Chapter 1
-The introduction to this letter has no salutation, and may
therefore be considered more of a treatise or pamphlet type of literature under
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. John begins from the beginning in stating
the eternality of the Lord. He is also referring to the coming of Christ Jesus
in His incarnation to which he was an eyewitness, actually touching the Savior
with his own hands. Christ came as the “Word of life” made manifest, and John
makes claim to have seen Him in life (resurrected life), he has testified to
this life, and he proclaims it for the purpose of eternal life unto the
receivers of his message. He wants the audience to have this fellowship
together in the Spirit of the Lord so that everyone’s joy may be made complete
(1 John 1:1-4). *Application* The Lord lives and we are to be like John in
relating what we know to be true to everyone around us. Just like John, and the
others apostles, we must be ready to give an account for the joy and hope that
is within us for Kingdom of God growth (1 Peter 3:15). We may not have been
able to see the incarnate risen Savior, but we have experienced His life
changing power and His abiding presence. We have love to give and share with
others!
-God is Light. This is a common theme in John’s writing
going back to his gospel account. There is no darkness in Him at all. If we say
we have fellowship with Him yet continue to walk in the darkness, we lie and do
not practice the truth. Here is the canonical tie with the book of James and
the apostles who promote Christian holy living in addition to inner faith and
verbal confession. *Application* Christ is about life change. When we come to Him,
He transforms us into new creations for good works in this world (2 Corinthians
5:17). Continuing in habitual sin is a double standard that refutes who we are
supposed to be. The most miserable person in the world is one who has the
Spirit of the Living God inside of them, yet lives like the world with sin and
corruption. If you are in this state, turn back to God confess your errors. He
is faithful and just to forgive you of every iniquity and cleanse you from all
unrighteousness. Holy living is expected for the true believer. Walking in the
Light gives us fellowship with our Lord and each other as we are cleansed by
His blood (1 John 1:5-9).
Verses to Memorize: 1
John 1:8-9
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