Lesson 1: Introduction & The Problem of Sin

Introductory Matters Author Recipients of First John The apostle John, son of Zebedee From Ephesus in later years of his life (Irenaeus) Recipients of First John Generally, Christians everywhere (universal) Primarily, perhaps Christians in Ephesus Likely his own Gentile converts (2:1; 5:21) Recipients of Second & Third John Second – “elect lady,” probably Christian woman Third – “Gaius,” dependable & hospitable man

Introductory Matters Date Traditionally, late first century (90-94 AD) From an elderly man to “little children” Striking similarities between Gospel & epistles Key words: life, light, love, darkness, truth, know Vivid contrasts: life & death, light & darkness, children of God/devil; love of God/the world Christ is the Word; Jesus is only begotten Son; begin & end with same idea; many parallel thoughts, words and phrases Emphasis on “love” & “know”

The Problem of Sin The meaning of sin (1:5-6; 3:4; 5:17) Sin is “walk[ing] in darkness” (1:5-6) Darkness describes attitudes, activities & behaviors contrary to God’s expressed will Characterize a life without Jesus (2:8) Describe immorality of a godless life (Jn. 3:19) Portray enemies of Christianity (Eph. 6:12) Identify anything unfruitful for Christian (Ep. 5:11)

The Problem of Sin The meaning of sin (1:5-6; 3:4; 5:17) Sin is “walk[ing] in darkness” (1:5-6) Sin is “commit[ing] lawlessness” (3:4) Breaking, violating or going against the law of God A person who rebels against God, choosing not to be governed by His divine revelation “Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matt. 7:21-23) Sin of “commission”

The Problem of Sin The meaning of sin (1:5-6; 3:4; 5:17) Sin is “walk[ing] in darkness” (1:5-6) Sin is “commit[ing] lawlessness” (3:4) Sin is “all unrighteousness” (5:17; cf. 2:4) “All of Your commandments are righteous” (Ps. 119:172) If fail to keep, result is unrighteous/sin (cf. 2 Tm. 2:19) Must obey or “do the will of My Father in heaven” (Matt. 7:21) “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Sin of “omission”

The Problem of Sin The prevalence of sin (1:8-10; 2:1-2; 5:17-19) Sin is a universal problem of humanity (5:19; 2:2) Even Christians perpetually struggle with sin (1:8-10; his readers were Christians, 2:12) The sin of commission (3:4) The sin of omission (5:17) The sin of worldliness (2:15-17) The sin of lying and hatred (1:6; 2:4, 9-11; 3:15; 4:20) The sin of religious error (2:18-28; 4:1-4; 2 Jn. 9-11) Sin is prevalent because sin is deceptive (1:8; 3:7-8) The deceptive nature of sin is charmed by the tempter

The Problem of Sin The consequences of sin (1:5-10; 3:4-9; 5:16-17) We find ourselves separated from God (1:5-7; 3:6) Barrier to fellowship with God (1:6; cf. 2:9-11) Light (God) & darkness (sin) cannot have fellowship (1:5, 7-8; 3:6-8) We neither possess nor practice the truth (1:6, 8, 10; 2:4) Truth (God’s Word [Jn. 17:17] & that which sets us free from sin [Jn. 8:32-34]) is expressed through our daily actions, attitudes & behaviors

The Problem of Sin The consequences of sin (1:5-10; 3:4-9; 5:16-17) We find ourselves separated from God We neither possess nor practice the truth We are guilty of self-deception (1:8) Sin will blind us to sin One who is “deceived” is led away from right/truth Sin leads us astray from God’s truth to embrace the lies of the devil (3:7-8) We may eventually commit “the sin leading to death” (5:16-17) – cf. 1:9 A Christian with an impenitent heart & an unwillingness to confess his sins has shut the door to forgiveness

The Problem of Sin The proper response to sin (1:6-10) Willingly & humbly confess our sins to God (1:7,9) “Confess” = “agree, speak the same thing” Confession – agreement with God we are guilty of sin Our confession must include: An admission of our guilt, from a broken heart (1:9) An admission of our personal responsibility (1:8-9) Penitently pray & ask for God’s forgiveness (1:9)

The Problem of Sin The proper response to sin (1:6-10) Willingly & humbly confess our sins to God (1:7,9) Penitently pray & ask for God’s forgiveness (1:9) Must never deny our sins or that we are sinners (1:6-10) By denying that sin has an effect on our relationship with God (1:6) By denying that sin exists in our lives (1:8) By denying that we have ever sinned (1:10)