John chapter 1 overview

Setting the stage.

Introduction to course

James Background, testimony (sorry cannot give this part written out)

Life before Christ

How I came to Christ

What has Christ done and is doing now.

Objective of course

To get a brief overview chapter by chapter that we can use to preach, teach others, with reflection and application on each chapter as we go.

To do the word studies as you have been given the first one now, by the time you have finished it you will read through the gospel eight time total.

Review of students lesson One

What did you get from your first impressions?

Did you find it difficult to sit and quiet yourself for extended time to do this lesson?

What can you do to not be distracted when you are digging into God’s word for personal growth or in preparation for a teaching or sermon you are going to present?

For me the biggest distractions I have are two things

My phone constantly calling for my attention (I have to turn it off)

My own thoughts wander thinking about all the things to be done in the day, or what I believe need to be done in the day.

Purpose of John, outline

Purpose (John 20:31 “31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.” - - - - - the gospel of John is different from many other books as for the purpose it not stated until the end, but it is very clear what the purpose is.

Summary and setting

Date: Most will date this to be written between AD85-95; According to Irenaeus it was written from Ephesus after being exiled in Patmos previously.

Author: The Apostle John is the most common belief even though it does not bear his name. As of the 17th century there was some questions about authorship and give credit to someone else in the Johannine community.

Audience: It was written to a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles. Written to those in Asia minor (Ephesus) which is Modern Day Turkey now.

Key themes:

Jesus is the word (Logos), divine, eternal, God incarnate

The contrast of Light and darkness

Witness testimony building on the theological theme of who Jesus is. Starting with John the Baptist.

Incarnation of Jesus Christ (Jn1:14) - a much needed thing, theme throughout not just this gospel but all of the New Testament.

God’s call to discipleship - the original call to the disciples, to the calling of disciples today to be followers.

Outline

The Word and creation (Jn1:1-5)

Jesus is the eternal word, present before creation (ref: Gen1:1)

Jesus is God and is with God as part of the trinity

Jesus is the source of life and source of light

Application: Know Jesus is life and light and be a witness of the Light as John the baptist was.

John the baptist testimony (Jn1:6-8)

John states he was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, fulfilling prophesy (ref: Isa40:3-8); also quoted (Mt3:1-3)

John testifies he is not the Messiah, but a witness to the Light

Application: Believe the testimony and be able to point back to the prophesy that John is the one spoken of.

The Word came, but was rejected (Jn1:9-13)

Jesus came as true light. Came to His own (the Jews), but His own rejected him.

To the ones who did believe, did receive Him, He gave the “right” to become children of God.

Application: Be ready to point to the true light (Jesus) and the right people have by belief, faith for salvation through the will of God (hear, belief, confess, repent, baptism, faithfulness)

The Word became flesh (Jn1:14-18)

The Word (Jesus) became flesh (God incarnate)

Grace and truth are realized, made manifest in Him, outside of the law.

Application: Live in awe of the incarnation of Christ, reflect on Christ’s grace, and truth; draw from the fullness of Him, and seek to know God through Jesus. Help the congregation to grasp the magnitude of the incarnation of Christ and what we can have by faith in Him.

Continued testimony of John the baptist (Jn1:19-34)

John identifies and testifies Jesus is the Lamb of God who comes to take away the sin of the world.

John testifies that Jesus is the Son of God and confirmed by the Holy Spirit coming upon Jesus at His baptism.

Application: Be humble, always pointing people to Jesus. Point to Jesus as God’s perfect lamb, perfect sacrifice to take away the sin of the world. Testimony is valuable to lead to the Truth (the word, Jesus, salvation available through Him)

The calling of first disciples (Jn1:35-51)

Some of John’s disciples leave John and follow Jesus after hearing John’s testimony about Him.

Highlight that Nathaniel recognizes Jesus as Son of God, the king of Israel. Even after his doubt that anything good come from Nazareth.

Application: Be one who is intentional like Philip and invite people to “come and see.” Help others to respond to God’s call to follow by faith. Finally, Let Christ’s transforming testimony in you, be seen through you.

Application and conclusion.

Point to the divinity of Jesus, that He is more than a prophet or a good teacher, but is God in the flesh (Jn1:1-5, 14-16)

Call others to live in the Light and reject the spiritual darkness of this world.

Your testimony matters, be ready to share how your faith in Christ and trust in Him has saved you and that your reliance on Him and through His word and Spirit transforms you.

Call people to “follow Him.” -deliver the salvation message.