Welcome back, my dear friends. I’m excited about today’s message, and I hope you are too. Today, we will read the final three chapters of 1 John (1 John 3–5).

What makes me so energized? I love tests. I know that makes me sound like a bit of a geek, but it’s always been true of me. In school, I often earned A’s—not because I studied hard or took significant notes (I rarely did either), but because once I heard something, I remembered it. If I had been present when the teacher explained it, I usually knew the answers.

Others in my family are far more knowledgeable than I am, but they struggle with test anxiety. I never really did. So let me gently warn you: after nearly reading the entire Bible together, there is a test—and it’s found right here in 1 John chapters 3–5.

Preparing the Room for the Test

Before any test, preparation matters. You need the right supplies, an empty desk, and good lighting. That’s why John began his letter with “turning on the light” (1 John 1:5–7). One needs to make truth visible to test it.

Now, John asks the questions.

Test One: Do You Long to Be Like Christ?

John starts by reminding us that God did not save us to be servants or acquaintances, but children (1 John 3:1–3). We don’t yet know what we will be, but we know this: we will be like Him.

That leads to the first question: Do you want that?

The “church” answer is “yes,” but honesty matters here. Are there sins you love that would not survive in heaven? I’m not asking if you’ve given them up yet—but are you willing to? Do you truly want to be like Christ?

Test Two: Is Sin Losing Its Grip?

John is clear: Jesus appeared so that He might take away sins (1 John 3:5–6). This is not just forgiveness—it is liberation.

Ask yourself: Is sin still your master? Your passion? Or did you make it an unwelcome companion?

When I quit smoking, it was hard at first. Over time, the desire faded. Now the smell disgusts me. That is what sanctification looks like.

Test Three: Do You Practice Obedience?

John contrasts ongoing sin with practicing righteousness (1 John 3:7–10). This is not perfection—it’s direction.

Discipleship requires discipline. You may stumble. You may fail repeatedly. But do you keep trying? Or are you waiting for something magical to fix what obedience requires?

Test Four: Do You Love Others the Way Christ Loves?

This is where the test becomes uncomfortable.

Loving friends is easy. Even pagans do that. But John asks if we love the unlovable (1 John 3:16–18). Those who are vile. Rebellious people headed for destruction.

Does that make your heart break—or secretly rejoice?

Jesus loved those who crucified Him. No one will ever wrong us more than we have wronged Him. If we are becoming like Christ, our hearts must resemble His.

This kind of love is not natural. It requires the Holy Spirit.

Test Five: Do You Confess Jesus as God Incarnate?

John draws a sharp line here (1 John 4:1–3). Anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ—fully God, fully man—is not from God.

This isn’t theological hair-splitting. It is a foundational truth. Without the incarnation, there is no salvation.

Test Six: Can You Resist the World’s Spirit?

The world will resist this path. You will feel the undertow. Fear is natural—but it is diagnostic.

“Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). If fear dominates your life, love is not yet complete. That doesn’t mean you are lost, but you must draw nearer.

Test Seven: Do You Have Life in You Now?

Eternal life is not something we receive later—it begins now (1 John 5:11–12).

John asks plainly: Do you have life in you?

Don’t answer too quickly. If Christ truly lives in you, His life will be evident.

Test Eight: Do You Believe the Full Testimony About Jesus?

Some create a version of God they prefer—one who never judges, never confronts sin. But to reject God’s testimony about His Son is to call Him a liar (1 John 5:10).

That is not faith. That is idolatry.

Test Nine: Are You Guarding Yourself Against Idols?

John ends abruptly: “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

Anything that replaces Christ—even something good—becomes destructive. You cannot love idols and love God. History has proven this again and again.

Why John Wrote This Letter

John tells us plainly: “I write these things so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).

Not hope or guess.
Know.

If this test causes anxiety, remember: God allows retakes. Growth is progressive. But complacency is not an option.

You should never accept failure as final.

Tomorrow, we will read both 2 John and 3 John.