Lesson 1: 1 John 1:1-4
I John 1:1-2
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
Background Information
It is believed that the “John” God used to write this book was the Apostle John, whom God also used to write the Gospel of John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation.
Related Scriptures
John 1:1-14 (Keep in mind that “the Word” in this chapter refers to Jesus Christ.)
John 17:3
John 20:26-28
Acts 1:1-3
Revelation 1:8
Questions
1. Who does John 1:1-3 say was in the beginning?
2. Which of the “Related Scriptures” above would suggest that the disciples literally handled, or touched, Jesus?
3. According to John 17:3 what is the source and meaning of eternal life?
4. Based on what you’ve read here and what you know of the gospel, is eternal life a certainty for those who know it through Jesus Christ? a) How do we know about eternal life? b) Is it something we figured out for ourselves?
1 John 1:3-4
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Related Scriptures
Psalm 16:11
John 16:24
John 17:11 (This is part of a prayer Jesus prayed shortly before his execution.)
2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Ephesians 2:11-19
Questions
1. Did John and the other apostles preach a gospel they’d figured out by philosophy or something they’d learned by direct personal experience?
2. Does Christian fellowship include only the church or do we also relate to God?
3. How does reconciliation with God lead to reconciliation and fellowship with others? (Back your answer with Scripture.)
4. Where can we find real and complete joy?
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