The B.L.O.T. Tests 1 John 5:1-5
Introduction
Psychologists used to use something called blot tests, inkblot test or the Rohrshach test
Used to understand personality, though came to be regarded as to subjective…
Today I want to talk with U about the B.L.O.T. tests – nothing to d w psychology
B.L.O.T. tests given by Apostle John to give believers assurance, discernment
B.L.O.T. tests acronym for Believe.Love.Obey.Time tests
B.L.O. previously seen in 1 John, John links all three together here adds one more
Observation
Note in v1 and v4 words born or begotten, begotten of God, God does the ‘begetting’
Believing is the consequence of new birth John 3:3-5
Phrase ‘children of God’ used only 10 X’s: J112 1152 Ro816,21 98 Ph215 1J31,10 52
J1:12,13
Tests of children of God, or tests for children of God
1st Test of Children of God – Test of Belief 1, 4b, 5
A. Test of belief seen previously in 1John
2:18-27; 4:1-6
B. What is the test of belief?
Belief has an object
Belief means total trust
Belief JS is the Christ Mt 16:15,16 also J 6:68,69
Deity of JS, Son of God, incarnation 4:15
Fulfilling of prophecy
Work of JS – God sent to Son to be the Savior of the world 4:14
C. Application – Do you believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
2nd Test of Children of God – Test of Love 1b, 2a, 3a
A. Test of love previously seen in 1 John
2:7-11; 3:11-18; 4:7-17
B. What is the test of love
Love for one another, and
Love for God
C. Application – Do you love one another?
3rd Test of Children of God – Test of Obedience 2b, 3
A. Test of obedience previously seen in 1 John
2:3-6; 2:28—3:10
B. What is the test of obedience
Keep God’s commandments – obey, follow, do, observe
God’s commandments are not burdensome
John has in mind the minutiae Jews added to the law Mt 23:4/Lk11:40 cf Mt11:30, or Paul in Ga 5:1
Not that the commandments are not difficult, but not a burden too difficult
God gives sgtrength and power to those who follow
Endure hardship for a loved one not endure for a stranger
C. Application – Do you keep the commandments of God?
4th Test of Children of God – Test of Time 4b, 5
A. Test of time – the word time not used here, overcome used => idea of time
B. What is the test of time – overcoming the world’s pressures, ending in victory
4:4 and Co 1:13
Moral pressures U see around U, persecution of godless, secular society, intellectualism and so forth
C. Application – Do you overcome the world with your faith?
B.L.O.T. Test – Four strong tests of whether in the faith or not.