powerpoint presentation designed by claro ruiz vicente Adult Bible Study Guide Jul Aug Sep 2009 Adult Bible Study Guide Jul Aug Sep 2009

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Ekkehardt Mueller Principal Contributor

John’s Epistles Contents 1. Jesus and the Johannine Letters 2. Experiencing the Word of Life 3. Walking in the Light: Turning Away From Sin 4. Walking in the Light: Keeping His Commandments 5. Walking in the Light: Renouncing Worldliness 6. Walking in the Light: Rejecting Antichrists 7. Living as Children of God 8. Loving Brothers and Sisters 9. Believing in the Son of God 10. Confidence 11. Important Themes in 1 John 12. John’s Letter to the Chosen Lady 13. Power Struggle INTRODUCTION FIRST EPISTLE SECOND EPISTLE THIRD EPISTLE

John’s Epistles Our Goal {5} The three epistles of John speak to issues relevant for the church today. We would do well to listen to them, because ultimately, it is God who is speaking to us through John’s words, the God who has revealed to us truths about a greater and firmer foundation upon which we can rest: our Creator and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

John’s Epistles Lesson 11, September 12 John’s Epistles Lesson 11, September 12

Important Themes in 1 John Key Text 1 John 3:2 NASB “ Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we shall be. We know that, when He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him just as He is.”

Important Themes in 1 John Initial Words {148} According to John, authentic Christianity has three marks: (1) belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who has come in the flesh; (2) observance of the commandments of God; and (3) love toward God and others. John wants to lay a solid foundation and help his audience have assurance through faith in Jesus Christ as proclaimed in Scripture.

Important Themes in 1 John Quick Look 1. Jesus the Son of God (1 John 2:22, 23) 2. The Commandments of God (1 John 2:3, 4) 3. Love God and Fellowmen (1 John 4:20, 21)

Important Themes in 1 John 1. Jesus the Son of God 1 John 2:22, 23 LB “And who is the greatest liar? The one who says that Jesus is not Christ. … He does not believe in God the Father and in his Son. For a person who doesn’t believe in Christ, God’s Son, can’t have God the Father either. But he who has Christ, God’s Son, has God the Father also.”

1.Jesus the Son of God The Godhead {138} In 1 John we are given a glimpse of the Godhead: the Father (1 John 2:16), the Son (vs 23), and the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:6). The main emphasis, however, is on Jesus and the Father. God is light and that darkness (evil) is not found in Him. God is righteous and that He is love. It tells us what the Lord is doing for us.

1.Jesus the Son of God The Godhead {138} The letter refers to Christ’s coming in human flesh, as well as His death for us, which offers us the oåpportunity to have eternal life. God forgives our sins, cleanses us, intercedes for us, and gives is eternal life. The bottom line is that it is the Cross and the blood of Jesus alone that saves us, nothing else.

For John, the salvation of the believers is a present reality. They have come to know Him (2:2, 3). They are in Him (2:5, 5:20). Their sins have been forgiven (2:12). They have overcome the evil one (vs 13). They have passed from death to life (4:14). The have eternal life (5:12, 13). 1.Jesus the Son of God Salvation {142}

Important Themes in 1 John 2. The Commandments of God 1 John 2:3, 4 RSV “And by this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He who says ‘I know him’ but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

2. The Commandments of God Christian Behavior {144} Although John deals with erroneous theology, he again and again deals with ethics. Theology informs ethics and that a wrong theology can lead to wrong actions. A wrong understanding, for instance, of the law and grace has caused untold millions to trample on God’s Sabbath.

2. The Commandments of God Christian Behavior {144} Although Paul is more detailed than John (see, for example, Eph 4:25–5:21), John has summarized all of this when he points to keeping God’s commandments and walking as Jesus walked and lived (2:6). For John, truth isn’t just something believed; it is something lived out.

2. The Commandments of God Truth and Lies {146} John makes it very clear that there is a sharp distinction between truth and lies. A liar is a person who makes unsubstantiated claims, who confesses to love and does not keep the commandments. Sincere Christians know the truth, love the truth, and belong to the truth. Truth is both intellectually grasped and practiced.

1 John 4:20, 21 MSG “If anyone boasts ‘I love God,’ and goes right on hating his brother and sister, … he is a liar. If he won’t love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can’t see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You’ve got to love both.” Important Themes in 1 John 3. Love God and Fellowmen

The Church {140} It seems that the church primarily is portrayed as a family. There is the heavenly Father (12 times). The church members are “children” (13 times), “fathers and young men” (each twice), and “brothers” (13 times). These imply a certain kind of intimacy, a close relationship and love for each other, and contain the notion of belonging together.

3. Love God and Fellowmen The Church {140} Everyone is needed, and everyone has a place in God’s family. In addition, this family includes the Godhead. Consequently, this community has a horizontal and a vertical dimension. As members of the church, we are literally part of the family of God.

Important Themes in 1 John Final Words {148} Today, 1 John is very much needed, because all sorts of false ideas are being promoted. John calls his audience, and us, not to believe everyone and not to accept uncritically new doctrines but to test whether or not a teaching is truly biblical. Discernment to distinguish truth from error is needed.