Real Joy.  Real Life.                                       

  - I John 1:1-4

  April 23, 2006

 

 

 

“Magnification” / “Worship”

 

 

John 1-2-3 ð salvation

  I John – now what happens as a result of that salvation – as believers

 

I Jn

  1         - A n illuminated life

  2        - S tick with the truth

  3        - S how love and deeds

  4        - U nveiling the evil spirit

  5        - R eliable testimony from God

II Jn    - E xclude deceiving teachers

III Jn  - D ear Gaius is praised

 

Background --

1. Author – John the Apostle - one of Inner Circle - 60-70 AD

 

2. Identity / location – not mentioned...only “children of God”

        a- Possibly those in the Roman province of Asia

               ...Rev 2-3 - John’s association with the churches

        b- Possibly addressed to the leaders of the church

 

3. Purpose –

        a- add to their joy (1:4)

        b- keep them from sin (2:1)

        c- warn them about false teachers (2:26)

        d- strengthen faith, assure them of eternal life (5:13)

 

4. Theme – God is life, light and righteous love; His character calls

       for holy living and brotherly love by believers.

 

People are looking for reality, satisfaction

  - wanting vs finding

 

The Life that is Real:

 1 - this Life is REVEALED (1:1) – going back to John 1:1

       - “from the beginning” – God revealing Himself to you was no

            afterthought – His perfect plan

 

 2 - this Life is EXPERIENCED (1:2) – a personal experience

       - John uses repetition to emphasize a point – “life”

       - what do you say when people ask you “Is Jesus real?”

               …can you “see” Jesus in your life? – go beyond “seeing”

       - Thomas                         DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE?

       - ð Mk 16:14

       - EX - counterfeit bill...does a lot of good, but when taken to

              bank, exposed for what it really is

       ** How do you experience Jesus?              Spouse/Fam/$

            – Is He actively involved in your life?      Mission Trip

 

 3 - this Life is SHARED (1:3-4)

        Five purposes for sharing

            a. that we may have fellowship (3) II Pt 1:4 same word

                  - fellowship = “to have in common“

                  - tied to each other  //  tied to GOD’S WORD

                        ** answer to loneliness of life

            b. that we may have joy (4)

                  - “joy” used only once, but theme runs throughout 

                        ** answer to emptiness of life

 

            c. that we may not sin (2:1)

                  - complications after surgery...go to see doctor

            d. that we may not be deceived (2:26)

                  - discernment

                  - only I Jn contains “anti-Christ” = against/instead of

            e. that we will know that we are saved (5:13)

                  - 1st half (1-2) “fellowship” thru obed, love, truth

                  - 2nd half (3-5) “son-ship” thru obed, love, truth

 

Intellect, emotion, will 

   - A Spirit-controlled mind knows / understands truth.

   - A Spirit-controlled heart feels love.

   - A Spirit-controlled will inclines us to obedience.

 

Why one may be out of fellowship with God:

   - 1 - He has disobeyed God’s will

   - 2 - He is not getting along with fellow believers

   - 3 - He believes a lie...therefore is living a lie (3:7)

 

...homework...read I John 1...5 times...