11-5-2017 Sailing on the Fellow Ship 1 John 1:1-4

Intro:

The Japanese invasion of Manchuria in China began on September 18, 1931 and their occupation lasted until the end of World War II. A story is told by the Sunday School times:

A group of invading Japanese cavalry was housed in a Chinese village. On their arrival, they discovered a mud church bearing the notice, "This is a Jesus Chapel." Eight of the cavalrymen proved to be Christians, and they fairly hugged the old Chinese pastor, explaining how glad they were to find a Christian home in the place. During the time they were in the village, they attended worship, praying and singing hymns with their Christian brethren. When they left, they gave every house where they had stayed the equivalent of two dollars, as well as a large bag of oats.

and some time after that event, the Christian Herald, in London reported during World War II:

A recent report from China states that a Japanese soldier entered a Chinese Christian church at service time. His entrance created misgivings and alarm until he stood up and said: "I am a conscript soldier, but I am a Christian. I would worship with you"; then they welcomed him. After the service was over, the Japanese went up to the minister and asked him to sign his name in the Bible he had brought with him from Japan. He wrote in Chinese: "In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek."

Transition:

How is it that these war-time enemies, these Japanese troops can step foot into a Chinese church and become instant family? Accounts like these are not uncommon around the world. During World War I enemies stopped fighting and celebrated Christmas together. On Christmas Day in 1914, German, British, and French soldiers left their trenches along the western front of World War I to observe the holiday in peace—just for a day. Why? was is because of the magical fat jolly guy, Santa that stopped them from killing each other? NO! The world looks at these events in awe, wondering how this could ever be. Well… the Apostle John has an answer to share:

1 John 1:1–4 ESV

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

It is the fellowship with God, the Father, that transcends political violence. It is the fellowship with God, the Son, that pierces through cultural boundaries. It is the fellowship of God, the Holy Spirit, that unites us all.

Transition:

So it is with this epistle that we will start a new expositional journey. We call it “First John” or “the Epistle of John” but it may surprise you that we don’t actually have hardened proof as with other epistles that is was the Apostle John. You might first notice that this epistle does not start with the typical information on the sender nor the addressee. This epistle does not end like the typical doxological ending of most Epistles. In fact, if you look at the last sentence in this book, you’ll see it ends very oddly with a command. The author never states his name or refers to himself with any identifiers, BUT no need to panic because there is plenty of evidence that it was indeed the same John who wrote the fourth Gospel. One of the first obvious things to confirm the veracity of John’s accreditation is these first four verses sounds a bit familiar to how the Gospel of John starts. And there are other similarities as well. The purpose of both the fourth Gospel and 1 John has to do with believing in the deity of Christ and receiving eternal life found at the end of both books. First, the Gospel: (John 20:31)

John 20:31 ESV

but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

and then the epistle’s purpose:(1 John 5:13)

1 John 5:13 ESV

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

There are other evidences than just these similarities, but I intentionally point your focus to these same themes. There is good reason for John to repeat these truths. It turns out that some of the early church community that he was addressing were accepting false doctrines and spreading them through this church. One false doctrine in particular had its source in Plato and became the breeding ground for Gnostic beliefs. That doctrine taught that anything physical was inherently bad and therefore evil and so anything spiritual was good and perfect. At first this may seem fairly accurate when considering the state of our world. You look around and see how mankind has a knack at taking anything this world has to offer and use it for selfish, evil ends—we even use our bodies in evil pleasures. So, a teaching that says that anything physical—including our bodies--is evil seems to comport with what we see around us and what we hear coming from the news reporters and appears to be confirmed by our own sinful desires.

so what is so wrong with this kind of teaching? First, it was God that created everything--including the physical Earth and our physical bodies. A teaching that says everything physical is evil effectively teaches that all of the creation we see around us i.e. the mountains, the stars, the trees — are all evil. Confirming this doctrine will confirm that God created evil. and what would that say for Jesus? One would either have to then believe that Jesus decided to dwell in the evil physical body which did not make sense to these early gnostics so the only other choice would be a denial that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, come in the flesh and that his death was necessary for the complete forgiveness of sins

1 John 4:2–3 ESV

By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

So hopefully now you see that this seemingly benign doctrine becomes very malignant very fast, and sharp disagreements led to disunity which resulted in the dismissal of those who embraced these new Platonic views (1 John 2:19)

1 John 2:19 ESV

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

There’s a popular movement in Christianity out there that says that we need to return back to the days of the early church and emulate our churches just like the first century church. This movement has the well-intentioned, but not well-thought-out idea to purify the corrupt Church of today we must practice and do just as the early Christians did as if they were purer then we today, but as you can see with this Epistle of John here, and the Epistle of James, and in any of the other Epistles that emulating the first century Church would not be the most wisest thing to do. We do have many problems in our churches today, but so did the first century church, and the 2nd century and every century in between us and them. Therefore, these words are for us today, just as they were for the readers of the first century. Let’s begin looking at these words:

I. The Word Proved (v.1a)

John had established from the start of his gospel account that Jesus was the Word and the Word was God. Now he open his first epistle with a bit more force by proclaiming proofs about Jesus with his firsthand experience:

1 John 1:1 ESV

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—

The prologue of 1 John near identical to the prologue in the Gospel of John. The “beginning” in John 1:1 is a reference to the beginning of time. When time began, “the Word” (Logos) already existed. The “beginning” here in 1 John 1:1 can refer to the beginning of time or to the beginning of the Gospel. Perhaps both are correct. John wrote with the authority of one who had physical contact and primary source knowledge of the Living Word. John was an “eyewitnesses” to the events of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and he wanted to ensure this church could not discredit his testimony.

With no specific addressee, it is likely that this was meant to be a circulatory letter to be passed among all the churches around Ephesus.

Some false teachers in the late first century denied the humanity of the Christ in order to sidestep the evil physical flesh. Yet others denied His deity claiming that no god would ever want come into the physical realm. Some were teaching that Jesus only appeared to be real, and that he was only an elaborate, divine illusion. John, however, could not allow this especially being an intimately close eyewitness to Jesus, and so he declared his own personal encounter with Christ. John knew by physical proximity that Jesus was not a mere illusion, and that he was indeed as real as he. So by way of proxy, John is making Jesus real to them and to us today by an appeal to our senses.

And so now, those of us with a relationship with this Messiah, have the same proof of this real, Risen Savior! and we too, like John here, can testify to others—even through the descriptions of our senses of our experience with this living Christ! I’m not talking about a charismatic experience of some unverifiable, mystical vision/manifestation of Christ. but I am talking about our daily walk with Christ, our daily communing with Christ, our change toward Christlikeness.

Who is the “We”?

The author of 1 John is referred to in the 1st person singular in the majority of this book, even though he uses the first person plural pronoun for self-reference in these verses. When he refers to himself as the writer of the letter, John mostly uses the first person singular we’ll see in the coming weeks. When he writes about having heard the message from the lips of Christ, or having seen him and touched him, or about bearing witness to the message of eternal life, you’ll see John use the first person plural pronoun; he also does so when he speaks about the Christian experience as we’ll see next week. What this pronouns shift likely means is that, while John writes this letter as an individual, he testifies to the eternal life proclaimed by and embodied in the incarnate Christ, he always associates himself with other firsthand witnesses. This is likely to strengthen his readers’ confidence in the message which he proclaims to them in the face of the questions that have been raised in their minds by the false teachers.

A side note for you out there that are philosophical buffs: The two types of metaphysical philosophies are rationalism and empiricism. The Holy Spirit, through John here, seems to confirm the validity empirical evidence because of his appeal to the senses, and we will see his appeal for belief in Jesus develop which confirms the rational side of metaphysics. So in short, the Bible seems to indicate these positions work in tandem instead of the worldly belief that rationalism and empiricism are opposing positions. Both are necessary for the Christian worldview.

II. The Word Revealed (v.1b-2)

John employees an interesting title or two for Jesus: “the life” or “word of life”, and “the eternal life”

1 John 1:2 ESV

the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—

In this verse, John states clearly what is implied from the first verse, that is, that the life appeared bodily (this manifestation had to have appeared, otherwise he could not have seen it, touched it, and so forth). Notice here that he repeats again that he has seen “it” it’s as if he’s pointing out that those who deny the essence of Jesus is also, in effect, calling John a liar. I have seen God transform several lives, I know what He has done for me and no one will ever convince me that our God is not alive and well today. The world doubts and scoffs, but we, here, have undeniable, irrefutable proof that our Lord lives and has the power to change lives! We are not liars!

John’s duty during the decades since Jesus’ ascension was to testify and announce to all that he could minister to that Jesus is the one who is eternal life. Because Christ is eternal life, those who trust in him also have eternal life. This verse here, I think, is the quintessential foundation of gospel message for any true preacher, because it has the testimony of God the son, Jesus, becoming a man. It includes the duty of proclaiming to people eternal life through Jesus which comes from the Father as a gift. With this verse alone, it is not the complete gospel because it lacks the invitation to turn from sin and accept Christ but certainly it can be implied here since this whole prologue is a desperate call to the early church to accept the belief which they were first taught about Jesus.

As we proclaim witness to the Living Word to the lost, we might consider this verse as a launch pad to the full Gospel presentation. it fits well with our busy schedule because it is so concise!

III. The Word Proclaimed (v.3)

1 John 1:3 ESV

that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

There are at least a couple things to consider when we go forward proclaiming the good news:

1. Our Personal Obligation (3a)

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you. It is impossible for us to know all John had experienced and not written about and perhaps even 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 that this Jesus 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. 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?

2. A Practical Expectation (3b)

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. In fact, he fully expected them to experience the wonder of salvation.

IV. The Word Enjoyed (v.4)

The fear of man, the distrust in God, the cares of this world, and many other doubts creep into the lives of us all—these things steal our joy that we have in Christ. John wanted his churches to experience the same everlasting joy he did.

1 John 1:4 ESV

And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

There is absolutely no reason for us believers today to be lacking joy.

Dr. Christopher Benfield says:

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. […] We must ensure that we have fellowship with other believers, but above all, we must have fellowship with God.

Then he lists ways to possess joy:

Prayer – I fear that prayer is the most neglected part of our relationship with Christ even though it is essential to have a thriving walk with God. There is never reach a time in our lives that we do not need to pray. So 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.

[…]

The Word – Just as it is with prayer and talking to God, we in turn need to hear from God. 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. Is.34:16a – Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: Jn.5:39 – Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. Josh.1:8 – 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. Ps.119:11 – Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Our Worship – If we are to experience real joy we must make worship a priority. It isn’t something we can take or leave; it is a necessity. Ps.122:1 – I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Ps.27:4 – 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 enquire in his temple. Ps.84:10 – 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. There is something special about worship and attending the house of God.

Participation – Few seem to sense the need for activity in their Christian life. They rarely put anything into it and rarely get anything out of it. A lack of activity on the part of a believer is a sure way to grow complacent and disinterested in the things of God. Most of those who complain are inactive. Those who are busy for the Lord are experiencing joy.

The believers’ joy was made complete by fellowship with the Father, Son, and Spirit. This was an important element in light of the disruptions of the false teachers.

So What?

John’s purposes in writing this book are: (1) fellowship, personal and corporate; (2) joy; and (3) assurance. An inferred purpose, which we’ll see in a couple weeks, was to equip believers against the false theology of the gnostic teachers.

The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letters of John 1:1–4 A Preface concerning the Word of Life

This letter, written to urge the readers not to be led astray by those who had seceded from the Christian community and to reassure them that they are in the truth, seeks to achieve its purpose by strengthening the readers’ commitment to what they already know, that is, the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ which they heard from the beginning. It is in line with this purpose that the author begins his letter with a reminder of the origins of the gospel, the message concerning ‘the Word of life’ (of which he is a firsthand witness) which constitutes the basis of the fellowship in which he wants them to continue.

Like the Apostle John, Thomas saw the risen Christ, he touched our risen Lord, then he gave one of the most beautiful confessions of faith in Scripture:

John 20:27–29 ESV

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

have you, personally, made that confession about our Messiah, Jesus? Jesus Promises you a special blessing! Have sweet fellowship with our Lord Jesus Christ!