Scripture reading: 1 Jn 1:1-10 Life in Him Scripture reading: 1 Jn 1:1-10

Introduction John was probably an old man when he wrote 1 John Around 70 AD when the Romans destroyed the Jerusalem and the temple, John left Jerusalem and moved to Ephesus where he probably authored the book John has four main points to this epistle Promote his readers fellowship and joy (1:4) To encourage readers to avoid the pitfalls of sin and find forgiveness when they stumble (2:1) To protect believers from false teachers (2:26) To let believers know they have eternal life (5:13) Life in Him is the theme of this book

The relationship to “Life in Him” 1:1-4 Life in Jesus is through the Word John 1:1 states that Jesus is the Word; He is the living Word who possesses this life in eternal fellowship with God The Phrase “From the beginning” in 1 John 1:1 shows the infinity of Jesus and shows us the eternal purpose of God for sending Him Three human senses are used and their sense tenses show the reality of Christ’s humanity and the qualifications of John to write “We have heard” and “We have seen” portray continuous action “We have touched” portrays repetition John made contact with Jesus time and time again

The relationship to “Life in Him” 1:1-4 Life is properly manifested John said he had experienced life in Christ and now testified of it to his readers His testimony is valid because of his experience (1:2) John goes on to say “You” meaning all can have eternal life also This divine life is fellowship with other believers and with God There is real joy in this fellowship and sharing it with others True joy comes from fellowship with God and the joy is overflowing when it is shared with others

“Life in Him” is manifested in our conduct (1:5-10) Believers do three things We proclaim the message (1:5) The word “declare” in the King James version means to give a report Believers give a “report” of what Christ has done for them and can do for others We walk in the light (1:6-7) We tell the truth about sin Rom 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Rom 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Couple more verses on conduct Mt 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Col 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 1 Pet 3:15-17 “15 But sanctify the Lord God[a] in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; 16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

A closer look at claims made in vs 6-10 One cannot have fellowship with God and walk in darkness (1:6) The idea of walking refers to our conduct and character God is light; light is a symbol of splendor and purity, since God is light, it is not possible to have fellowship with Him while walking in darkness Walking in darkness means: Pursuing daily tasks without considering God’s will Living according to worldly standards and seeking selfish goals Excluding the light that is God Walking in the light means: Living a righteous life (doing the will of God) Being in fellowship with God and one another

A closer look at claims made in vs 6-10 John opposes the claim that we can have no sin (1:8) These words imply no guilt or no principle of sin The Word clearly teaches that all are guilty of sin and responsible for it. (Rom 3:23) We are not to deny it or try to explain it away The sinner is shown what to do with the sin: confess it To confess means to agree with God and say, “Yes, I am a sinner” The claim that one has no sin is to call God a liar (1:10) Many passages such as Rom 3:23 point out that all have sinned The message of the Bible is that man is sinful but God has provided salvation for them through Jesus Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection

Conclusion True life-really living-is fellowship with God which is made possible through faith and obedience The greatest sense of joy is found in serving Christ, and the highest form of service consists of teaching others His will If you have not yet acted in obedience, now is the time If you have acted in obedience but have not been serving as you should, you can confess that now and begin living this “Life in Him” once again