1 John 5:18-21 (NKJV) We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.
19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
V18 “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”
The Greek word for “know” is (G1492) εἴδω eidō, which means to know by seeing and understanding. Seeing is with our eyes and understanding with our mind. The word can mean discern, perceive, inspection, and even pay attention/recognize/acknowledge (1 Thessalonians 5:12). “Does not sin” is better understood and translated in context as “continues to sin” as they did before believing in Jesus for salvation. God is the creator and recreator (2 Corinthians 5:17). He is responsible for our first birth and our second birth (John 3:7 and 1 Peter 1:3). The wicked one is satan and his army. The Greek word “touch” is (G0680) ἅπτομαι haptomai, which means touch or fasten to in different senses. Here it has the idea of attaching himself and holding on to. With God’s permission satan can touch our flesh (Job 1-2), but he cannot touch our soul (Matthew 10:28). He (satan) cannot hold us back into his kingdom (John 10:29). Jesus came to destroy the works of satan (1 John 3:8).
V19 “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” We are in God’s kingdom (compare 2 Thessalonians 1:5). We are God’s family and His servants. God is the King of the universe and beyond. Satan has limited sway in what he can do (Job 1-2). God has a purpose for these things among them 1) the consequences of sin, 2) showing the contrast between God and His ways and the ways of the devil, and 3) that Jesus is the only savior. He will come and destroy satan’s kingdom. It will be wiped from memory (Isaiah 65:17). His whole kingdom and followers will be in the Lake of Fire in everlasting torment (Revelation 20:11-15). If you have not put your faith into Jesus Christ for salvation, time is short. The opportunity might be lost on you today. Pray and pray for your family, friends, and acquaintances.
V20 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” Jesus didn’t become the Son of God at birth or His baptism. He has always existed. He is the Holy One of God (Psalm 16:10 and 1 John 2:20).
V21 “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.” Idols are anything more important the Jesus. It might be ourselves, money, a teacher, a leader, etc., but they cannot deliver from God’s wrath.
We learn:
- The last test is are we living the same sinful life we did before we believed in Jesus.
- We are different than the world under satan’s influence.
- Jesus, God’s Son, came to deliver us.
- We must avoid idols.