A Letter from the Apostle John First John

Many ways of approach to preaching

Three Things This letter is from a first hand witness who was with Jesus during his entire ministry. There are some who would change the facts for their own reasons and interests. Love plays a central role in keeping you safe within God’s keeping.

The larger view of John’s First letter His information about Jesus Christ is based on first hand eye to eye ear to ear contact

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

We Proclaim To You

As you read this letter you get the impression that there were some teaching a different message This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. [1John 1:5 NIV]

Whoever says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. [1John 2:4 NIV] Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. [1John 2:6 NIV]

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. [1Jo 2:9 NIV] As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. [1John 2:24 NIV]

I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. [1John 2:26 NIV] Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. [1John 3:7 NIV]

5 They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood. [1John 4:5-6 NIV]

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, [1John 5:1-3 NIV]

Love defined and employed In these five chapters the word love is used 35 times in 24 verses. 16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. [1John 3:16 NIV]

Love is actions and truth 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. [1John 3:17-18 NIV]

Love is expensive 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. [1John 4:20-21 NIV]

This is how we know 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, [1John 5:2-3 NIV]

What does this love look like? [Romans 12:3 NIV] 3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [Romans 12:4-5 NIV]

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [Romans 12:6-7 NIV]

8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. [Romans 12:8-9 NIV]

10 Be devoted to one another in love 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. [Romans 12:10-12 NIV]

13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. [Romans 12:13-15 NIV]

16 Live in harmony with one another 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [Romans 12:16-17 NIV]

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. [Romans 12:18-19 NIV]

20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. [Romans 12:20-21 NIV]

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. [1Corinthians 13:13 NIV]