1 John 5:5-12

“5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. 10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son. 11 And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.” (1 John 5:5-12, NASB)

On Sunday, Pastor Russell walked through 1 John 5:5-12 as a courtroom scene where Jesus’ identity is on trial. Using the metaphor of witnesses giving testimony, the sermon examines how multiple “witnesses” confirm Jesus’ true nature: the water (representing Jesus’ baptism), the blood (representing His crucifixion), the Holy Spirit, various human witnesses, God the Father, and believers themselves. These witnesses all testify to the same essential truth—that God has given us eternal life, and this life is found only in His Son. Russell emphasized that those who have the Son have eternal life as a present reality, not based on good works or religious practices, but solely on belief in Jesus. Conversely, those who reject this testimony effectively call God a liar and do not possess this life. Russell concluded with dramatic “testimony” from each witness, reinforcing that Jesus is fully human and divine and that eternal life comes only through Him.

1. The sermon employs a courtroom metaphor where witnesses testify about Jesus. How does this metaphor enhance your understanding of the passage?
2. What is the significance of the “water” and “blood” as witnesses? How do they validate Jesus’ identity?
3. In what ways does the testimony of God the Father about Jesus carry more weight than that of human testimony?
4. The sermon states that rejecting God’s testimony about Jesus is equivalent to calling God a liar. Why is this a serious accusation, and how might people unknowingly do this today?
5. How does the assurance of eternal life impact the way you live day-to-day? How sure are you?
6. Which “witnesses’” testimonies resonated most with you, and why?