SPRING 2015 • LESSON 1
Introduction
The overall theme of 1 John is “a recall to the fundamentals of the faith” or “back to the basics of Christianity.” John emphasized the need for obedience to God’s laws, for he defined the true love of God as obedience to His commandments. (5:3)
John MacArthur
The MacArthur Bible Handbook, pp. 497–498
Day One
Read 1 John 1:1–2:2, focusing on verses 1–4; The Incarnate Word
1.From the last lecture, which introduced 1, 2, and 3 John, write a brief summary of the letter’s historical context, the author and the issues addressed.
2.In verses 1–2, to whom is John referring when he writes of “the life was manifested” (NASB)?
3.In verse 1, what does the phrase “that which was from the beginning” teach about the nature of Jesus?
a.What is the relationship between that truth and the gospel message?
4.From verses 1–3, what claims does John make about himself, and why is thatsignificant?
a.Why is the historic nature of Christ’s incarnation important?
5.From 1 John 1:4, 2:1, and 5:13, identify the three purposes of this letter.
Day Two
Read 1 John 1:1–2:2, focusing on verses 1–4; Fellowship with God
1.In verses 2–3, what message did John “proclaim” to his readers? How is that proclamation an example for believers today?
2.In verse 3, what benefit results from the proclamation of truth?
a.What does it mean to have fellowship with God? Use Scripture to support your answer.
b.Find three other references that teach about the basis or benefit of a believer’s fellowship.
3.From Luke 2:10–11, John 15:10–11,John 16:22–24, and John 16:33, list aspects of biblical joy.
4.From Philippians 2:1–11 what elements does Paul list that contribute to and complete his joy?
a.How does this relate to John’s desire for believers’ joy to be complete?
5.How is the overall understanding of a believer’s joy related to John’s proclamation in 1 John 1:3?
Day Three
Read 1 John 1:1–2:2, focusing on verse 5–7; God Is Light
1.What message does John declare in verse 5? In your own words, rewrite this message to communicate to others today.
2.Read Exodus 33:17–23 and Isaiah 6:1–5and identify attributes of God listed in these passages.
a.If you were meditating on God’s holiness, would there be anything in your life that would change? Why or why not? What are some practical consequences of dwelling on God's holiness?
3.Light and darkness are used as symbols throughout the Bible. Using the references provided, describe how light is used as a symbol in each of the followingcategories.
a.Moral Light: Isaiah 5:20; Ephesians 5:8–14
b.Believers’ Light: Matthew 5:14–16; Acts 13:46–47
c.The Word as Light: Proverbs 6:23; Psalm 119:105, 130; 2 Peter 1:19
d.Christ as Light: John 1:1–14; Isaiah 42:6, 49:6; Luke 2:30–32
e.From the verses above and 2 Corinthians 4:4–6, what does it mean that God is Light and there is no darkness in Him?
Day Four
Read 1 John 1:1–2:2, focusing on verses 8–10; Sin and the Light
1.Find two references that describe what it means to walk in darkness. Why is it a lie to walk in darkness and claim fellowship with God?
2.How do believers practice the truth? Try to relate this to the analogy of light and darkness.
a.Pick one area where you need to grow in practicing truth and write down three practical steps to implement that growth.
3.According to Mark 7:20–23, where does sin originate, and how does this relate to 1 John 1:8 and 10?
a.From John 3:19–20, why do people love the darkness?
4.From1 John 1:7 and 9 and 2:1–2, how can a sinner be cleansed from sin and have fellowship with God?
5.Take time to examine your life and whether you walk in light or in darkness, and write a brief prayer of confession and repentance to God. If you are uncertain where you stand before the Lord, talk to your leader or another woman in EWG and ask them to explain the gospel to you.
Day Five
Read I John 1:1–2:2, focusing on verses 1:8–2:2; Right Living
1.How is Jesus described in 2:1? Use a dictionary to define that term and then, in your own words, write what that means within the context of your own spiritual life.
2.Use a dictionary to define “propitiation.”
a.ReadLuke 24:44–47; Acts 20:28; Romans 3:23–25 and 5:1, 10–11; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 2 Corinthians 5:18–19; and 1 Peter 1:18–21. How do these passages deepen your understanding of this central doctrine of the Christian faith?
3.Following Jude’s example in his doxology of praise in Jude 24–25, take time to write a prayer of praise to God for His great love for you in reveling Himself and providing a way to enjoy fellowship with Him.
ShannonMarch 18, 2015
1 John 1:1–2:1
Tests of Doctrine
1. The Joy of Fellowship with the “Word of Life”(1:1–4)
2. The Truth of Fellowship as We “Walk in the Light”(1:5–2:2)