1st John 5:1-11 A CONFIDENT LIFE The epistle of John begins with chapter one pointing the way for a believer to have a joyful life. Then in chapters two and three we are taught how to apply God's truth to our lives in order to live a victorious life. In chapter four instruction is given as to what is true or false so we can have a discerning life. The fifth chapter goes from the beginning of our life in Christ and teaches us how we can have a confident life.
Our faith in Christ is proved by the conduct we exhibit. A child of God truly believes that Jesus is the Christ, and love for Christians testifies to that fact. One who believes in our Lord Jesus Christ keeps God's word and does overcome the world. The first five verses of this chapter give this teaching. Faith in Christ is also proved by the credentials we exhibit [vs.6-12]. The evidence of that and the effect of these are unmistakable. Further evidence as to our fellowship with God and the genuineness of our faith, is that we have confidence in prayer and confidence ("we know") in knowledge and understanding [vs.13-21].