A Witness to the Word of Life
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# 1
1 John 1: 1-4
This morning, I want to begin a study of the first epistle of John.
This epistle was written to the church at large, with no specific greeting or references to a particular group.
It is apparent John had the well being of the church in mind.
The Church had become complacent and had little care of what was taught in the church.
It is a general consensus that John wrote this epistle around 95 AD
this would but John writing around the 3rd generation of the church.
John Phillips makes and interesting argument he says and I quote:
Exploring the Epistles of John: An Expository Commentary (Introduction)
For by its third generation, it seems churches need a fresh touch of the Holy Spirit. The first generation is motivated by conviction; great truths have been grasped, and those who have espoused them have a compulsion to spread those truths abroad. They will dare all and die for them. The second generation inherits these truths, but the conviction softens into a belief. They believe the truths they have been taught; they debate them, defend them, and disseminate them, but the fire and passion have gone.
By the third generation, the belief becomes an opinion. The third generation will trade first-generation truth, dilute it, change it, accept counterfeits, and make room for error. And that’s why John wrote for the third generation—the third generation needed a fresh revival.
This is so true, just think about it. The 50’s -The 70’s the IFB was strong and vibrant. Then the 80’s through the early 2000 we were strong but not as aggressive. Now look at where we are, Look at were the Christian Church is as a whole. We have allowed counterfeits we have allowed room for error. We don’t have the fire like we use to. We don’t have a care for souls like we use to. We have become complacent.
John was writing to counter Thee major heresies that had made there way into the church, But John was not writing this letter just to rebuke them, He sought to strengthen their faith and comfort them in difficult times.
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
John also desired to defend the faith and strengthen the church in the face of false doctrine and heresies that abounded in his day.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
There can be no doubt this epistle is of great benefit to each of us as well. It provides practical application for our daily lives.
We are in the midst of the most difficult times the American church has known. We face obstacles and adversity that were not present a few years ago. We face heresies that 30 years ago might have been rebuked at the door, these same heresies now creep in and stand in pulpits.
I pray our time in 1 John will challenge our commitment and strengthen our faith in Christ.
As we begin our study, John who was an eyewitness to the life and ministry of Christ, in this first chapter, presents Christ as the Word of Life, so for that reason I want to examine the certainties revealed in the text as we consider:
A Witness to the Word of Life.
I. The Preeminence of the Word (v1a)
I. The Preeminence of the Word (v1a)
– That which was from the beginning.
Keep in mind that John was writing to the church at large, in essence all believers.
It would appear that he would’ve begun with a greeting or introduction, like most letters do, but he immediately speaks of the eternal nature of Christ. Why?
He wanted to get right to the point. He wanted them to consider the source of their faith, the Principle element in Christianity.
The early believers were under intense persecution and he wanted them to take comfort in the fact that their faith in Christ was not some new found religion.
It wasn’t something that sprang up from a group of lunatics at Pentecost. They had trusted in the eternal God, the Sovereign of the ages.
Our faith did not start with a man named Muhamad getting some vision while on a mountain or some man named Jospeh Smith getting some new revelation that has become known as the Book of Mormon.
No our faith started before the beginning of time and will be still be alive and well when time comes to an end.
The word “was” translates in a Greek imperfect tense, it suggests something that always has been.
Christ the Word did not come to be at some point in time like you and I; He already was when time began.
John 1: 1-2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.
II. The Presentation of the Word (vs 1b-2)
II. The Presentation of the Word (vs 1b-2)
–, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; [2] (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
John had already assured them of Christ’s eternal nature, but for those who needed a bit more assurance, he now speaks of the proof he has to offer regarding Jesus. John’s use of words here affirms and emphasizes the real humanity of Christ. He was tangible, He was very much present in their day to day lives.
John was an eye witness
He was one of the first three apostles called by Jesus.
He was an eyewitness to the life, ministry, and miracles of the Lord.
He had sat at His feet and heard His wisdom.
His eyes had beheld the miracles He performed.
He was there when Christ said, John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John was there on the day of Christ’s death as He died upon the cross
he was one of the first ones on scene of an empty tomb
He was among those who witnessed the Lord after the resurrection, receiving instruction to continue in the faith and the furtherance of the gospel.
He had not been part of something carnal; he witnessed the glorious majesty of God Himself.
We have never seen the Lord with these eyes, but I pray you have encountered His glory and power.
I have witnessed God transform too many lives to doubt who He is.
I know what He has done for me and you will never convince me that my Lord is not alive and well today. The world may doubt and scoff, but we have undeniable, irrefutable proof that our Lord lives and has the power to change lives!
Hey, We Are Saved To The Uttermost from the Guttermost
III. The Proclamation of the Word (v3)
III. The Proclamation of the Word (v3)
– That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
There are a couple of things we need to consider concerning the proclamation.
Notice:
A. Its A Personal Obligation (v3a)
A. Its A Personal Obligation (v3a)
– That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.
It is impossible for us to understand all John had hidden within his heart.
He had enjoyed the very presence of Christ! He knew the Lord in an intimate way and it had drastically and eternally changed his life.
There was no way he could keep it quiet.
He was compelled to tell all he met of the love of Christ and the hope He brought to the world.
John was filled with abundant joy and he wanted the world to experience that joy as well.
He was simply sharing his personal encounter with the Lord.
We too should feel that same obligation. We too should be filled with so much joy and excitement that we can’t keep it to ourselves.
You might argue that your life doesn’t compare with the experiences of John, but I believe that anyone who has met the Lord in salvation has something wonderful and worthwhile to share.
Has Christ not changed our lives? Have we not experienced a wonderful and fulfilling transformation? How can we experience such wonder and keep it quiet?
The God of the universe, the One that created all things. sent His only begotten Son to die for you. Why would you want to keep that to yourself.
B. A Practical Expectation (v3b)
B. A Practical Expectation (v3b)
– that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
John had one desire: to tell others of Christ.
He knew what had happened to him and he was convinced that Christ had the power to transform their lives as well.
He wanted them to know that salvation was not limited to just a select few.
He wanted them to know that the same salvation that he had was available to them,
he fully expected them to experience the wonder of salvation.
I believe we allow fear and doubt to rob us of victory and joy. We ought to serve the Lord with a confident expectation. If He can save me and you, He can save anyone.
If John could enjoy His presence and fellowship, we can too! If the early church experienced His power in great and mighty ways, we ought to expect the same.
Our Lord is more than able to meet our needs and the needs of others, whatever they may be!
IV. The Persuasion of the Word (v4)
IV. The Persuasion of the Word (v4)
– And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
John wanted them to experience the same joy he did.
He knew what it was to experience a fullness of joy and he realized that life was lacking without it.
The word full means “to abound, to be complete.”
There was absolutely no reason for the believers to be lacking when it came to joy.
The key to fullness of joy is revealed in V.3, fellowship with believers, but most importantly with the Father.
That is what eludes so many in our day. Churches are filled with Christians who live defeated lives, void of joy.
You ask, how can I possess fullness of joy? I am glad you asked.
This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but I can assure you if these are present in your life, you will have joy.
you must ensure that you have fellowship with other believers, but above all, you must have fellowship with God.
That fellowship is obtained through:
A. Prayer
A. Prayer
– I am convinced that prayer is the most powerful tool that we have and yet is likely the least used.
You will never reach the place in your spiritual journey that you no longer need to pray.
May I ask a personal question?
How is your prayer life?
Is it a priority or a rarity?
Do you pray daily or simply on an as needed basis?
If we are to have fellowship and experience joy, we must talk to God. Phil.4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Paul continues in
Pray without ceasing.
If you are ever going to have real joy and victory in your life, you must start with the most basic, prayer.
B. Passion
B. Passion
– By this I am interested in what consumes you.
What is it that you focus upon and make a priority?
You know, that which comes before church, How about...
Work?
Family reunions?
Ball games?
What is your passion?
What is your priority?
You say, What are somethings that I need to be passionate about?
Well John I believe gives us exactly what those things are,
1. The Word
1. The Word
John in verse one talks about his experience walking with the Word of life. John was passionate about his time that he spent with the Living Word and so should we.
We need to be fed daily from the Word.
Many today lack joy because they fail to read and meditate upon the Word.
We will never get to the place that we don’t need to read God’s Word.
Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: No one of these shall fail, None shall want her mate: For my mouth it hath commanded, And his spirit it hath gathered them.
Christ tells us in:
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Joshua tells the people in:
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Spending time in the Word is of immeasurable benefit.
Why?
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.
2. Our Worship
2. Our Worship
– If we are to experience real joy we must make worship a priority.
John got to see Jesus in His glorified form. If anyone knew what it was to truly worship it was John. John was passionate about worship. 1John 1:2
(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
Today people think that worship is just something you do in the church.
Ancient Israel had a much broader concept of worship, offering worship in the home as well as in the temple several times a day, not merely on the sabbath and at great festivals. Worship involved both the individual family and the whole nation.
It isn’t something we can take or leave; it is a necessity. I believe worship begins in the home and is carried over into the church service. If you are not worshipping Him in the home, no amount of singing or preaching will get you in the “spirit” of worship. If you come in here already worshipping Him, these services will not be able to contain the amount of joy that will be present. The home is where worship starts. Deut. 6:7
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Then, if you teach right in the home and teach that church is a priority, then they will make worshipping in church a priority
One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.
For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
John’s encounter with the Word of Life forever changed him. He desired continual fellowship with the Lord, and sought to share the good news of the Gospel with all he met. He knew the benefit of a right relationship with Christ and desired others to experience that as well.
Have you ever had an encounter with the Word of Life?
There was a rich man that encountered the Word of Life, but he went away sad and alone.
But there were many that had an encounter with Christ throughout the scriptures and believed.
The eunich asked Philip , what must I do to be Baptized? Philip responed, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Paul told us in Rom. 10:9-10
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
That my friends is an encounter with the Word of Life.
Have you encountered the Word of Life and been changed in that encounter?
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.
Do you desire continual fellowship with the Lord?
Paul wrote to the Church at Phil.3:10
That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
How is your relationship with the Lord?
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
If ye love me, keep my commandments!
Do you love him this morning?
Wont you come now as the pianist plays