Bridge Church, Sunday, Sept 20, 2009 Hypothetically Speaking:

The Real Christian

With Certainty, part 2, 1 John 1:5-2:11 1) What if I HABITUALLY PRACTICE SIN? 1:6

Overview of 1 John:
 A letter written by John, who was one of Jesus’ inner circle. He was
the only disciple at the crucifixion and the first to see the empty tomb.
2) What if I don’t believe I AM A SINNER? 1:8
 John wrote the book near the end of his life after he had suffered
much for being a Christian.
 The intent of the letter is to confront the false teaching of Gnosticism
and give assurance to believers during a time of persecution and
uncertainty. 3) What if I don’t believe what I’ve done is SINFUL?
 Gnosticism 101: 1) Jesus was not real, 2) Sin is not that big a deal, 3) 1:10
It’s about what you know.
 Theme: Jesus is Real and you can know Him with certainty.
 Key Verse: 1 John 5:13 – “I write these things to you who believe in
the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal
life.” 4) What if I IGNORE THE WORD OF GOD? 2:4

It makes a difference when something is real.

The difference that Jesus makes:

The Real Christian…
 He REMOVES OUR SIN. 1:7, 9

 has GOD as his/her STANDARD. 1 John 1:6

 He STANDS IN OUR PLACE. 2:1-2

 has OBEDIENCE & LOVE as his/her PROOF. 1 John

2:3,10  He TRANSFORMS OUR WALK. 2:5, 10-11