Introduction to 1 John

Temple Baptist Church - 1-29-2014

1 John 1:1-2

 

Introduction:

A. Written by John the Beloved about 90 AD. John also authored the gospel of John, 1, 2, 3 John, and Revelation. There are 5 chapters, 105 verses, 2523 words. It is not a large book but one that has been so important to God’s “little children” through the ages.

1. The Central Theme of the Book – Fellowship in Christ

2. The Key Word of the Book – Know

3. The Key Verse of the Book – 5:13

B. The person of John:

1. John was one of the original 12 apostles.

2. John was one of the inner circle of apostles: Peter, James, and John.

3. John was known as “The Beloved” or “The Disciple Whom The Lord Loveth.”

4. John was one of the first two apostles called by Christ.

5. John was one of the “pillars” of the church at Jerusalem. (Galatians 2:9)

6. John lived in Ephesus and was exiled on the Isle of Patmos for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

C. The purpose for the Book set forth:

1. The increasing threat of false teaching within the church.

2. The importance of fellowship that comes only through walking in light.

3. The possibility of sinfulness of the saints while reassuring them of propitiation and the forgiveness of the penitent.

4. The expose the reality of a seductive world and its pleasures.

5. The refutation of Gnosticism’s view of the material world as evil: this lead to either asceticism or licentiousness.

6. The set forth true tests of personal salvation that produces spiritual results.

7. To reinforce the believer’s positional sanctification with all of its security.

8. To reassure the believer in the matter of victory over the world, eternal salvation’ and to give blessed assurance.

9. To remind the believer of the importance of and the promise of answered prayers.

10. To warn the believer against idolatry: idols that are metal and idols that are mental.