1 John – Week 10 – Day 1

READ 

1 John 5:16 

16 If you see a fellow believer sinning in a way that does not lead to death, you should pray, and God will give that person life. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it. 

Notice this sin must be something one is able to see. The various views seem to agree that “death” and “life” refer to that which is physical rather than spiritual death and spiritual life. Some give examples of Moses and Aaron in Numbers 20:8-12; and to Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10, and to those who had taken the elements of the Lord’s supper in an unworthy manner (see 1 Corinthians 11:27). Others see it as apostasy of those who knew the way of salvation but turned from it. 

REFLECT 

Regardless of the way this passage is interpreted, do you understand the importance of living to please Jesus rather than yourself? Because of sin in the human race (see Romans 5:12), all will eventually die, but the desire should be to honor Jesus while you live. 

RESPOND 

To help make the point stronger in your friend’s mind, read the passages mentioned in the comments: Numbers 20:8-12; Acts 5:1-10 and 1 Corinthians 11:27. Is it the desire of each of you to please Jesus in all you do?