Celebrating five years together, can’t help but look back and where we’ve been… especially because we’re starting a new series today, looking back on the series we’ve done in the past.
- Four G’s (Sept–Oct 2018)
- Spiritual Gifts (Oct–Nov 2018)
- Identity (Jan–Feb 2019)
- Better Together (marriage, Summer 2019)
- Acts (Feb-Nov 2019)
- Ruth (Early 2020)
- Real Lord’s Prayer (Spring 2020)
- 1 Peter (April–Nov 2020)
- Rhythms (Early Spring 2021)
- Minor Prophets (Late Spring-Summer 2021)
- Ecclesiastes (Aug–Sept 2021)
- Paradox (Oct–Dec 2021)
- 1 Thessalonians (Jan–May 2022)
- Yes & Amen (Promises of God, Summer 2022)
- Rise & Fall (Samuel, Sept 2022–May 2023)
- Flourish (June–July 2023)
- Identity (Aug–Sept 2023)
Intro to 1 John
We’ve studied books by Paul, by Peter, and now…
- 1 John (Oct 2023–Spring 2024?)
Quick Stats
- 5 chapters
- 105 verses
- 2,270 words
- 9 minutes at 250 wpm
- Likely written to churches in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey)
- By the disciple Jesus loved, John (brother of James)
His intro is different than most—he gets right to the point, which I like.
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
1 John 1:1–4
Besides the earliest church fathers saying that the book was written by John, we have a giant clue from the way he wrote, what he wrote about.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning…
In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it…
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world… But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name…
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-2, 4–5, 9, 12, 14
And then if you go back and read the introduction to 1 John again:
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
1 John 1:1–4
You can see the common themes, style.
- John was an old man at this point. (“my little children”)
- 80–95 AD
- no easy, logical outline, almost like a rambling conversation, comes back around again.
1. A Passion to Know this Life (v 1-2)
- dealing with Gnosticism, Jesus wasn’t truly human
- he is 100% human, 100% divine
2. A Passion to Share this Life (v 3)
- we want to invite everyone into our fellowship
- we want to invite everyone into our family.
He goes on to share four reasons he’s writing.
My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin.
1 John 2:1
I have written these things to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you.
1 John 2:26
I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
1 John 5:13
3. A Passion to Enjoy this Life (v 4)
- Joy that is full.
First sermon as pastor was all about joy.
- Psalm 97:12: Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
- Psalm 100:2: Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
- Psalm 32:11: Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
- Psalm 67:4: Let the nations be glad and sing for joy.
- Psalm 96:11: Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice.
- Matthew 5:12: Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.
- Luke 6:23: Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy.
- Luke 10:20: Rejoice that your names are written in heaven
- Romans 12:12, 15: Rejoice in hope… rejoice with those who rejoice
- 2 Corinthians 13:1: Finally, brothers, rejoice
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16: Rejoice always
- Philippians 2:18: Be glad and rejoice with me.
- Philippians 3:1: Rejoice in the Lord
- Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
- Deuteronomy 26:11: You shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you.
Joy is not optional. God commands his children to find joy in Him. Not just icing on the cake, an essential ingredient in the batter.
God is glorified not only by His glory’s being seen, but by its being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it.
Jonathan Edwards
Joy is the natural overflow of Good News—it’s good news!
If God is your treasure, he will be your pleasure.
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10