Read 1 John 5:13-21.

After encouraging us with the incredible Truth that the God of all creation hears the prayers of His people, John goes on to tell us how we should pray (see 1 John 5:16-17). He tells us that when we see a brother or sister in Christ who is caught in sin, we should earnestly pray for them. We should not gossip but intercede. 

Then John also makes a distinction between sin that does not lead to death and sin that does lead to death—and these are difficult verses. However, in the context of the whole epistle, again and again John has made it clear that only those who believe that Jesus alone is the giver of eternal life are children of God. Only by the blood of Jesus can anyone be saved. So the sin that leads to death is the sin of denying Christ as God’s chosen means of salvation. The point of the passage is that the only way to eternal life is through Jesus (see John 17:3). And the way to know that you belong to God is by your love for His people, in particular. Those who do not hold to the Truth of the Gospel cannot receive true life—fellowship with God.

When we comprehend the privilege and responsibility of praying for other believers and for those who are sincerely seeking God, we’ll find that our chapels will be packed out—our prayer events will be jammed to the walls. When you understand the power that you have in God when you pray according to His will, you’ll never miss an opportunity to pray. We must understand that God responds to the prayers of His people—that when we persist in prayer, in accordance with His will, He has already answered it—even if we don’t yet see the answer. We can know that He has and can wait for His answer patiently, like Daniel (see Daniel 10:12-13).

In these times of waiting on God’s answer, we grow more like Christ. We increase in our dependence on God. We grow in our love for and reliance on Him. But we also must beware: We’ll be tempted to give up praying. So rest in God’s Word. Cling to it. His grace will sustain you and inspire you to press on in prayer and trust in His timing. 

Prayer: Lord, thank You that though I sin, by Your grace You restore me through confession and repentance. I cling to Your Gospel Truth. May I become a powerful prayer warrior for my brothers and sisters in Christ, that we might be a people who honor You and bring glory to Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life” (1 John 5:16).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Life at Its Best, Part 9: LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!