1 John 5:16
Memory Verse
If someone discerns his brother sinning a sin not facing death, he may ask, and life will be given to him, for the one sinning not facing death. There is a sin facing death. Concerning that one, I do not say in order that you should request (1 John 5:16).
Sin in a Christian’s life should not be taken lightly. We have been redeemed from our sins to walk in newness of life. A grace believer who continues in sin will face child-training and even scourging (Hebrews 12:6). If a saint rejects God’s directions and lives by the flesh, physical death is near (Romans 8:13).
When we are Spiritual—pertaining to and emanating the things of the Holy Spirit—we can help a brother caught in a trespass. Mend them with objectivity of mind, while checking ourselves so that we are not tempted (Galatians 6:1). If a saint commits a sin that will cause physical death, we are not to ask as if equal with God for that person’s life.
Some translations, like the NKJV, miss John’s use of two different words for asking. The first means to ask as a lesser to a greater. If the sin will not cause physical death, we may ask, and God may let that person live. But if someone’s actions bring physical death, such as disease or the death penalty, John says not to ask as equals with God. The second word John uses here means to ask as an equal. Many English translations just say “pray,” which hides the original meaning.
We reap what we sow. If we sow to the flesh, we reap physical death (Galatians 6:7–8). God does not tell us what this sin is. We know that God will not let His children be condemned with the world. So it is likely a sin that a saint cannot recover from in this life (1 Corinthians 11:30–32). Whether it is a sudden, deadly diagnosis in a saint who continues to cause division and speak against others, or a fatal disease from a corrupt lifestyle, we should not think we can counsel God in these matters.