1 John 1:1-4 (Week 1)
Text: 1 John 1:1-4 (Week 1)
Title: The Correct View of Christ
Series: 1John
I. Introduction:
A. Background:
1. Outline 1 (NET bible)
A. Basis of fellowship (1:1-2:27)
I. Introduction and Purpose of the Letter (1:1-4)
II. Conditions Vital for Fellowship (1:5-2:2)
III. Conduct Consistent With Fellowship (2:3-27)
B. Behavior of Fellowship: Sonship (2:28-5:21)
IV. Characteristics of Fellowship (2:28-5:3)
V. Consequences of Fellowship (5:4-21)
2. Outline 2 (JMSB)
I. Tests of True Fellowship: Part 1 (1:1-2:17)
A. Test of Doctrine (1:1-2:2)
B. Test of Morals (2:3-17)
II. Tests of True Fellowship: Part 2 (2:18-3:24)
A. Test of Doctrine (2:18-27)
B. Test of Morals (2:28-3:24)
III. Tests of True Fellowship: Part 3 (4:1-21)
A. Test of Doctrine (4:1-6)
B. Test of Morals (4:7-21)
IV. Tests of True Fellowship: Part 4 (5:1-21)
A. The Victorious Christian life (5:1-5)
B. The Witness of God for Christ (5:6-12)
C. The Assurance of the Believer (5:13-21)
B. Authorship/ Speaker: John disciple and apostle
1. 1 of 3 most intimate disciples of Jesus (Peter, James; Matt 17:1; 26:37)
2. firsthand eye witness
3. wrote a gospel
4. 1 John is a general epistle
C. Date
1. AD 90-95
2. John is now really old
a. he was the last of Jesus’ close disciples
D. Setting
1. From Ephesus to the churches in Asia Minor
a) letter was circulated to Christians in various places
E. Purpose
a. to battle Gnostic heresy
1) false teaching from within the church
2) infected the church
3) said matter was inherently evil and the sprit is good
4) denied that Christ was fully man
5) claimed to have secret knowledge only they had
a) mystical knowledge higher than Scripture
6) said spirit of Christ descended on the human Jesus at baptism but left before his crucifixion.
7) idea that body should be punished—asceticism, or that sin committed in the body had no spiritual effects and was ok
8) false teachers separated deceived followers from fellowship with those who stayed true to the teaching of the Apostles
b. Heresy (CARM)
1. A doctrinal view that deviates from the truth, a false teaching.
Acts 20:29-32 and Phil. 3:2.
2. include teachings that Jesus is not God and that the Holy Spirit is not a person (Jehovah's Witnesses, Christadelphians,
3. that men may become gods (Mormonism),
4. that there is more than one God (Mormonism),
5. that Jesus lost His divinity in hell and finished the atonement there, and that good works are necessary for salvation (all cults say this),
c. Cults (CARM)
1. A religious group that follows a particular theological system.
2. Uses the Bible but distorts the doctrines that affect salvation,
d. that we might have fellowship (1:3; 6-7)
1. communion with Christ
e. that we might have joy (1:4)
f. that we might not sin (2:1-2)
g. that we might overcome error (2:26)
h. that we might have assurance of salvation (5:13)
i. We can know we are children of and in fellowship with God if we have no known sin in our lives, if we love God, other believers, and if we believe and practice the truth (warren w)
F. Themes
a. Basics of Christianity (JMSB)
1) sound faith (truth), obedience and love lead to happiness (1:4); holiness (2:1), security (5:13)
a) Evidence or test of true followers of Christ
b) characteristics of genuine Christians
2) James wrote about works of genuine saving mature faith
3) fellowship with God (2:28)
a) assurance of the indwelling God through the abiding
relationship with Him (Nelsons)
b. light vs. Darkness
c. love vs. Hatred
d. truth vs. error
John was an apostolic first hand eyewitness of Jesus’ life, so he begins his letter to believers by giving them the correct biblical view of Christ
B. Proposition:
1. John discusses the experience, subject and purpose of what he is writing about
C. Main Divisions:
1. Experience of the Proclamation: Personal Experience (v.1)
2. Subject of the Proclamation (v.1-2)
3. Purpose of the Proclamation (v.4)
II. Exposition:
Experience of the Proclamation: Personal Experience (v.1)
A. 1Jn 1:1NKJV
(1) That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life
2. What was from the beginning (v.1)
a. John begins with a description of what he is proclaiming or writing about:
1. what he proclaimed or reporting to the churches in Asia Minor
2. the beginning when his readers first heard the world of life or the Gospel (2:7, 24) (JMSB) or
3. what John personally saw and experienced in the life of Jesus (Dave Row)
a. the Gospel proclaimed
b. includes Christ’s life on earth, death and resurrection
c. who Jesus is, what He said and what HE did as described by John and other eyewitnesses
d. John experienced this in his past but it had present results for him and for us today (Dave Row)
e. the Word of Life: Jesus as Fully God and Fully Man
f. eyewitness or apostolic testimony
b. John was an apostolic first hand eyewitness of Jesus’ life
1. he begins by giving the correct biblical view of Christ
2. the Son of God, the Word of life existed from eternity and took on a human nature
a. HE was in John’s day and is today, fully God and fully man
c. John says that he actually heard, saw and touched Jesus who is the center of the Gospel
1. he was there when it all happened
2. he knew Jesus was real, physical
3. he was fully convinced Jesus was real and alive
4. this is what he is proclaiming or reporting to the churches and us
3. heard (v.1)
a. “heard” G191
1. consider what is or has been said
2. comprehend; understand (1:1, 3)
3. learn by hearing
b. John personally experienced: heard, considered, understood and was taught by Jesus
4. seen
a. “seen” G3708 (v.1, 2, 3)
1. to know by experience; to look
2. to see with eyes
3. Joh 20:8 NKJV
(8) Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed.
a) means not only careful, physical vision, but also mental perception which resulted in believing or being persuaded that indeed the Lord Jesus had risen from the dead. (WSD)
4. to see with the mind, know
b. “looked” G2300
1. to look upon;
2. meet with a person
3. to learn by looking
4. view attentively, contemplate, indicating the sense of a wondering consideration involving a careful and deliberate vision which interprets its object (WSD)
c. John personally saw with his eyes and mind and believed Jesus to be the Messiah-Savior
1. He met Jesus and learned from Him
5. touched
a. “handled” G5584
1) touch and feel
b. John personally touched with his hands Jesus before He died and after He was resurrected over 60 years before
c. John refutes Gnosticism by saying he personally experienced Jesus as fully man
B. Summary
1. John is writing about what he personally saw and experienced in the life of Jesus
2. he was fully convinced Jesus was real and alive; fully God and fully man
3. John personally experienced: heard, considered, understood and was taught by Jesus
4. John personally saw with his eyes and mind and believed Jesus to be the Messiah-Savior
5. John personally touched with his hands Jesus before He died and after He was resurrected
C. Application
a. Though Jesus is not here physically with us today, we can still experience Him, know Him personally through the Bible
b. Have you seen, heard and experienced Jesus for yourself? Not just hearing what other people say about him?
c. Jesus said those who have not seen him and yet have believed are blessed. (Jn 20:29)
Jesus is Greater
a. Col 1:15-17 NKJV
(15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
(16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
(17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
1) “image”
a) likeness, copy
b) Eng: Icon
2) “firstborn” prototokos
a) born first chronologically
b) pre-eminence (superior, surpassing greatest, unsurpassed, most excellent) in position or rank
c) possessing the right of inheritance from the father
1) in Greek and Jewish cultures: firstborn, ranking son who had the right of inheritance from the father whether he was born first or not
a) Exp. Israel was firstborn but not the first nation (Fausset: Birthright; Vines)
b) Isaac was Abraham’s firstborn son (Gen 17)
3) “through” prep G1223
a) by way of; be means of
b) as a result of; because
c) the way something is done
d) instrument or intermediate cause
e) author or first cause
f) manner or mode, state through which something takes place
4) “for” prep G1519
a) in place of
b) because of; as a result of
c) why something is done
d) in honor of
e) for the purpose of
5) “by” G1722
a) position (in place, time, state)
b) because of
c) through
d) in behalf of
e) through the means, work or operations of
f) in the name of, used (in oaths)
g) manner or mode, ground, occasion in which anything rests, exists, takes place
b. Paul’s description of Jesus (v.15)
1. HE is the exact likeness or copy of the invisible God because God is spirit
a) Jesus is fully God in form and nature or essence (Phil 2:6; John 1:14; 14:9; 8:58; 10:30-33) (see v. 19)
b) He is the firstborn or pre-eminent one, superior in position, rank, power over all of creation
c. Paul’s Reason or Explanation (v.16-17)
1. by or through the means, work of Jesus all things physical and spiritual were created
2. all things were created because of Him and for or as a result of Him
a. for His purpose and pleasure were all things created
b. Jesus is the author or first cause
c. He is the instrument
d. we along with the rest of creation are here because of Him
3. Jesus is before, superior to all things in power, authority, respect, honor and position (v.17)
4. in Him all things are held or put together. (v.17)
d. Application
1. do you believe Jesus is the image of God: fully God in nature?
2. Do you believe HE is superior to all of Creation?
3. We can take comfort that Jesus holds everything together
4. we don’t need to fear people or demons or any other created thing for Jesus is greater then them all.
Jesus: Supreme
a. Heb 1:1-4 NKJV
(1) God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
(2) has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
(3) who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
(4) having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
1. “express image” Charakter G5481
a. exact representation (NASB)
b. instrument used for engraving wood (JMSB)
c. mark stamped on the instrument (Thayer)
d. marked likeness, precise reproduction in every respect
e. stamped image on coins (JMSB)
2. “person” G5287
a. nature, or essence
b. that which has foundation
1) the which has actual existence—real being
c. substantial quality, nature of a person or thing
d. what really exists under any appearance, reality, essential nature (WSD)
1. here: the exact expression of God's essence or being, i.e., of God Himself
3. “brightness”
a. radiance
b. reflected brightness
c. sending forth light or shining
d. Jesus is not just the reflection of God’s glory but God Himself who radiates His own essential glory (JMSB)
4. “upholding”
a. to sustain
b. to carry a burden
c. to endure
d. to bear up; keep from falling
e. to move by bearing; direct
5. “right hand”
a. place of honor; authority, power (JMSB)
b. position of subordination
6. “worlds”
a. ages
b. period of time
c. time, space, energy, matter; universe and what makes it function (JMSB)
b. God revealed Himself at various times, locations, cultures, situations through the OT using visions, parables, symbols (prophets) long ago.
c. in these last days, which began with the first coming of Jesus, God has spoken to us in or by His Son—Jesus of Nazareth: God’s final revelation to mankind.
1. God has appointed Jesus heir of all things
a. inheritance: full extension of authority the father gives the son as the firstborn (JMSB)
2. through Jesus, the Father also created the world and then universe
3. Jesus is the brightness, radiance of the glory of God
a. He radiates divine glory
4. Jesus is the exact representation, perfect imprint of the nature and essence of God in space and time (John 14:9; Col 1:15; 2:9) JMSB)
a. He shows God’s character, love, justice, mercy, and wrath
5. Jesus uphold or sustains and directs all things by His word
6. when Jesus had purged or purified, cleansed our sins, HE sat down at the right hand of honor, power and authority of God
a. He is not defeated but rules as Lord or master
7. Jesus became so much better than the angels as He has inherited a name superior or more excellent, surpassing to theirs
a. “having become”
1) refers to a change of state not of existence (JMSB)
a) the Son of God has always existed but for a while was made lower than the angles when HE added a human nature (2:9) but was exalted to a greater position by the Resurrection (Phil 2:9-11)
d. Application
1. If you want to know what God is like, just look at Jesus
a) get to know Him by reading about Him (John 14:7-9)
2. How do you view Jesus? Who do you say He is?
3. Who is He to you? Just a man, a myth? a liar? or God Himself?
Jesus not made up
a. 2Pe 1:16-18 NKJV
(16) For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
(17) For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
(18) And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
1) “cunning”
a) cleverly devised; sly, crafty, made with skill
2) “fables”
a) tales
b) mythical stories about gods and miracles (JMSB)
3) “made known” G1107
a) new revelation of something previously hidden (JMSB)
4) “eyewitnesses”
a) an overseer; inspector
b) spectator
b. Peter, another disciple, states that he and the others did not make up crafty devised or created fables, myths when they spoke about the power and second coming of Jesus
(JMSB)
1. they were actual eyewitnesses of the majesty and glory of Jesus
a) they saw His miracles, resurrection and ascension to heaven
b) they were present at the Transfiguration when Jesus showed them a preview of His second coming (Matt 16:28)
c. God the Father confirmed Jesus
1. He gave Jesus honor and glory
2. He affirmed His deity—“This is my beloved Son”—“This one is in essence with Me” (JMSB)
3. Peter was their with James and John
d. Application
1. Do you believe anything people say about Jesus or do you investigate and hold on to what you know is true?
2. Do you believe what the Bible says about Jesus is true or some made up myth?
3. Do you believe what the 3 closest friends of Jesus say about Him?
Jesus: The Gospel of God
a. Rom 1:1-4 NKJV
(1) Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God
(2) which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures,
(3) concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,
(4) and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.
1) “bondservant” G1401
a) slave
b) servant who willingly commits himself to serve a master he loves and respects (JMSB)
2) “separated” G873
a) set apart
b) from something, to something else
3) “concerning”
a) about, because of
4) “seed” descendant
5) “declared” G3724
a) appointed
b) to ordain, determine; to make out the boundaries or limits of
6) His prophets—all writers of the OT
b. Paul was a willing servant of God, called to be an apostle and set apart to the gospel that belongs to God
1. the Gospel of God
a) was promised by God before through the OT prophets
2. Jesus is the Subject of the Gospel
a) concerns or is about the Son of God, Jesus
b) Messiah
c) Lord
d) born physically of a descendant of David
1) he was fully human, born by the virgin Mary by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35)
2) he actually existed in space and time: history
3) God the Son added to His divine nature a human nature (Phil 2:5-8)
4) He had emotions (Matt 9:36; 26:38; John 11:35-36)
5) he had a physical body (Matt 1:18; Lk 2:7)
6) He had human needs (Matt 4:2; John 4:6; 19:28)
e) He was appointed the Son of God in Power
1) according to the Holy Spirit
a) the means: His direction, agency and power (JMSB)
2) by the resurrection from the dead
a) proved He was God (JMSB)
3) he was always the same essence as God—eternally the Son
a) He pre-existed (John 1:1, 14)
4) he was one person having two natures (human/divine)
c. Application
1. are you a willing servant of God? A servant by choice?
2. Have you chosen to set yourself apart from sin, in complete dependence to God?
3. Do you believe Jesus actually existed in history?
4. Do you believe He resurrected from the dead?
Deity of Jesus
a. Joh 1:1-3 NKJV
(1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(2) He was in the beginning with God.
(3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
1) “in the beginning”
a) of time- space material universe (Gen 1:1) JMSB
b) new spiritual creation: a re-creation, of the spiritual (first) but also the physical. (NET)
2) “with” prep. G4314
a) proximity; intimate personal relationship (NET)
b) Word was distinct from the Father
4) “was” verb G2258
a) to be, to exist, to happen, to be present ( G1510)
b) the Son of God always was (8:58)
5) “Word” G3056 LOGOS
a) Jesus Christ: eternal God, second person of the Trinity
b) Jesus, the personal wisdom and power in union with God (Thayer)
c) In OT, God’s word created universe (Gen 1:3; Psa 33:6: 107:20) JMSB
d) a medium by which thoughts are expressed
1) external expression of the will of God (Pursuit of God)
e) Plato used it: a thought, relationship between thought and speech; an idea
1) said that the world was ordered so there must be a LOGOS behind it (Levi L)
6) “was God”
a) the Word had all the essence or attributes of deity (JMSB)
b) messiah was fully God (Col 2:9)
c) He did not cease to be God in His incarnation
d) He was just as much God as God the Father (John 10:30; 17:11)
e) unity of essence but not of persons (NET)
1) He was distinct in person from the Father: “was with God”
2) He was always the Son of God, Second Person of Trinity
b. Jesus was with God the Father and was always fully God;
1) He is as much God as the Father
2) He created the universe being the Father’s means or instrument
3) Apart from Jesus there is no life
c. Application
1) Do you understand that Jesus is fully God but a different person than the Father
2) Have you experienced the spiritual life that Jesus brings?
Humanity of Jesus
a. Joh 1:14, 18 NKJV
(14) And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
(18) No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
1) “dwelt” G4637
a) took up residence
b) God’s glory can now be seen in Jesus (NET)
c) to tabernacle, pitch a tent, lodge; remain (JMSB)
1) in OT, where God met with Israel before the temple (Ex 25:8)
2) “beheld”
a) saw
b) look upon; learn by looking; meet a person
3) “only begotten” G3439
a) one and only
b) only one of its kind
c) unique one
d) used of an only child
e) used with Isaac (Heb 11:17) (NET)
f) “mono-genes” only + stock : class or kind; family
g) Jesus is the Son of God by position (2Sam 7:14) and nature (Psa 2:7; Heb 1:5)
4) “declared”
a) explained
b) metaph: to draw out in narrative; unfold a teaching (Thayer)
b. The Word, the Son of God became flesh; He appeared in history and camped or loged among us
1. God the Son took on a human nature
c. John and the others saw and learned from His glory
1. the glory of the one and only, only begotten, unique one who was full of Grace and truth and who came from the Father
2. Jesus displayed the characteristics of God: grace, mercy, goodness, wisdom, truth, authority (Ex 33:18-23) JMSB
3. Jesus and the Father share the same glory (Isa 42:8)
d. This Jesus being the unique one, fully God and fully man has seen God and has declared or explained Him to us.
1. HE is in an intimate love relationship with the Father (v.18)
2. Jesus reveals what the Father is like by His life (14:9)
3. HE came from His Father
e. Application
1. Do you have a relationship with the infinite holy God who stepped into history?
2. Have you ever wondered what God is like? Jesus is God physically
3. Jesus is truth, He displays or reveals what truth is and He is gracious
4. Jesus being fully man, knows what living on earth is like; He can relate to us
D. Summary
1. Jesus is the exact likeness or copy of the invisible God
2. Jesus is before, superior to all things in power, authority, respect, honor and position
3. Jesus is the exact representation, perfect imprint of the nature and essence of God in space and time
4. John and the others did not make up crafty devised or created fables, myths
5. Jesus was born physically of a descendant of David and was appointed the Son of God in Power
6. Jesus was with God the Father and was always fully God;
7. He, The Word, the Son of God became flesh
8. He, the unique one, fully God and fully man has seen God and has declared or explained Him to us.
Subject of the Proclamation (v.1-2)
A. (1)… concerning the Word of life
(2) the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us
a. “concerning” G4012
1. about; because of
2. regarding or having relation to
3. pertaining to
4. with reference to
b. the word of life (v.1)
1. logos (word) + zoe (life)
a) Jesus Christ
b) the proclamation of the Gospel (JMSB)
c) zoe
1) absolute fullness of life, essential and ethical, which belongs only to God
a) Jesus as man was given this
2) life real and genuine, active, devoted to God (Thayer)
a) vigorous (powerful, strong), blessed life
b) one can have “zoe” through faith in Jesus (logos) (John 3:15) (Vines)
2. John’s declaration is about the Word of Life, Jesus Christ a) Jesus is life (v. 2; John 11:25; 14:6)
1) He has life in himself (NASB-SB)
b) He is the source of life physical and spiritual (5:11)
3. verse 2 is a prepositional that clarifies the subject of eyewitness testimony which is described in verse 1 (NET)
c. manifested (v.2)
1. revealed G 5319
a) make visible or known what has been hidden or unknown
b) of a person
2. The Word of life was made known or revealed to John and many others
3. John and the other apostles saw Him and bore witness or testified about Him
a) “bear witness” G3140 marturéō;
1) to testify to the truth of what one has seen, heard, or knows.
b) “declare” G 518
1) proclaim
2) to bring report, word; make known openly
3) announce publicly
4. John is proclaiming or reporting and making known to us what he and the others personally experienced, heard, saw, touched (v.2, 3)
a. this is what was from the beginning, having to do with the Word of Life
5. what are they proclaiming: that the eternal life was with the father and was revealed to them.
d. the eternal life (v.2)
1. life with out beginning and end
2. everlasting life
3. “eternal” G166
a. without beginning and end, that which always has been and always will be
b. the life which God gives to those who believe in Christ (Mat_19:16, Mat_19:29 (WSD)
4. “life” > zoe
5. spiritual life—a new kind of life
a) quantity—forever
b) quality—with God; new personal relationship with God
6. obtained only by faith in Jesus as Messiah-Savior
a) Joh 17:3 NKJV
(3) And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
b) 1Jn 5:11-12 NKJV
(11) And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
(12) He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
c) 1Jn 5:20 NKJV
(20) And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
7. John says this is Jesus Christ, the Word of Life who has no beginning or end and who gives spiritual life to those who believe
e. with the Father (v.2)
1. This Eternal Word of Life that was from the beginning was also with the Father
2. the Word before His incarnation being the Son of God was with or among God the Father
a) Jesus was not created (John 1:4; 5:26; 40; 11:25; 14:6)
3. Jesus was revealed to John openly, physically and visibly
B. Application
1. Have you experienced the word of life for yourself?
2. Do you personally know Jesus?
3. Do you want the eternal life that Jesus freely offers?
4. Eternal life is only found in Jesus.
C. Summary
1. John’s declaration is about the Word of Life, Jesus Christ
2. The Word of Life is the eternal life
3. the Word of Life has no beginning or end, He gives spiritual life to those who believe, He was with the Father and was revealed to many disciples
Purpose of the Proclamation (v.3-4)
1. that we may have fellowship with each other (v.3)
a. (3) that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ
1) “fellowship” Koinonia
a) communion, association
b) joint partnership; intimacy
b. what John and the others personally experienced, seen and heard they also declared to the believers in the churches so that they may also have fellowship, community with them
1) the eternal word of life was experienced by John and now he wants his readers to be partners with him in that experience
2. fellowship with God through Christ (v.3)
a. their fellowship is also with God the Father and with His Son Jesus
1. John not only wants them to be partners with him but he also wants them to be partners with the Father and the Son, the word of life personally
b. he wants them to experience God for themselves
c. he wants them to have eternal life, salvation to the fullest extent
d. application
1. Do we desire to have fellowship with others who have experienced Jesus?
2. Only God can give absolute fullness of life.
3. Do we desire to have fellowship with the Creator of the Universe, with God?
3. that our joy may be full (v.4)
a. (4) And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.
1) “joy” G5479
a) gladness; the cause or occasion of joy; of persons who are one’s joy
2) “full” or complete G4137
a) to make full; to abound; be satisfied
b) to carry through to the end, to accomplish
c) make perfect
b. The introduction to 1 John has many similarities to the introduction to the Gospel of John (Joh_1:1-18). (NET)
1. 1 John introduces us to important themes which will be more fully developed later in the letter
2. the eyewitness testimony to who Jesus is (1John 4:14; 5:6-12)
3. the importance of the earthly ministry of Jesus (4:2; 5:6)
4. the eternal life available to believers (5:11-12; 20)
c. Purpose Statement of 1 John is found in 5:13
1. 1Jn 5:13 NKJV
(13) These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
2. that believers may know that they have eternal life and that they may continue to believe or trust in Christ
d. John is declaring or announcing his personal eyewitness testimony to this readers
1. his purpose is so that they may have fellowship with him and the other apostles and with God and so that his and their joy or gladness may be full to the brim, complete, and abounding
a) knowing who Jesus really is and that you have eternal life in Him produces joy
b) salvation and a correct view of Christ should bring joy
1) a joy that is not dependant on circumstances or how we feel
2) a joy that comes from understanding the proclamation of the Gospel
3) a joy that no one can take away
4) joy that we have been saved, forgiven and adopted by God
5) a joy that comes only through faith in Christ alone
a) Joh 15:10-11 NKJV
(10) If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.
(11) "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
b. 1Pe 1:8 NKJV
(8) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,
4. Application
a. is your joy complete? Full, over filling?
b. is your view of Christ correct? Does it agree with what the bible says?
c. Does knowing who Jesus is and that you have eternal life in Him give you joy?
d. if we do not trust in the real Jesus we cannot really be saved.
5. Summary
a. John’s purpose for writing to believers is so that
1. we may also have community with him
2. we may have fellowship with the Father and the Son,
3. our joy or gladness may be abounding
b. knowing who Jesus really is and that you have eternal life in Him produces joy
III. Summation:
John wrote about what he personally saw and experienced in the life of Jesus. He was fully convinced who Jesus was. He personally saw with his eyes and mind and believed Jesus to be the Messiah-Savior. John and the others did not make up crafty devised or created fables, myths. Jesus was born physically, He was with God the Father and was always fully God.
He wrote so that believers may know that they have eternal life and that they may continue to believe or trust in Christ.
IV. Invitation:
So, do you have fellowship with the Word of life, with the one who has revealed who God is for all time? To have a relationship with God and have eternal life, we must agree with God about our sin and trust that Jesus died to pay for our sins. Have you do that?