1 John 5:13-21 WHO NOT TO PRAY FOR & MORE!

You're gonna need to bring your appetite to the table today, we are serving up some steak! We're wrapping up our study through 1 John, but don't think that a wrap-up means a quick review - nope, this is a deep dive with a couple of rabbit trails into two topics that every Christian needs a firm grip on as you grow: Blasphemy and Intercessory Prayer.

Are you feeling like your faith is stuck in neutral, or perhaps you're just going through the motions? It's easy to feel that way when life throws its punches. Sometimes it feels like all that church talk doesn't quite connect with the daily grind—the bills, the tough boss, the family drama. But what if the Bible had something practical to say about the real problems we face? What if it could give you a bedrock certainty for tough times and a clear shot at connecting with God?

Before we dig in, take a few minutes to read 1 John 5:13-21 on your own. Grab your Bible and read it in at least two different translations. We suggest choosing two from this list: NIV, ESV, NLT, NKJV, NASB. This will help you get a better feel for the passage before we break it down together.

Setting the Scene: 1 John 5:13-21

Alright, let's get down to business with John's letter. This chunk, 1 John 5:14-21, is like the grand finale, tying up all the loose ends. It's about knowing for sure you're saved, knowing your prayers count, and knowing who you are as one of God's kids in a messed-up world.

Back when John wrote this, a lot of folks were getting confused by slick talkers spreading false ideas about Jesus. They were questioning everything they believed. John basically says, "Look, you know this stuff is real because you've lived it. You've seen God work in your life." It wasn't just head knowledge; it was real-deal experience. This was super important because some were saying Jesus wasn't really human, which would blow up the whole idea of His sacrifice. John’s saying, "You felt God's power, you saw His presence—that's how you know it's true."

Specifically, let's tackle this "sin that leads to death" (verse 16)—that's caused a lot of head-scratching. John says, "If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life... There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that." Hold on a minute. Not pray for someone? That sounds harsh, and maybe even a little confusing. How are we supposed to know if someone's sin is that kind of sin? And does that mean God gives up on people?

Here's the deal: John isn't talking about every little screw-up we make. He's talking about someone who has stubbornly, flat-out rejected Jesus and what He did for us. This isn't a one-time mistake; it's a deliberate, unrepentant turning away from the light. Think about the people John was writing to. The two biggest sins he was likely battling against were people who hated their Christian brothers and sisters—people who had basically walked out on the church and Christian community, showing no love. The other was failing to believe in Jesus rightly—people spreading false teachings about who Jesus really was, denying His true identity as divine Lord and Christ who came in the flesh. So, this "sin that leads to death" would have been a conscious, defiant refusal to believe the truth about Jesus and a complete rejection of His followers. It's like someone who has heard the truth, maybe even claimed to follow Jesus, but then consciously and defiantly walks away from Him, choosing to live in complete rebellion. This is different from the everyday struggles and mistakes that genuine believers deal with.

John's basically saying, "Don't sweat it if you mess up sometimes; that's not the 'sin that leads to death.' That's for someone who completely walks away from God and never looks back." So, how do we know who these people are? The short answer is, we often don't with 100% certainty. God knows the heart. The point isn't for us to become sin-detectives, but to understand the seriousness of a complete and final rejection of God. It's not about God being "mean"; it's about acknowledging that at some point, a person can harden their heart so much that they no longer desire to repent or turn to God. In those cases, even prayer, while always good, might not change their hardened will. This is a tough truth, but it highlights the importance of responding to God while there's still time and a responsive heart.

When John talks about having "confidence when we come to God" (verse 14), he's not saying we can just waltz in and demand stuff. It's more like Jesus Himself opened the door for us. Think about the old days, when only the head priest could go into the holiest part of the temple. Now, because of what Jesus did, we all can come right up to God. It's about asking for what God wants, not just our own wish list. It's lining up our desires with His plan.

Verse 18, "We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin," means that sin doesn't own us anymore. It's not that we'll never sin again, but sin isn't calling the shots in our lives. Our path has changed. The new nature God gave us just doesn't jibe with living a life of constant, unrepentant sin.

Finally, the last few verses (19-21) lay it out plain: "We know that we are from God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." This doesn't mean we should hide under a rock. It means we understand the spiritual reality. We're in this world, but we're not part of its messed-up system. The "evil one" is the devil, and his influence is everywhere. But we're safe because of Jesus, who "gave us understanding" and "kept us safe." The warning against "idols" (verse 21) was a big deal back then when people worshipped all sorts of gods. For us today, an idol can be anything that takes God's top spot: money, power, even just looking out for number one.

Rabbit Trail 1: What About Blasphemy?

This passage got me thinking about the way John is talking about not praying for people whose sin leads to death. Is that related to "blasphemy"? What exactly is blasphemy in the Bible?

Generally speaking, blasphemy refers to speaking evil of God, showing contempt or irreverence towards Him, His name, His character, His works, or things considered sacred to Him. It's an insult directed at the divine. In the Old Testament, blasphemy was a very serious offense, often punishable by death (Leviticus 24:10-16), encompassing things like cursing God's name or claiming divine prerogatives.

Blasphemy appears in the New Testament in a few key contexts:

1. Accusations against Jesus: Jesus was accused of blasphemy by the Pharisees because He claimed the authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:7, Matthew 9:3) and, even more directly, because He claimed to be the Son of God (John 10:33, Matthew 26:65). For the Jewish leaders, if Jesus wasn't truly divine, His claims were the ultimate insult to God.

   
   

2. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (The "Unpardonable Sin"): This is found in Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-30, and Luke 12:10. In these passages, Jesus has just performed a miracle of casting out demons by the power of the Holy Spirit. The Pharisees, unable to deny the miracle, maliciously and deliberately attribute His divine work to Satan. This wasn't a casual slip of the tongue. They knew the source of power was divine, yet they willfully slandered the Holy Spirit's work, calling it demonic. Why is it unforgivable? This sin isn't unforgivable because God can't forgive it, but because it represents a final, deliberate, and persistent hardening of the heart against the clear testimony of the Holy Spirit to the truth of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts us of sin and draws us to repentance. If someone utterly rejects and slanders the very work of the Holy Spirit, they cut themselves off from the means by which repentance and forgiveness are offered. It's a state of impenitence so profound that it leads to a permanent inability to turn to God. It's a rejection of the only path to salvation.

   
   

3. Blasphemy by unbelievers/false teachers: Paul notes how the name of God can be blasphemed among Gentiles due to the sinful lives of those who claim to follow God (Romans 2:24). He also mentions false teachers who blaspheme (1 Timothy 1:20), and Revelation describes the rebellious speech of those who oppose God as blasphemous (e.g., Revelation 13:5-6).

   
   

Is the "Sin That Leads to Death" (1 John 5:16) Related to Blasphemy?

While not explicitly called "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" in 1 John, the "sin that leads to death" (1 John 5:16) is very closely related in concept to the unforgivable blasphemy.

As we discussed in the main section, John is addressing those who have stubbornly, flat-out rejected Jesus and what He did for us. This includes denying Jesus' true identity (which was akin to blasphemy in the Jewish context) and a complete departure from the faith. This "sin that leads to death" is generally understood as apostasy – a deliberate and final renunciation of faith in Christ after having genuinely experienced the truth of the gospel. It's not a single mistake but a settled state of active rebellion.

Key similarities and distinctions:

• Similarities: Both the "sin that leads to death" and "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" describe a final and irreversible rejection of God's truth and grace, which effectively cuts off the path to forgiveness. They both stem from a deep-seated, willful, and persistent opposition to God's clear revelation.

  
  

• Distinctions (or different emphasis): The "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit" focuses more on attributing the Spirit's undeniable work to evil, while the "sin that leads to death" focuses more broadly on a complete and defiant rejection of Jesus and the core truths of the gospel, often leading to a departure from the community of believers.

  
  

Many theologians believe these terms describe the same underlying condition of a hardened, impenitent heart that has definitively rejected God's grace, seen from slightly different angles. John's instruction not to pray for it isn't about God being unwilling to forgive, but about acknowledging that the individual's heart is so hardened that they will not repent, rendering such prayer futile for their turning. It's a sober reminder of the gravity of rejecting God's truth.

Rabbit Trail 2: The Power of Intercessory Prayer

The passage in 1 John, where John tells them that some sins do not lead to death, and these are people to pray for, really got me thinking about intercessory prayer. How does prayer work in the lives of people who might be sinning? Can the prayers of a righteous person somehow help someone who is in some sort of sin?

Yes, intercessory prayer is absolutely prevalent throughout the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. It is the act of appealing to God on behalf of another person or group.

How does it work, especially when people have their own free will and are personally responsible for their sin? It's not about forcing someone against their will, but rather about God's sovereignty and our role as co-laborers with Him. When we pray for someone in sin:

1. We are aligning with God's desire for repentance and restoration. God desires all people to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9), and our prayers are in line with His perfect will.

   
   

2. We are asking God to work in their lives. This can manifest in many ways:

   • Conviction by the Holy Spirit: Asking God to intensify this conviction, making the person aware of their sin (John 16:8).

   • Softening of their heart: Praying for a supernatural softening, making them more receptive to truth (Ezekiel 36:26).

   • Opening their eyes to truth: Asking God to remove spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4).

   • Bringing consequences: Sometimes, God uses the natural consequences of sin as a catalyst for repentance.

   • Bringing godly influences: Praying for other believers to speak truth and demonstrate love to them.

   • Protection: Asking God to guard them from deeper entanglement or destruction.

     
     

Our prayers don't override someone's free will, but they can create circumstances, open doors, and exert spiritual influence that makes it easier for that person to choose to respond to God. God respects free will, but He also actively works to draw people to Himself, and intercessory prayer is a mysterious yet powerful way He involves us.

Examples of Intercessory Prayer in the Bible:

• Abraham for Sodom (Genesis 18:22-32): Abraham boldly pleads with God to spare the city for the sake of the righteous, showing persistence and concern for others, even sinners.

• Moses for Israel (Exodus 32:11-14, Numbers 14:13-20): Moses repeatedly stands in the gap, interceding for Israel when they sin, often averting God's wrath.

• Samuel for Israel (1 Samuel 12:23): Samuel declares it a sin to cease praying for his people, highlighting intercession as a duty.

• Jesus Christ, the Ultimate Intercessor (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25): Jesus continually intercedes for us before the Father, forming the foundation for all Christian intercession.

• The Holy Spirit as Intercessor (Romans 8:26-27): The Spirit intercedes for us, aligning our prayers with God's perfect will, even when we don't know what to pray.

• The Early Church and Apostles:

  • Peter's release from prison (Acts 12:5): The church prays earnestly for Peter, leading to his miraculous release.

  • Paul's constant prayers for believers: His letters are filled with prayers for the spiritual growth and well-being of the churches (e.g., Ephesians 1:15-23; Philippians 1:9-11). He also asks for prayer for himself (Ephesians 6:18-19).

  • James 5:16: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." This directly links prayer with spiritual and physical healing.

    
    

Explicit Teachings and How it Works on Their Behalf:

• 1 Timothy 2:1-4: Paul urges "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions," connecting this to God's desire for "all people to be saved." Our prayers can create an environment where the gospel flourishes and people are more receptive.

  
  

• Matthew 5:44: Jesus commands us to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Our prayers can lead to their repentance, a change in their hearts, or simply God's restraining hand upon their actions.

  
  

• James 5:14-16: This passage highlights the power and effectiveness of prayer, especially from "righteous" individuals, for both physical healing and the forgiveness of sins. God chooses to use our prayers as a means to bring about His purposes.

  
  

In essence, intercessory prayer is not about manipulating God or controlling another person. It's about humbly acknowledging God's power and asking Him to act in ways that align with His loving character and desire for all to come to Him, while still respecting the individual's ultimate responsibility to respond. It's a profound mystery, but one that the Bible consistently encourages us to engage in with faith and persistence.

There's more to this STUDY GUIDE

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR:

• Questions to chew on and discuss (or for your journal)

• A Journey Group Discussion Starter (use in your small group time)

• Modern Day Application Ideas

Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!

Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss

• John keeps hammering home the idea of "knowing" (like in verses 14, 15, 18, 19, 20). What gives you that solid feeling of knowing God? What makes you confident when you talk to Him?

  
  

• Thinking about the "sin that leads to death," how do you square God wanting everyone to be saved with the idea that some folks might hit a point of no return? How does that change how you pray for people?

  
  

• What are some modern-day "idols" that can sneak into a Christian's life and pull them away from God without them even realizing it?

Journey Group Discussion Starter

Think of a time God answered a prayer for you in a clear way, even if it wasn't exactly what you expected. How did that moment make you understand God's plan and His faithfulness a little better?

Want to learn more about our Journey Groups (Small Groups online or in person)

Modern-Day Application:

• Pray Like You Mean It, With Purpose: This passage tells us to pray boldly, but also to pray smart. Don't just list off your wants. Try to figure out what God wants and line up your prayers with His plans. That means spending more time in the Bible, getting advice from older believers, and really listening for God's voice.

  
  

• Live Like God's Kid: When it says we "do not continue to sin" (verse 18), that should fire us up to live differently. It means actively fighting off temptation, owning up fast when we stumble, and letting the Holy Spirit change us from the inside out.

  
  

• Spotting the Devil's Moves: Knowing that "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one" isn't supposed to scare you. It's supposed to make you smart about spiritual battles. It helps us see what's really going on in our world and stand strong in our faith, leaning on the fact that Jesus already won the war.

  
  

• Keep Idols Out: We might not bow down to statues anymore, but anything that bumps God out of first place in our hearts can be an idol. Take a regular look at what you prioritize, what you love, and who you're really loyal to, just to make sure God stays at the top.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN

Feeling like your spiritual journey could use a GPS upgrade? Then it’s time to join a Journey Group! We're just a bunch of real people trying to figure out this walk with Jesus together. Don't wander through the wilderness alone; let's get lost (and found!) together in God's Word. To learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn about starting one, head over here: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups.

While you're there, poke around our website for more practical tools to help you on your spiritual journey. And hey, we've even got a free gift waiting for you – just a little something from us to you.

Go to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn how to start your own. It's like a spiritual potluck, but instead of questionable casseroles, we share insights and grow closer to God. See you there!

You can also get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604.

To learn more about YJJ, Thad and Kaila, and Your Jesus Journey, check out our ABOUT US section: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/learn-about-thad-and-kaila-and-the-journey-church-online.

There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at www.YourJesusJourney.com!

EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE

From road life to dream home base! 🚚➡️🏡 After years of traveling, God led us to an incredible spot in Arizona to build a ministry hub & bless others. You won't believe how it happened! ✨ Watch our new video to see the first glimpse! 👇

For the past three years, Kaila and I have been living life on the road, exploring and serving wherever God leads us. It's been an incredible journey, but carrying everything we own and constantly navigating started us dreaming of something more: a home base. A place to lighten our load, simplify, and most importantly, create a space where we can truly bless others. This video is the first glimpse of that dream!

As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.

Ultimately, it’s all God’s money, God’s land, and God’s resources—we simply want to be faithful stewards, investing what He’s entrusted us with to serve our family, friends, and help countless others experience God and the lessons of the Bible in a whole new way. We prayed and searched high and low, from Texas to Idaho, and God consistently drew us back to this breathtaking location in Northwest Arizona. Imagine: a spot overlooking the world's densest Joshua Tree forest, just minutes from the Grand Canyon, with epic mountains in our backyard! Our deepest desire for this place is to be a haven for renewal. A spot where our kids can visit, Kaila's mom can stay, and friends can gather. But even bigger than that, it's a launchpad for new ministry—a place to invite people to rest, recharge, share meals, grow friendships, and truly be renewed in the desert sun. We're already dreaming of leading hikes, teaching Bible lessons, and hosting retreats.

There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, but we're stepping out in faith, trusting God every step of the way. We’re so excited to share this new chapter with our family, friends, and all of you! If you want to learn more about our ministry, please visit YourJesusJourney.com. And if you have any questions, or just want to send your prayers or encouragement, please fill up that comment section or reach out directly at YourJesusJourney@gmail.com.

We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!