothing That's you, that's me, we're grasshoppers in scripture.
I acknowledge that. I'm a grasshopper. There is a
sense in which everything and everybody else besides Him is
nothing. But there's also a glorious sense
in which all else, everybody and everything else, when seen
in the light of His glory, is more beautiful than it could
ever otherwise be. Your family, the things you have,
the things you enjoy in this life, more beautiful than they
ever could otherwise be when seen in the light of His glory,
when seen as a gift from Him, expendable. That He gives and
He takes. But He gives it for His honor.
Gives it to you. for his honor and glory. And
all that you have, everybody you know, all your relationships,
everything will be more precious because of him. Not less so. Even an old hound dog, when seen
as a gift of his majesty, is a precious gift. I thank God
for my old dogs even. And they're way more precious
to me than they ever could be if I didn't know him. He is preeminent in all things.
He is our all and in all. Is it that way with you? John is saying in that last verse
there, keep it that way. Let's pray.