1 John 1:1-4
“1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.[1]” (1 John 1:1–4, NASB 95)
This week, we begin our study of 1 John. As you read this sermon from the Apostle John, you can feel his pastoral heart. He cares deeply for the people he refers to as his children. The relationship between a parent and child is one of the most intimate, and John sees himself as a spiritual father and shepherd who wishes to protect his flock.
When reading letters, epistles, or sermons like this one, it's essential to understand the occasion or reason that prompted the writer to express these thoughts. Throughout the text, we sense that danger lurks for John's audience. No parent wants to see their children in peril or deceived. No one wants to witness their child being filled with uncertainty or doubt, especially regarding their salvation. Furthermore, no parent wants their child to take sin lightly.
At 90 years old, John finds himself in a cave on the island of Patmos, deeply concerned about the believers and the dangers they face. He writes this sermon to encourage those who have witnessed some members leave the congregation, distressing those who remain. You can feel John's heartbreak and pastoral concern as you read.
Here are the purposes of this sermon, which will be highlighted as we study the words of John.
-Combat false teachers
-Pastoral heart for "children" and to ignite passion in the believers
-Challenge attitudes toward sin and love of others
-Reassure the believers have eternal life
I encourage you to read 1 John frequently over the next few months as we study this sermon. You can complete the whole sermon in one sitting.
Discussion Questions:
Reread some of the passages we read together on Sunday. 1 John 1:1–4,1 John 2:1–21, John 2:18,1 John 2:26,1 John 5:10–13
This week, we begin our study of 1 John. As you read this sermon from the Apostle John, you can feel his pastoral heart. He cares deeply for the people he refers to as his children. The relationship between a parent and child is one of the most intimate, and John sees himself as a spiritual father and shepherd who wishes to protect his flock.
When reading letters, epistles, or sermons like this one, it's essential to understand the occasion or reason that prompted the writer to express these thoughts. Throughout the text, we sense that danger lurks for John's audience. No parent wants to see their children in peril or deceived. No one wants to witness their child being filled with uncertainty or doubt, especially regarding their salvation. Furthermore, no parent wants their child to take sin lightly.
At 90 years old, John finds himself in a cave on the island of Patmos, deeply concerned about the believers and the dangers they face. He writes this sermon to encourage those who have witnessed some members leave the congregation, distressing those who remain. You can feel John's heartbreak and pastoral concern as you read.
Here are the purposes of this sermon, which will be highlighted as we study the words of John.
-Combat false teachers
-Pastoral heart for "children" and to ignite passion in the believers
-Challenge attitudes toward sin and love of others
-Reassure the believers have eternal life
I encourage you to read 1 John frequently over the next few months as we study this sermon. You can complete the whole sermon in one sitting.
Discussion Questions:
Reread some of the passages we read together on Sunday. 1 John 1:1–4,1 John 2:1–21, John 2:18,1 John 2:26,1 John 5:10–13
- What are you looking forward to most as we start this study?
- Russell introduced us to the Apostle John on Sunday. John says in the first few verses of chapter 1 that he saw, heard, looked at, and touched Jesus Himself. What authority does this give John? How does this make him uniquely qualified to write this letter?
- John is writing to believers to ignite their passion for Jesus. John wants his readers to have the same love and fellowship with Christ that he had with Jesus. How would you rate your passion and fellowship with Jesus? Vibrant, alive, live-giving, or stale, mundane, in need of a boost? Why?
- Russell discussed joy in verse 4 as being more than happiness. What is the difference between joy and happiness? Why have you had joy?
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