John & His Letters
John was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus (Matthew 10:2-4). Along with Peter and his brother James, John was part of Jesus' inner circle of disciples (Mark 5:37; 9:2; 14:33). John was a prominent leader of the early Christian church (Galatians 2:9), and according to tradition, became the bishop of the church at Ephesus. John wrote the gospel of John, the letters of John (1, 2, and 3 John), and Revelation. 1 John was likely written between AD 85 and 95 (after the gospel of John), making it one of the last New Testament writings. Apparently, the recipients of the letter had been influenced by false teaching. John wrote to expose this false teaching, and also to give the believers a measure of assurance concerning their relationship with God.

Proclamation: The Incarnation was Real!

1. Read 1 John 1:1-4. What is "the Word of life?" What is "the life?"

"God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2a, NIV)

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"
(John 1:1, NIV)

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14, NIV)

"In him (Christ) was life" (John 1:4a, cf. 1 John 5:11-12)

Jesus said, "I am … the life" (John 11:25; 14:6)

2. What is John attempting to communicate? How does he substantiate (prove to be true) his message?

3. Today, there are still various beliefs about Jesus Christ. Is John's testimony still convincing today? Why or why not? What is needed for people today to accept John's proclamation?

"Then Jesus told them, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen me and yet have believed" (John 20:29, NIV)

Reflection
† What do you believe about Jesus? What is the basis for your belief?
† As a believer, do you think your testimony (in both life and word) is "convincing?"

Purpose of Proclamation: Fellowship

4. John says, "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us" (1 John 1:3a, NIV, emphasis mine). The word "fellowship" means "having in common, sharing, participating together." What is the basis for fellowship in this passage?

Reflection
† Do you desire fellowship? Are you experiencing true fellowship in the Christian community? How can your experience of fellowship improve?

Motivation for Proclamation: Joy
John says, "We write this to make our joy complete" (1 John 1:4, NIV, emphasis mine). In other words, he "cannot be completely happy so long as some of those for whom he feels responsible are not experiencing the full blessings of the gospel (good news)" (Marshall, 105).

Reflection
† Do you share John's joy? Why or why not?
† As a believer, do you share John's heart for others? Is your own joy "made complete" by helping others experience the full blessings of the gospel?

Bibliography
Marshall, I. Howard. The Epistles of John. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1978.
Stott, John R.W. The Letters of John. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1988.