1st John 5:13-17 THAT YE MAY KNOW Those who are mature in their faith and know the Lord in a special personal way by virtue of their experiences with God, have a real concern for their brothers and sisters in Christ. John is an example of this as he wrote to the people of God drawing from his life of service and testimony. He knew the value of joy in the Christian life even in trials [1:4]. The fact of sin in a believer has to be faced even though it is not the habitual practice of a child of God [2:1]. To know on is forgiven by God strengthens one who is young in Christ [2:12]. Maturity in the faith is a strong support by those who are older believers who recognize their responsibility for the younger believers [2:13]. Victorious living is a work of God in the lives of those out in public who represent the kingdom of God [2:13]. John states, "I write..." so that the Lord's people know his interest is real.
He continued to say, "I write," or "I have written" to establish the believers in their faith in Christ. To know God as "Father" in a personal way keeps a new believer from falling. To continue to be established in the faith and establish others is evidence of spiritual maturity in older believers. To practice the word of God by applying its truth to each aspect of life is strengthening to those laboring for the Lord [2:14]. To know the truth and be confident in it keeps the people of God from being attracted to false teaching [2:21]. To be able to discern that which is real from that which is counterfeit is essential to our testimony [2:26]. Confidence in the word of God alone as the way one can know whether they have eternal life, gives the best possible assurance [5:13]. It is to all these matters John says, "I have written" or "I write." A mature believer has the spiritual well-being of the family of God on his heart and will seek to give strength and confidence to the saints.