1 John 5:14-15 is about the assurance we have in approaching God with confidence in prayer, knowing that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us and will grant our requests.
14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
15 And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
Setting the Scene for 1 John 5:14-15
The scene in 1 John chapter 5 is set in a small, dimly lit room in the city of Ephesus. The room is filled with a group of early Christians gathered for a bible study session. Among them are John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, who is sharing his wisdom and insights with the group. Also present are several new believers who are eager to learn more about their faith and deepen their understanding of God’s word.
The group has come together to study and reflect on the teachings of Jesus and how they can apply them to their lives. As they listen intently to John’s words, the flickering light of the oil lamps casts a warm glow over the room, creating a sense of peace and serenity. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie and mutual support, as the believers encourage one another in their faith journey.
In this setting, John emphasizes the importance of prayer and faith in God’s will. He reminds the group that when they pray according to God’s will, they can have confidence that He hears them and will answer their prayers. The believers are encouraged to approach God with boldness and trust, knowing that He is a loving Father who desires to bless them abundantly.
What is 1 John 5:14-15 about?
Isn’t it amazing to think about how our prayers hold the power to connect us directly with God’s will? When we pray with sincerity and with a heart aligned with God’s desires, we are essentially opening up a line of communication with Him. This verse reminds us that when our prayers are in harmony with God’s will, we can have confidence in knowing that He hears us and that He will answer according to His perfect plan for our lives. It’s a comforting thought, isn’t it? To know that we have this direct line to the Creator of the universe, and that our prayers are not just heard, but they are also answered with love and wisdom.
This verse also challenges us to reflect on the intentions and motives behind our prayers. Are we praying selfishly, seeking only our own desires and wishes? Or are we seeking God’s will above all else, trusting in His plan for our lives? We deepen our relationship with God and invite His blessings into our lives by aligning our prayers with His will. So, let’s strive to pray with hearts that are open to God’s leading, and let’s have confidence in knowing that He will always hear and respond to our prayers in a way that is best for us.
Understanding what 1 John 5:14-15 really means
Structure for Commentary:
1. Introduction to the Passage
2. Explanation of Key Phrases
3. Cross-Referencing with Other Scriptures
4. Relevance to Modern Life
5. Anecdote for Practical Understanding
6. The apostle John provides a profound insight into the confidence believers can have in their relationship with God, particularly regarding prayer, in 1 John 5:14-15. This passage reassures us that when we approach God with our petitions, we can do so with a sense of assurance, rooted in our faith.
Explanation of Key Phrases:
The phrase “confidence we have in approaching God” speaks volumes about the relationship between believers and their Creator. This confidence is not born out of arrogance but from a place of trust and faith. It’s a reminder that God is approachable and that our prayers are a vital part of our communion with Him.
Another significant phrase is “if we ask anything according to his will.” This is crucial because it sets a boundary on our requests, aligning them with God’s greater plan. It teaches us that prayer is not about bending God to our desires but aligning our desires with His will.
Cross-Referencing with Other Scriptures:
This concept of confidence and alignment with God’s will is echoed in Philippians 4:6, where Paul urges believers to present their requests to God through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Also, in John 15:7, Jesus tells His disciples that if they remain in Him and His words remain in them, they can ask whatever they wish, and it will be given to them. These verses collectively highlight the importance of a close, abiding relationship with God and a heart aligned with His purposes. It’s easy to feel disconnected and unsure about our prayers and whether God is listening in today’s fast-paced world. This passage reassures us that God is not distant or indifferent. It encourages us to cultivate a relationship with Him where we can confidently bring our concerns, knowing that He hears us when our requests align with His will.
Anecdote for Practical Understanding:
Let me share a story about Jane, a member of our congregation. Jane struggled with anxiety and often felt her prayers were unheard. She once prayed fervently for a job promotion, but it didn’t come through. Disheartened, Jane spoke to me, and we discussed this very passage. I encouraged her to pray not just for what she wanted but to seek God’s will in her situation. Over time, Jane found peace and started praying for guidance rather than specific outcomes. Eventually, she discovered a new opportunity that aligned better with her skills and passions, which she felt was God’s plan for her. 1 John 5:14-15 invites us to deepen our faith and trust in God. It assures us that our prayers are heard when they align with His will. This passage challenges us to reflect on our prayer life: Are we seeking God’s will or merely presenting a wishlist? Approach God with confidence as we navigate our daily lives, seeking His guidance and trusting in His perfect plan.
This reflection will not only enhance our spiritual journey but also bring us closer to the peace and assurance that comes from a faith deeply rooted in God’s promises.
How can we have confidence in our prayers?
We can have confidence in our prayers because when we pray according to God’s will, He hears us. This means that when we align our prayers with His plans and purposes, we can trust that He will listen and respond. Knowing that God hears our prayers gives us assurance that our requests are not falling on deaf ears, but are being received by a loving and attentive God. We can also have confidence that we will receive what we have asked for since we know He hears us. This confidence is not based on our own abilities or worthiness, but on the faithfulness and goodness of God. When we pray in faith, trusting in God’s wisdom and timing, we can have assurance that He will answer our prayers in the way that is best for us and in accordance with His perfect will.
Application
Think of prayer as your direct line to the ultimate CEO, who always listens and acts in your best interest. Just like you confidently approach your boss or support your family, approach God with your needs. Don’t hesitate; your faith fuels your requests. Are you ready to dial into that conversation with unwavering confidence?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.