1 John 5 Chapters

1 John: Fellowship Barometer

1 John 1:1-4 “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. And we proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”

1 John 1:6-7; 5:13 “If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in darkness we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he himself is the light, we have fellowship with one another…” (1:6-7) “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (5:13)

Introduction to 1 John Author: John, the apostle (according to church tradition) Audience: Christians confronted with false teaching about Jesus. Reason for Writing: John wrote to help his readers determine how to tell who possessed eternal life (1:4; 2:1; 5:13) and who was a false teacher (2:26).

Facts about Antichrists… There are many antichrists (2:18). They deny Jesus as the Christ, as come “in the flesh”, and as from God (2:22; 4:1-3). The spirit of the antichrist is already in the world (4:3).

Question… How can you tell if someone has eternal life and is therefore not a false teacher? Obedience to God’s commands (1:5-2:6; 3:4-10; 4:7-5:21) Love toward others (2:7-17; 3:11-24; 4:7-5:21) Faith in Jesus As come in the flesh, a human being (4:1-6) As “the Christ” (2:18-3:3) As “son of God” (4:7-5:21)

Facts about true Christians… Born of God: (1) obey and do not continue in sin (2:29; 3:9-10; 5:18), (2) love others (3:10; 4:7), and (3) believe that Jesus is the Christ (5:1). Know God: (1) obey his commands and do not continue in sin (2:3; 3:6), (2) love others (4:8), and (3) listen to the truth (4:6). Live in God and have His Spirit: (1) obey his commands and do not continue in sin (3:6, 24), (2) love one another (4:12-13), (3) confess Jesus as the Son of God (4:15).

2 John 1 Chapter

2 John: Bolt the Door

2 John 1:10-11 “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.”

Introduction to 2 John Author: The Elder (1:1a) John the apostle according to church tradition. Audience: The chosen lady and her children (1:1b) A literal woman or figurative for the church? Reason for Writing: To warn about false teachers (1:7-11)

Warning about Deceivers They do not acknowledge Jesus as “coming in the flesh” (1:7a). They are antichrists (1:7b). They destroy the work of the church (1:8). They do not follow the teaching of Christ (1:9). They should not be allowed into the church (1:10-11).

3 John 1 Chapter

3 John: Open the Door

3 John 1:8 “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.”

Introduction to 3 John Author: The Elder (1:1a) Audience: Gaius (1:1b) John the apostle, according to church tradition Audience: Gaius (1:1b) Reason for Writing: To encourage Gaius to keep showing hospitality to Christian missionaries.

Hospitality… Show hospitality to Christian missionaries (1:2-8). Diotrephes is bad example of hospitality (1:9-10). Demetrius is a good example to follow (1:11-12).

Lessons from John’s Letters 1 John: Faith in Jesus as “come in the flesh,” as “the Christ,” and as “Son of God,” sacrificial love, and obedience to God’s commandments are the marks of those who possess eternal life. 2 John: Keep false teachers out of the church. 3 John: Show hospitality to Christian teachers, missionaries, and workers.

Assignment: Complete 1, 2, 3 John Antichrist Avoider Partners okay!