Out of the Darkness

1 John Introduction

Quick Facts:

Was written by the Apostle John

It was most likely written around 90-95 AD

Was written Ephesus

Purpose of writing was to combat Gnosticism(False Teaching). Belief that spirit was good but matter is bad.

VERSES 1:1-4

Has anyone ever been in such a hurry to tell someone something you don’t even say hello?

Importance of this letter- no typical introduction

John wants those he is writing to to understand that the truths of God are important and who Jesus really is matters.

To combat this false teaching- John simply lists four ways he actually say that Jesus was real. Heard Jesus- in the Greek the word actually carries a meaning that is as something he heard in he moment and something that still impacts his present, Saw Jesus-He adds with our eyes to show that it was a physical thing, not something in his mind, Looked Upon Jesus- This shows that it wasn’t something quick-they saw Him intently for years-they knew him. He touched Jesus- the phrase here is the same that would be used for a blind person to be feeling around.

So the Word was manifested in Christ. To simplify it- Jesus was made known. The mystery was revealed.

Making sense so far?

He ends the first 4 verse with talking about fellowship and joy being complete.

What do you think he is talking about?

VERSES 5-11

In the first 4 verses John is reminding us of important truths. In verse 5, he starts issuing a warning.

What is something you have ever been warned about?

Read 5-11

Who thinks they can discern why John is telling this?

Jesus taught them this

God is light

As Christians, we can’t be comfortable being in darkness.

What does he mean by darkness?

Walking in the light signifies who we stand for and that Jesus paid the penalty for our sin

If we say we have no sin, we are lying and we don’t believe who Jesus is and what He came for.

Forgiveness is key for us and when we confess our sin, He forgives us.

If we claim no sin, we don’t know Him.

VERSES 2:1-2

John tells us in these 2 verses why he is writing. We will unpack this more next week though.

He doesn’t want us to sin. BUT, if we do, and we know Jesus, we have someone who stands before us with the Father.

Being in the light is important.

What does it mean to be in the light?

Takeaways-

To be in the light, we must accept Jesus as our savior.

We must willingly admit that we sin and seek forgiveness for that sin.

We need to tell others by proclaiming the truth of who Jesus is.

How are you doing at those?