The Word of Life Revealed Outline

1 John 1 NLT

We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. The Word of Life Revealed. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts.

Encountering the Word of Life

Bible Passage: 1 John 1

Summary: 1 John 1 emphasizes the manifestation of eternal life through Jesus Christ, calling believers to fellowship with Him and each other, while addressing the nature of sin and the promise of forgiveness.

Application: This passage can encourage Christians to recognize the transformative power of Christ in their lives, prompting them to live in authentic fellowship with God and with one another, while also dealing with sin through confession and grace.

Teaching: The sermon can teach that Jesus, the Word of Life, reveals God's nature, invites us into fellowship, and provides the means for cleansing from sin, reinforcing the importance of community and accountability within the church.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage emphasizes Jesus as the incarnate Word, the source of life and fellowship, reflecting the broader biblical narrative of redemption and communion through Christ, who fulfills the promises of eternal life.

Big Idea: The Word of Life not only reveals God’s character but also invites us into a deeper, transformative relationship that empowers us to live in truth and community.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon in Logos, consider exploring the historical context of the Johannine community, examining any textual variations particularly around the themes of light and darkness. Delve into commentaries that discuss the implications of fellowship and sin in early Christianity, which can enrich your understanding of how these elements apply in today's church.

1. Witnessing The Word

1 John 1:1-3

You could explore how the Word of Life has been made visible through Jesus, who reveals the nature and love of God. This revelation invites us into a personal and communal relationship with the Father and the Son. The tangible and historical nature of Jesus’ incarnation should encourage listeners to embrace and testify to the reality of their faith, fostering genuine fellowship with both God and fellow believers.

2. Walking in the Light

1 John 1:4-6

Perhaps you might elaborate on how genuine joy emanates from walking in light, which is possible through fellowship with God and others. This joy is contrasted with the darkness of sin and deceit, urging believers to live authentically. Emphasize the importance of living in alignment with the truth, reflecting Christ's light in personal and community contexts, which transforms and empowers believers' lives.

3. Winning through Confession

1 John 1:7-10

Maybe you could discuss the necessity of honesty and transparency in acknowledging our sins. The promise of forgiveness and cleansing through Christ is a message of hope and restoration, placing Christ's atoning work at the center of Christian life. Highlight how confession leads to spiritual health and unity within the Church, reminding believers of Christ's continuous work in sanctifying His people.

In ancient times, the declaration of a new king was often marked by the reading of a herald's proclamation, which revealed the king's heart and intentions for his people. Similarly, when Christ declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), He revealed the very nature of God and His desire for a relationship with humanity. This profound revelation invites us to respond to the Word of Life with reverence and commitment.

The scroll of Isaiah spoke powerfully of a coming Messiah. When Jesus read from it in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:18-19), He revealed the fulfillment of prophecies, indicating that He was the Word of Life sent to heal and deliver humanity. This moment was revolutionary, showing how God’s revelation through scripture came to life in Jesus, urging us to seek understanding of His purpose.

In the context of Jewish tradition, the Torah was considered the ultimate revelation of God’s will. In John 1:1, the Word is referenced as being with God and being God, showcasing that Jesus is the realization of God’s revelation. This deep connection invites believers to explore Scripture not just as ancient text, but as living words that unveil the very heart of God.

The early church father, Augustine, famously stated that our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee. This illustrates the inherent longing within humanity to grasp the truth of the Word of Life. Augustine's journey from doubt to faith echoes the biblical theme that true fulfillment is only found in the revelation of God through Christ, urging listeners to seek that divine connection.

In the early days of Christianity, the Apostle Paul was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. Yet, in that dark prison, he penned letters filled with hope and truth, declaring that Jesus is the 'Word of Life.' His circumstances were dire, but he revealed the power of God's Word to bring light into the darkest places. Just like Paul, we can find the Word of Life in our struggles, illuminating our path and strengthening our faith.

In your home, you might feel the weight of discouragement due to the stress of parenting or managing household responsibilities. Take some moments this week to read a passage from Scripture that speaks to God’s promises and His provision. For instance, Philippians 4:19 says that God will provide for all your needs. Meditate on this verse and seek a quiet time with your family to share what you’re learning. This can create opportunities for you to pray together, encouraging each other to trust in God’s Word as the ultimate source of comfort and truth.