The sin unto death ~ 1 John

Описание: The sin unto death
I John 5:16, 17
Intro—
A. This passage is one of the most sobering passages in the Bible—especially for the believer.
1. This “sin unto death” is only a sin that a believer can commit.
a. “his brother” (the whole context of 1 John and the immediate context of ch 5).
b. Similarly, James 5:19-20.
2. A lost person can sin away their day of grace—by rejecting Christ.
3. A lost person can commit the unpardonable sin—by blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
B. Our text deals with intercessory prayer as it relates to the matter of sin in the life of a believer
1. Here we see a two-fold division of sin: (1) sin unto death, (2) sin not unto death
2. Lest we get the idea that some sins are not serious, verse 17 says, “All unrighteousness is sin”
a. There are not mortal sins and venial sins (as the Catholic church purports)
3. All sin is serious; no where does the Bible encourage anyone to sin
C. John is not distinguishing between a believer and an unbeliever here (he did that in 3:9-10).
1. Sin not unto death—pray for these
2. Sin unto death—pray not for these
a. There is a point at which divine judgment becomes irreversible.
b. Jeremiah 7:16, “Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me: for I will not hear thee.”
D. This death is not speaking of eternal death but of physical death
1. 1 Jn 5:12-13 (“hath life”; “eternal life”)
2. John 3:36, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”


I. Biblical examples of believers committing the sin unto death
A. Ananias and Sapphira — Acts 5:1–11
1. They were church members
2. They lied to the Holy Spirit
3. They died immediately upon confrontation.
B. Partaking of the Lord’s Supper unworthily
1. 1 Corinthians 11:28-32
2. Judged that they would not be condemned with the world.
C. The man committing immorality
1. 1 Corinthians 5:5-13
2. Note what Paul said concerning this believer:
a. Flesh would be destroyed
b. Spirit would be saved
D. Moses himself
1. Deuteronomy 32:48–52

E. So as by fire believers
1. 1 Cor 3:15 "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."

II. The theological principle: severe divine chastisement
A. God does discipline His children
1. Hebrews 12:6–8
2. Revelation 3:19, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent”
3. This discipline is evidence of sonship, not loss of it.

B. God disciplines His children progressively:
1. Conviction of sin
2. Rebuked for sin
3. Chastisement for sin
4. Severe chastisement for sin
5. Physical death that they should not be condemned with the world
C. Spurgeon, “God never permits His children to sin successfully. He will either bring them back or take them home.”
D. Amos 4:6-12

III. An honest question, why would God take a believer’s life?
A. To prevent further dishonor to Christ
B. To protect the church


IV. An OT passage that sheds some light upon the nature of this “sin unto death.”
A. Deuteronomy 21:18-21
B. The sin is one that is public (1 John 5:16—“see his brother”)
C. This sin is a persistent sin (Deuteronomy 21)
D. Stubborn—unyielding, refusing correction
E. Rebellious—defiantly refusing submission
F. Disobedience to parental (God given) authority
G. Incorrigible
H. Glutton
I. Drunkard

V. Biblical instruction
A. Christian observation (v16a)
B. Christian intercession
C. Christian restoration

Conclusion—
A. A caution: if we continue in sin and rebellion, God may give us a dishonorable discharge.
B. Let us not presume on the mercy of God and persist in rebellion and sin.


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