Discipleship Tested: 1 John Intro

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Discipleship Tested
1 John - Intro
1/14/2024
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life- the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us-that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 1:1-2:6 ESV
Principles for Studying Scripture
Understand the Context
Know the who, what, when, where, and why
What as life like at that time? (cultural context)
Author: John - though only referred to as “elder” this text bears similarities to the Gospel attributed to John and 1st and 2nd Century Christians say John was the author.
When: 70-90AD
Where: Asia Minor, most likely Ephesus
Purpose: Not a normal letter as it lacks info and closing, more likely an instruction given directly to combat the heresy and false teachers rising up at the time.
Culture: By 70AD Jerusalem had been burned and Christians are expiring the “diaspora”, the spreading of believers throughout the known world. Persecution for faith is real and between the Romans, Jews, and Greek authorities Christians are under a microscope. At the same time many are now preaching Jesus for selfish gain, twisting his teachings, and even getting lost is futile debates and practices just like the Sanhedrin used to do.
2) Read the whole book/letter
It takes time but the benefit is understanding
3) Read a section multiple times and then sit with it
Take time to let God’s Word speak
4) Listen
Prayer is about listening as the Holy Spirit draws attention to areas God wishes to grow and develop
5) Ask questions
What is God saying here?
How did this impact those hearing it?
What truth is being taught/conveyed?
Does this apply to me today?
If so, how to I act on this truth?
1 John 1:1-2:6
Setting Boundaries 1:1-4
Real Jesus is Divine and Human
Beginning . . . (Gen. 1:1; John 1:1; 1 John 1:1)
Jesus is the Word made flesh - divine and human
Test 1 of a Follower
Light or Darkness
Pride or Humility
Confesses need for Christ
How you live MATTERS
Test 2 of a Follower
Obedience and Knowing Linked
Imitate Jesus
Application:
Who you follow and how you follow matter, literally life and death so how can you move into the light and walk there? Where is God calling you to obedience and how will you allow your obedience to lead to knowing?
Further Study:
What first jumps out to you in reading todays section?
Where do you see examples of a false Christ being preached and taught today?
Why do you think John ties in the “beginning” theme?
How do you relate to John’s sense of dualism (clear right/wrong)
What does it look like to walk in the light?
Can a believer walk in both darkness and light?
What steps do you need to take to walk in darkness?
Why is confessions so critical for not only forgiveness but walking in the light?
John is blunt about “all people having sinned” why do you think he emphasizes this point? What happens when we excuse sin or become desensitized to it?
John emphasizes again keeping his commands this time as a test for knowing Him, how do you see obedience tied to your own knowing of Jesus?