Dig In:
Passage: 1 John 1
Dig Deeper:
Chapter Summary
DIFFERENT STYLE: We just finished reading Acts, and Luke's detailed style of reporting was really evident: lots of details and city by city accounts of what happened as the Church grew. Luke's gospel is similar. Now we're going to be spend a couple of weeks with John, and like his gospel account, these letters are more abstract, theological and flowing. Praise God for all the different voices He used to bring us His Word!
v1-4 - In a style similar to the opening of his gospel account, John makes several big claims in these opening verses: - The Word of life (Jesus), which has been around since the very beginning of time, has now appeared; - John saw the Word with his own eyes and now is spreading the message for two reasons: 1) So that you (yes, you... not just people who lived 2k years ago) might be united with the Church; 2) Because it brings John joy to spread this awesome message!
v5-10 - Sin God is light, He can't have any sin (darkness) within Him. So if a Christian is stuck in sin and making no effort to stop, they're lying to themselves if they think that's ok. But no matter how sinful a person is, the blood of Jesus is able to forgive every sin. If you think you don't have a sin problem, you're lying to yourself. If you confess your sins, Jesus will forgive and purify you.
Old Testament Reference -
Psalm 51 is one of the most beautiful confessions of sin and assurance of pardon that's ever been written.
Discuss:
Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions. For every comment or reply you post, you will receive an entry for this month's prize: a gift certificate to Seed & Stem 12:27
Pick a key verse that summarizes this chapter and put it into your own words.
Notice how many times the word 'fellowship' appears. In the context of this chapter, what does this word mean, and why is it so important?
Why is 'light' such a good metaphor for what Jesus is?
John gives the purpose for this letter in chapter 5:13. How does he accomplish this purpose in this first chapter?
Follow the AAA Prayer Pattern:
ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all (v5)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that God will keep you walking in the light, as He is in the light (v7)
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED:
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