God’s Testimony

Introduction

Abraham Lincoln’s most famous court case was revolutionary for its time. He was defending Duff, a son of a friend, who was charged with murder. The prosecutor gave testimony that he witnessed the murder by the full moon at 11:00 PM. Lincoln then, by the judge’s permission, entered an 1857 almanac into evidence. This was uncommon for witnesses at the time. By consulting the almanac, Lincoln established that there was no full moon on the day in question. In fact, there had not even been moonlight yet at 11:00. That evening the case was over with Duff found innocent of the crime. If the evidence of an almanac can so decisively change the outcome of a court case, imagine what the witness of God would be. 1 John 5:7-11 tells us about God’s testimony, and what He testifies. Let’s get started…

Observation

Prayer

God wrote this passage to you because He desires you to understand it. Ask for His assistance, and that He would open your eyes to the truth of what He is testifying.

Read Focus Verses

Before studying a passage, it is important to read it through at least once to see the flow of the argument and the themes discussed. Read 1 John 5:7-11 carefully, noting the comparisons and contrasts in the text.

A More Sure Word

As you read these verses, did you notice a word or group of related words that was repeated several times?

Keyword – Witness

Let’s use this symbol for this theme so we can more easily different truths about it.

The Truth

Mark all the words relating to witness or testimony in 1 John 5:7-11.

Read in Context

Before looking more specifically at what this testimony is, let’s back up and see the context of our verses by reading 1 John 5:1-13.

The Trinity

This passage mentions all three members of the God-head several times. Who are they?

Three on Earth

Verse 8 names three things which bear witness on earth. What are they?

Interpretation

Witness

The word witness, record, or testimony appears several times in this passage. Notice what the word means.

The Ultimate Witness

According to verse 9, Who is the ultimate Witness that Jesus is the Son of God?

A Dire Warning

In light of our passage on God’s testimony, read Hebrews 2:1-4 and notice what it says about the theme.

In Your Own Words

In your own words, what is Hebrews 2:1-4 saying?

God’s Record

Verse 11 tells us what God’s testimony is. Restate what He declares in your own words.

For Whom?

Who does verse 10 tell us this testimony is for?

Parallels

Compare John 1:4 with 1 John 5:11.

The Source of Life

Who is the source of eternal life?

The Giver of Life

Notice what Jesus says about this life in John 10:10.

Calling Him Out

According to 1 John 5:10, what are you saying about God’s testimony if you do not believe what He says?

Calling You Out

You’ve seen this before in daily life. If someone doesn’t believe what you say, what are they indicating about your witness?

Let God Be True

Read Romans 3:4.

Every Man

According to Romans 3:4, if everyone were to call God a liar by not believing what He has testified, who would be right? Why?

Jesus’ Words

Notice what Jesus says about witnesses in Acts 1:8.

Will the Witnesses Step Forward?

Who are the witnesses in this verse?

What Is Their Testimony?

What are Jesus’ followers to speak about?

Application

Receiving the Witness

Have you received the witness of God about His Son? Do you believe what He says about your sinfulness and the salvation in Christ that you must accept to have eternal life?

Bearing Witness

If you have believed God’s witness, are you actively bearing witness to His truth? How can you bear witness today to the eternal life offered through Jesus Christ?

Wrapup

Closing

We hope this study has helped you understand better what God’s testimony is, and how to respond to it.

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