Introduction
First John is a general epistle written to Christians. It was written so that believers may know that they have eternal life (1 John 5:13). In this letter, deep spiritual truths are narrated in simple sentences. This is a practical letter in which the moral and practical applications of the Gospel are explained. The writer begins the letter by affirming the fact that God is light. Those who want fellowship with God must walk in light and not in darkness. God is love. Since Christians are the children of God, they must walk in love. If we do not love, we do not know God. Love is more than just word, it is action. Biblical love is more than emotion and unconditional in its nature. It is sacrificial giving and not getting. Spiritual life begins with new birth. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of truth. God is light. Therefore, to fellowship with Him we must walk in light and not is darkness. Fellowship is the main theme of this letter. John explains the source, purpose, requirements, tests, maintenance and enemies of fellowship in this epistle.
Authorship
This letter does not mention who wrote it. But there is enough internal and external evidence to conclude that this letter was written by the writer of John’s Gospel and Revelation. The thought and vocabulary such as new commandment, eternal life, Savior of the world and works of the devil coincide with the John’s Gospel. There was a general agreement in the early church that this epistle was authored by John the apostle from Ephesus between A.D 80-90.
Background:
At that time the church was facing the crisis of the false teaching called Gnosticism. This sect professed to be Christians. They have claimed that they are the enlightened people and have additional knowledge, superior to what the apostles taught. The Gnostics took pride in their knowledge and thought that their ideas are better than the historical facts about Christ. They spiritualized the literal incarnation and resurrection of Christ. They thought that they are myths and they have only spiritual meanings. They taught that they are saved by grace so that they can do whatever they feel good. According to them matter is evil and not created by God. So it is unthinkable that God became flesh and dwelt among us. They denied the incarnation and deity of Christ. In this letter John concludes that "Gnostics" are not Christians and warned believers against the danger of their false teachings. John teaches that we can know God only through Jesus Christ. Christ alone is the embodiment of life, light, love and truth.
Authorship
This letter does not mention who wrote it. But there is enough internal and external evidence to conclude that this letter was written by the writer of John’s Gospel and Revelation. The thought and vocabulary such as new commandment, eternal life, Savior of the world and works of the devil coincide with the John’s Gospel. There was a general agreement in the early church that this epistle was authored by John the apostle from Ephesus between A.D 80-90.
Background:
At that time the church was facing the crisis of the false teaching called Gnosticism. This sect professed to be Christians. They have claimed that they are the enlightened people and have additional knowledge, superior to what the apostles taught. The Gnostics took pride in their knowledge and thought that their ideas are better than the historical facts about Christ. They spiritualized the literal incarnation and resurrection of Christ. They thought that they are myths and they have only spiritual meanings. They taught that they are saved by grace so that they can do whatever they feel good. According to them matter is evil and not created by God. So it is unthinkable that God became flesh and dwelt among us. They denied the incarnation and deity of Christ. In this letter John concludes that "Gnostics" are not Christians and warned believers against the danger of their false teachings. John teaches that we can know God only through Jesus Christ. Christ alone is the embodiment of life, light, love and truth.
Chapter 1
Fellowship with God made Possible: 1 John 1:1-4.
The epistle of first John begins with the historical account of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Christ who existed with God the Father from eternity has entered the human history as a real human being (1 John 1:1-2). God became man so that the life that is in Christ Jesus might be made manifest. John was an eye witness of Christ and associated with Him. He wrote this letter so that all who receive this testimony may have fellowship with God (1 Cor 1: 9). This fellowship is what Jesus prayed for when he was on earth (John 17:3). True joy only comes through relationship with God. These things are written so that believers may fully share the joy apostles had. Joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). It is the by-product of our fellowship with God and other Christians. The world is not capable of providing this deep seated joy and satisfaction. The joy God gives is the lasting joy which no one can take away ( Heb 11:25; Psalms 16:11). The Apostles were not ashamed of sharing this wonderful news. The foundation of Christian fellowship is the person of Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross. Christian fellowship is not sitting around a table and sipping coffee. Fellowship means, joint participation and having things in common. Those who are saved are the partakers of His divine nature. God desired fellowship with us. Through Christ God made it possible. John explains the secrets of fellowship with God and with other Christians in his letter. Someone has said “Fellowship is two fellows in one ship”. The gospel is the good news of what God has done in history by sending his Son to rescue us from the judgment of sin we deserve. Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not, why not today.
The Basis of Fellowship: 1 John 1:5, 6.
Christian fellowship starts with communion and partnership with Christ. John gives two word pictures for moral purity and evil here. God is light and in him is no darkness at all. God is absolutely righteous and there is not even one bit of darkness in Him. A person who says he is saved and habitually live in sin is lying and he is not in fellowship with God. False teachers claimed that they were in fellowship with God and at the same time continued to live according to the world standards. John concludes that it is impossible. Christians are cleansed by the blood of Christ and have a new nature. Since we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, we can live in righteousness and have fellowship with God and fellow believers. What makes the difference is the atoning death of Jesus Christ for our sins. Fellowship here refers to being born again. Sin is a fact of life and it must be dealt with (1 John 1:8). To walk in darkness means to live a life apart from God, who is the light.
How to deal with Sin: 1 John 1:7-10.
The correct way to deal with the sin is not to deny it, but to confess it and allow God to cleanse us. Confess simply means to acknowledge or agree with God when Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins. When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1:9; Ps 130:3-4). When God says He forgives our sins, we must be willing to forgive ourselves. Sad to say some believers find it difficult to forgive their past sins after being saved. If we claim we have never sinned, we make God a liar and His word is not in us (1:10). Christians are the children of God and they should reflect their Father’s character in this wicked world. God’s standards are perfect and He cannot condone sin. He knows our nature and made provision for our weaknesses (Psalms 103:14; 1 Cor 1:13). In this passage, John reminds us that when we do sin, the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Jesus paid the penalty of our sins. His death is sufficient to save the whole world but is efficient to save those who believe in Him. Someone has said "In salvation the God takes initiative. and what we contribute toward salvation is our sin". God is faithful to forgive our sin when we believe in Christ. So people need to hear the gospel to be saved. To live in fellowship means to be honest with God and with ourselves. Ask God to protect you from living in sin. Confess your sin and embrace the forgiveness Christ has promised. Are you saved and living in fellowship with Christ?
The epistle of first John begins with the historical account of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Christ who existed with God the Father from eternity has entered the human history as a real human being (1 John 1:1-2). God became man so that the life that is in Christ Jesus might be made manifest. John was an eye witness of Christ and associated with Him. He wrote this letter so that all who receive this testimony may have fellowship with God (1 Cor 1: 9). This fellowship is what Jesus prayed for when he was on earth (John 17:3). True joy only comes through relationship with God. These things are written so that believers may fully share the joy apostles had. Joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). It is the by-product of our fellowship with God and other Christians. The world is not capable of providing this deep seated joy and satisfaction. The joy God gives is the lasting joy which no one can take away ( Heb 11:25; Psalms 16:11). The Apostles were not ashamed of sharing this wonderful news. The foundation of Christian fellowship is the person of Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross. Christian fellowship is not sitting around a table and sipping coffee. Fellowship means, joint participation and having things in common. Those who are saved are the partakers of His divine nature. God desired fellowship with us. Through Christ God made it possible. John explains the secrets of fellowship with God and with other Christians in his letter. Someone has said “Fellowship is two fellows in one ship”. The gospel is the good news of what God has done in history by sending his Son to rescue us from the judgment of sin we deserve. Have you received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? If not, why not today.
The Basis of Fellowship: 1 John 1:5, 6.
Christian fellowship starts with communion and partnership with Christ. John gives two word pictures for moral purity and evil here. God is light and in him is no darkness at all. God is absolutely righteous and there is not even one bit of darkness in Him. A person who says he is saved and habitually live in sin is lying and he is not in fellowship with God. False teachers claimed that they were in fellowship with God and at the same time continued to live according to the world standards. John concludes that it is impossible. Christians are cleansed by the blood of Christ and have a new nature. Since we have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, we can live in righteousness and have fellowship with God and fellow believers. What makes the difference is the atoning death of Jesus Christ for our sins. Fellowship here refers to being born again. Sin is a fact of life and it must be dealt with (1 John 1:8). To walk in darkness means to live a life apart from God, who is the light.
How to deal with Sin: 1 John 1:7-10.
The correct way to deal with the sin is not to deny it, but to confess it and allow God to cleanse us. Confess simply means to acknowledge or agree with God when Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins. When we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1:9; Ps 130:3-4). When God says He forgives our sins, we must be willing to forgive ourselves. Sad to say some believers find it difficult to forgive their past sins after being saved. If we claim we have never sinned, we make God a liar and His word is not in us (1:10). Christians are the children of God and they should reflect their Father’s character in this wicked world. God’s standards are perfect and He cannot condone sin. He knows our nature and made provision for our weaknesses (Psalms 103:14; 1 Cor 1:13). In this passage, John reminds us that when we do sin, the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Jesus paid the penalty of our sins. His death is sufficient to save the whole world but is efficient to save those who believe in Him. Someone has said "In salvation the God takes initiative. and what we contribute toward salvation is our sin". God is faithful to forgive our sin when we believe in Christ. So people need to hear the gospel to be saved. To live in fellowship means to be honest with God and with ourselves. Ask God to protect you from living in sin. Confess your sin and embrace the forgiveness Christ has promised. Are you saved and living in fellowship with Christ?
Chapter 2
Marks of True Christian Fellowship: 1 John 2:1-6.
Christianity is not a religion but a relationship. John shows that those who believe in Jesus Christ demonstrate their faith by their obedience to Christ's command. They will have a desire to do what pleases the Lord. If someone claims “I know the Lord” and live in sin, he is a liar. Those who have true knowledge of God obey Him and the love of God is perfected in them. The secret of obedience is the love for God. They live just as the Lord Jesus lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who do not obey the Word of God are blind and do not know where they are going (2 Pet 1:9). John addresses believers "Little children". It shows his endearment toward believers. He assumes that believers can be influenced by false teachers to sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. The basis of their salvation is the atoning sacrifice of Christ. They are free from God's wrath because Jesus already endured it on their behalf. God's wrath is his settled attitude toward all that is unholy. Christ is the propitiation for our sins. The word propitiation refers to Christ's sacrifice that satisfies wrath of God against sinners. Only those who believe in Christ is rescued from the wrath of God (5:12). Those who truly believe demonstrate their faith by obedience. They obey the Lord because they love Him. This is a mark of genuine believers who are transformed by the Holy Spirit. Our obedience is the evidence of our salvation. Disobedience weakens our sense of assurance of salvation. Professing Christians receive the grace of God in vain. Are you saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Another mark of true believer is the love for the brethren. 1 John 2:7-11.
John now highlights Christ's command to love one another (2:9-11). This is not a new command. In believer’s life, love and light cannot be separated. We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). John is known as the apostle of love. Once he was known as son of thunder, which simply means hot temper. He wanted to call down fire to destroy the villagers who did not receive Christ (Luke 9:53, 54). When John was transformed by the love of Christ, he was willing to call believers “beloved” (2:7). God’s love is the agape love which carries the idea of self sacrificing love. The highest expression of divine love is revealed on the cross (Rom 5:8). There is no love like the love of dying Savior. There is a friendship love (Philia) and a sensual love (Eros). The word for sensual love is not used in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God commanded to love neighbor (Deut 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:28-34). Love is the fulfillment of God’s Law (Rom 13:8-10). It is the proof that we have passed from death unto life (1 John 3:14). Jesus said to the disciples "You are my my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). The Holy Spirit sheds abroad God’s love in our hearts (Rom 5:5). Jesus loved the world with sacrificial love (John 3:16). He loved the lowest and the highest, the oldest and the youngest. He comforted the sick and the hungry, Loved the foes and the friends. Jesus said “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15: 13). A person who claims to be saved and continues to hate his brother is still in darkness. It is impossible to be in fellowship with God and out of fellowship with fellow brothers at the same time. When we practice Christian love, there is no cause for stumbling. The best way not to become a stumbling stone is to love the brethren. Love thinks no evil, covers multitudes of sins and expels all fear (1 Cor 13:5; 1 Pet 4: 8; 1 John 4:18). When we abide in love, we will be filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22, 23). We are not only commanded to love but also enabled to love one another. Those who do not love the brethren are spiritually blind and barren.
Hindrances to Fellowship: 1 John 2:12-17.
John speaks to the various levels of spiritual maturity in his epistle. He calls believers “little children, fathers and young men". These are word pictures used to show the various levels of spiritual maturity among believers. They enjoy forgiveness, fellowship and victory in Christ. In one sense all believers are little children to God (1 John 3:1). John also assures them of his confidence in them that their sins have been forgiven. Little children are babes in the faith. Young men are strong in the faith and they overcome Satan. Fathers are the spiritually matured in knowledge and experience. John addresses the hindrances to fellowship here. Christians are in the world but not of this world. They are warned not to love the world system. Satan is the prince of this world (John 12:31). World refers to the invisible spiritual system under Satan that opposes the work of God. Unsaved are the sons of this world (Luke 16:8). World hates believers because they don't belong to this world (John 15:18). The believer’s citizenship is in heaven and they should not love the world (Phil 3:20). They should not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15). We are called to turn away from worldliness and materialism. One who continues to love the world is not of the Father (1 John 2:16). This world is passing away but whoever does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17).
Warning against False Teachers: 1 John 2:18-29.
John presents another proof of genuine faith. It is not enough to be sincere in loving God but we must also know the truth. Believers were warned against false teachers by Christ and apostles (Matt 7:15; 1 Tim 4:1). False teachers are influenced by the spirit of Satan. Satan is the father of all lies and counterfeit of truth (John 8:44). False teachers deny the deity of Jesus and work against Him. They associate with the believers but they are not born of God (Jude 19). If they were true believers, they would not have left the church (2:19). One of the proofs of true Christian is a desire to be in fellowship with the people of God. True believers agree on the doctrines of the Bible and they are in fellowship with other believers. False teachers deceive believers by claiming that they have special anointing to know the truth. John says "If false teachers had the anointing they would not have denied the deity of Jesus". John encourages the readers that they have the anointing from the Holy Spirit to know the truth (1 John 2:27; Rom 8:9; 2 Cor 1:21; John 14:26). False teachers deny that Jesus is Christ. In this context the false teachers are called "antichrists" (1 John 2:18). They do not know the truth because they do not have the Holy Spirit (Jude:19). Believers have no need to listen the false teachers because they have the Holy Spirit to guide them in all truth. Those who deny the Son deny the Father. Jesus said “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). He who honors not the Son honors not the Father who has sent Him (John 5:23). Whoever has the Son has eternal life (1 John 5:11-12). Pray that our devotion to Christ may grow more in the knowledge of him.
Christianity is not a religion but a relationship. John shows that those who believe in Jesus Christ demonstrate their faith by their obedience to Christ's command. They will have a desire to do what pleases the Lord. If someone claims “I know the Lord” and live in sin, he is a liar. Those who have true knowledge of God obey Him and the love of God is perfected in them. The secret of obedience is the love for God. They live just as the Lord Jesus lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who do not obey the Word of God are blind and do not know where they are going (2 Pet 1:9). John addresses believers "Little children". It shows his endearment toward believers. He assumes that believers can be influenced by false teachers to sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. The basis of their salvation is the atoning sacrifice of Christ. They are free from God's wrath because Jesus already endured it on their behalf. God's wrath is his settled attitude toward all that is unholy. Christ is the propitiation for our sins. The word propitiation refers to Christ's sacrifice that satisfies wrath of God against sinners. Only those who believe in Christ is rescued from the wrath of God (5:12). Those who truly believe demonstrate their faith by obedience. They obey the Lord because they love Him. This is a mark of genuine believers who are transformed by the Holy Spirit. Our obedience is the evidence of our salvation. Disobedience weakens our sense of assurance of salvation. Professing Christians receive the grace of God in vain. Are you saved by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ?
Another mark of true believer is the love for the brethren. 1 John 2:7-11.
John now highlights Christ's command to love one another (2:9-11). This is not a new command. In believer’s life, love and light cannot be separated. We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). John is known as the apostle of love. Once he was known as son of thunder, which simply means hot temper. He wanted to call down fire to destroy the villagers who did not receive Christ (Luke 9:53, 54). When John was transformed by the love of Christ, he was willing to call believers “beloved” (2:7). God’s love is the agape love which carries the idea of self sacrificing love. The highest expression of divine love is revealed on the cross (Rom 5:8). There is no love like the love of dying Savior. There is a friendship love (Philia) and a sensual love (Eros). The word for sensual love is not used in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God commanded to love neighbor (Deut 6:5; Leviticus 19:18; Mark 12:28-34). Love is the fulfillment of God’s Law (Rom 13:8-10). It is the proof that we have passed from death unto life (1 John 3:14). Jesus said to the disciples "You are my my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). The Holy Spirit sheds abroad God’s love in our hearts (Rom 5:5). Jesus loved the world with sacrificial love (John 3:16). He loved the lowest and the highest, the oldest and the youngest. He comforted the sick and the hungry, Loved the foes and the friends. Jesus said “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15: 13). A person who claims to be saved and continues to hate his brother is still in darkness. It is impossible to be in fellowship with God and out of fellowship with fellow brothers at the same time. When we practice Christian love, there is no cause for stumbling. The best way not to become a stumbling stone is to love the brethren. Love thinks no evil, covers multitudes of sins and expels all fear (1 Cor 13:5; 1 Pet 4: 8; 1 John 4:18). When we abide in love, we will be filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22, 23). We are not only commanded to love but also enabled to love one another. Those who do not love the brethren are spiritually blind and barren.
Hindrances to Fellowship: 1 John 2:12-17.
John speaks to the various levels of spiritual maturity in his epistle. He calls believers “little children, fathers and young men". These are word pictures used to show the various levels of spiritual maturity among believers. They enjoy forgiveness, fellowship and victory in Christ. In one sense all believers are little children to God (1 John 3:1). John also assures them of his confidence in them that their sins have been forgiven. Little children are babes in the faith. Young men are strong in the faith and they overcome Satan. Fathers are the spiritually matured in knowledge and experience. John addresses the hindrances to fellowship here. Christians are in the world but not of this world. They are warned not to love the world system. Satan is the prince of this world (John 12:31). World refers to the invisible spiritual system under Satan that opposes the work of God. Unsaved are the sons of this world (Luke 16:8). World hates believers because they don't belong to this world (John 15:18). The believer’s citizenship is in heaven and they should not love the world (Phil 3:20). They should not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone love the world, the love of the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15). We are called to turn away from worldliness and materialism. One who continues to love the world is not of the Father (1 John 2:16). This world is passing away but whoever does the will of God abides forever (1 John 2:17).
Warning against False Teachers: 1 John 2:18-29.
John presents another proof of genuine faith. It is not enough to be sincere in loving God but we must also know the truth. Believers were warned against false teachers by Christ and apostles (Matt 7:15; 1 Tim 4:1). False teachers are influenced by the spirit of Satan. Satan is the father of all lies and counterfeit of truth (John 8:44). False teachers deny the deity of Jesus and work against Him. They associate with the believers but they are not born of God (Jude 19). If they were true believers, they would not have left the church (2:19). One of the proofs of true Christian is a desire to be in fellowship with the people of God. True believers agree on the doctrines of the Bible and they are in fellowship with other believers. False teachers deceive believers by claiming that they have special anointing to know the truth. John says "If false teachers had the anointing they would not have denied the deity of Jesus". John encourages the readers that they have the anointing from the Holy Spirit to know the truth (1 John 2:27; Rom 8:9; 2 Cor 1:21; John 14:26). False teachers deny that Jesus is Christ. In this context the false teachers are called "antichrists" (1 John 2:18). They do not know the truth because they do not have the Holy Spirit (Jude:19). Believers have no need to listen the false teachers because they have the Holy Spirit to guide them in all truth. Those who deny the Son deny the Father. Jesus said “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). He who honors not the Son honors not the Father who has sent Him (John 5:23). Whoever has the Son has eternal life (1 John 5:11-12). Pray that our devotion to Christ may grow more in the knowledge of him.
Chapter 3
Christians Live in Fellowship: 1 John 3:1-10.
Everyone who practices righteousness is born of God. They live in anticipation of the return of Christ. How thankful that God’s great love brought us into his family! The world does not recognize the children of God because they do not know Christ. When Christ returns we shall be like him in glory because we shall see him as he is. This does not mean we shall look like Christ but we will be morally perfect like him. Now they are being conformed to the image of Christ. This process will be completed when Christ returns. Such hope must motivates us to live in purity. Believers will be recognizable by their own features in heaven. Christian hope is not a wish-full thinking but the confident expectation in the unshakable promises of God. We have this hope because we serve a risen Savior. False teachers do not have this hope because they do not have the Holy Spirit. Sin is lawlessness. Genuine believer does not practice sin because they have a new nature. Anyone who practice sinning shows that he is still in darkness. Their life style is different because they have a new nature (2 Cor 5:17). Christ came to take away our sins and to destroy the work of devil. God saved us to be conformed to the image of his Son (Rom 8:29). It does not mean believers never sin again but their life no longer characterized by sin. True believers cannot sin habitually because they have a new nature. One day they shall be like Christ. Such hope should motivate us to live in righteousness.
Christians Love One Another: 1 John 3:11-24.
Christ taught the disciples that they should love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35). This sacrificial love is the identifying mark of Christians. Hate is a sure sign that we are still under the control of Devil. Cain who was of the evil one, hated his brother and killed him because Abel’s deed was righteous. So do not be surprised if the world hates you. Loving one another is the proof that we have passed from death unto life. Everyone who habitually hates his brother is a murderer. Christ is the example of love when he laid down his life for us. We love him because he first loved us. One who has enough material goods and refuses to help his brother in need is not a true believer. Action speaks louder than words. Those who love the brethren will look forward to Christ’s return with confidence. When we confess and forsake our sins, we will have a clear conscience before God. If we don't feel guilty, we can come to God with confidence. Also this gives us the confidence to pray according to the will of God. This is the commandment that we must believe in the name of Jesus Christ and love one another. Those who abide in Christ's love will bear much fruit (John 15:5). The presence of this love gives us assurance in the face of suffering and uncertainty. John also speaks of the presence of the Spirit as another proof that God abides in us (3:24; Rom 8:9). The love generated by the Spirit is the proof of our relationship with God (Rom 8:5-7). Do you have this abiding and unfailing love of God in you life?
Everyone who practices righteousness is born of God. They live in anticipation of the return of Christ. How thankful that God’s great love brought us into his family! The world does not recognize the children of God because they do not know Christ. When Christ returns we shall be like him in glory because we shall see him as he is. This does not mean we shall look like Christ but we will be morally perfect like him. Now they are being conformed to the image of Christ. This process will be completed when Christ returns. Such hope must motivates us to live in purity. Believers will be recognizable by their own features in heaven. Christian hope is not a wish-full thinking but the confident expectation in the unshakable promises of God. We have this hope because we serve a risen Savior. False teachers do not have this hope because they do not have the Holy Spirit. Sin is lawlessness. Genuine believer does not practice sin because they have a new nature. Anyone who practice sinning shows that he is still in darkness. Their life style is different because they have a new nature (2 Cor 5:17). Christ came to take away our sins and to destroy the work of devil. God saved us to be conformed to the image of his Son (Rom 8:29). It does not mean believers never sin again but their life no longer characterized by sin. True believers cannot sin habitually because they have a new nature. One day they shall be like Christ. Such hope should motivate us to live in righteousness.
Christians Love One Another: 1 John 3:11-24.
Christ taught the disciples that they should love one another as He loved them (John 13:34-35). This sacrificial love is the identifying mark of Christians. Hate is a sure sign that we are still under the control of Devil. Cain who was of the evil one, hated his brother and killed him because Abel’s deed was righteous. So do not be surprised if the world hates you. Loving one another is the proof that we have passed from death unto life. Everyone who habitually hates his brother is a murderer. Christ is the example of love when he laid down his life for us. We love him because he first loved us. One who has enough material goods and refuses to help his brother in need is not a true believer. Action speaks louder than words. Those who love the brethren will look forward to Christ’s return with confidence. When we confess and forsake our sins, we will have a clear conscience before God. If we don't feel guilty, we can come to God with confidence. Also this gives us the confidence to pray according to the will of God. This is the commandment that we must believe in the name of Jesus Christ and love one another. Those who abide in Christ's love will bear much fruit (John 15:5). The presence of this love gives us assurance in the face of suffering and uncertainty. John also speaks of the presence of the Spirit as another proof that God abides in us (3:24; Rom 8:9). The love generated by the Spirit is the proof of our relationship with God (Rom 8:5-7). Do you have this abiding and unfailing love of God in you life?
Chapter 4
Warning against False Teachers: 1 John 4:1-6.
John warns believers against the false teachers. There are many false teachers in the world and they cannot be trusted. They should be tested by the teaching of Christ and the apostles (Acts 17:11). We are to detect whether they are from God (4:1, 6). John mentioned two ways to know whether a teaching is from God or not. First, those who deny that "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh" are not from God (1 John 4:3). True believers trust in the incarnation of Christ (John 1:14). Everyone should confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh from God to be saved. False teachers deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The second way to know if a teaching is from God is to test whether it is consistent with the teaching of the apostles. False teachers do not have the Holy Spirit and they are controlled by antichrist. The Holy Spirit always glorifies Christ. Accepting Christ as a prophet or great teacher or humanitarian is not enough. He is God incarnated in the flesh. The true believers are able to understand truth from error because they have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who lives in them is greater than the spirit who is in the world. The false teachers are inspired by the spirit of the world. They seek the approval of men rather than of God. John concludes that those who follow the Spirit of Truth will accept the teaching of the apostles as the Word of God and reject the errors (1 John 4:6). The false teachings have just enough truth to impress people but it is dangerous and deceptive. Test every teaching carefully against God's Word.
Christians Love One Another: 1 John 4:7-21.
John again exhorts believers to love one another in order to show that they are different from the false teachers. Love is the proof that our faith is real (1 John 4:7). Love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God. The proof of God’s great love is clearly seen on the cross. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). He paid the penalty of our sin to redeem us from the bondage of Satan. He loved us when we were enemies of God (Rom 5:8). Only Christ can take away our sins and give us eternal life. We love him because he first loved us (4:19). This love should motivate us to love one another. When we love each other, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12). It is the proof that we have the Holy Spirit and we are in Christ. God has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. Because Christ is our Savior and lives in us, we can love each other. Our obedience to God is not a fearful striving to please God but a thankful response to his undeserving grace toward us. There is no fear in love. This gives us confidence to stand before the judgment seat of Christ without any fear of punishment (2:28). John argues that it is impossible to love God and at the same time hate brothers (4:20). This love is more than an emotion and it should be demonstrated in action. The gospel is the good news of God's unfailing love and grace provided in Christ Jesus.
John warns believers against the false teachers. There are many false teachers in the world and they cannot be trusted. They should be tested by the teaching of Christ and the apostles (Acts 17:11). We are to detect whether they are from God (4:1, 6). John mentioned two ways to know whether a teaching is from God or not. First, those who deny that "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh" are not from God (1 John 4:3). True believers trust in the incarnation of Christ (John 1:14). Everyone should confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh from God to be saved. False teachers deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The second way to know if a teaching is from God is to test whether it is consistent with the teaching of the apostles. False teachers do not have the Holy Spirit and they are controlled by antichrist. The Holy Spirit always glorifies Christ. Accepting Christ as a prophet or great teacher or humanitarian is not enough. He is God incarnated in the flesh. The true believers are able to understand truth from error because they have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who lives in them is greater than the spirit who is in the world. The false teachers are inspired by the spirit of the world. They seek the approval of men rather than of God. John concludes that those who follow the Spirit of Truth will accept the teaching of the apostles as the Word of God and reject the errors (1 John 4:6). The false teachings have just enough truth to impress people but it is dangerous and deceptive. Test every teaching carefully against God's Word.
Christians Love One Another: 1 John 4:7-21.
John again exhorts believers to love one another in order to show that they are different from the false teachers. Love is the proof that our faith is real (1 John 4:7). Love is of God and everyone who loves is born of God. The proof of God’s great love is clearly seen on the cross. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16). He paid the penalty of our sin to redeem us from the bondage of Satan. He loved us when we were enemies of God (Rom 5:8). Only Christ can take away our sins and give us eternal life. We love him because he first loved us (4:19). This love should motivate us to love one another. When we love each other, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us (1 John 4:12). It is the proof that we have the Holy Spirit and we are in Christ. God has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. Because Christ is our Savior and lives in us, we can love each other. Our obedience to God is not a fearful striving to please God but a thankful response to his undeserving grace toward us. There is no fear in love. This gives us confidence to stand before the judgment seat of Christ without any fear of punishment (2:28). John argues that it is impossible to love God and at the same time hate brothers (4:20). This love is more than an emotion and it should be demonstrated in action. The gospel is the good news of God's unfailing love and grace provided in Christ Jesus.
Chapter 5
Fellowship Enables to Overcomes the world: 1 John 5:1-5.
Everyone who believes that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is born of God. Biblical faith is not an intellectual assent of some biblical facts but the total commitment to Jesus Christ. True believers love God and fellow believers. They do not feel it burdensome because they are characterized by the desire to obey God. Jesus told His disciples “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:23). Faith, in Christ, love for other believers and obedience to God will go together (5:1-3). Everyone born of God will overcome the world through faith in Christ. This is the saving faith that believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Only Christ enables believers to overcome the world (5:5). Believers are constantly facing the enticement from the world, the Satan and the flesh. The lust of the flesh, the lust of eyes and the pride of life are real (1 John 2:16). It is easy for us to yield to these temptations and hard to keep our minds pure. Satan will do whatever it takes to lure us away from God. We are no match for Satan. When we face temptation, Christ is our strength (2 Cor 12:9). He is able to keep us from the wicked one (James 4:7). The divine nature we received enables us stand against the lure of Satan (1 John 5:18; Luke 22: 31, 31; 1 Cor 10:13). The victory that overcomes the world is our faith in Christ.
Jesus is the Son of God: 1 John 5: 6-10.
The Spirit, water and blood bear witness that Jesus is the Son of God. False teachers taught that Jesus was merely a man on whom “the Christ had come on at His baptism and left him before crucifixion”. Scholars suggest that the water is a reference to Christ’s baptism and the blood is a common symbol of His death. At His baptism we see Father’s attestation of His Son and the descending of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus (Matt 3:13-17). "This is My beloved Son , in whom I am well pleased". When Jesus died on the Cross, Roman centurion testified of Jesus that “ Truly this was the Son of God” (Matt 27:54). By resurrection, the Father confirmed Jesus as the Son of God (Rom 1:4). The Spirit bears witness in the believer’s heart that we are the children of God (Rom 15:15-16). Scripture teaches that by the witnesses of two or three, a matter can be settled (Deuteronomy 19:15). Rejecting the witness of God makes Him a liar.
Assurance of Eternal Life: 1 John 5:11-13.
The message of the letter is that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. Eternal salvation is not gained by human effort but is granted to those who trust in Christ. Whoever has the Son has life and he who does not have the Son of God does not have eternal life. John wrote the gospel so that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ and be saved (John 20:21). But John wrote the epistle so that those who genuinely believe might have full assurance of their salvation (5:13). This confident assurance in eternal life should be manifested in their daily life. Their lives should be characterized by righteousness and love for God and the brethren. They overcome the world through faith in Christ (1 John 3:9; 3:14; 5:4). No one born of God habitually practices sin (1 John 3:9). They will turn away from false gods.
Fellowship gives Assurance of Answered Prayer: 1 John 5:14-17.
Believers who remain in fellowship have the confidence that God would answer their prayers. God is our heavenly Father. Our confidence in eternal life produces a life of prayer that is according to his will
(1 John 5:14-15). The scriptures reveal God’s will. We should study the Bible to know God's will. There is a sin that leads to death and we should not pray for that (1 John 5:1:16). Bible teachers differ on the interpretation of this verse. Some think, John is talking about the sin against the Holy Spirit. Keeping the context in mind we can conclude that this is the sin of apostasy. Apostate is the one who heard the gospel and made the profession of faith in Christ but never truly saved. They had known the facts of the Bible but they willfully deny the deity of Christ and the sufficiency of his atoning death to save them. Apostates misinterpret the grace of God and chose to live in sin. God's grace is not a license to live a sinful life. People who had sinned willfully died because of their sin in the Old Testament (Leviticus 10:1-7). When a believers do not confess and forsake their sin, they will be disciplined (Heb 12:1-13). If they continue to live in sin they may die premature death (Act 5:1-11; 1 Cor 11:30). Our God is a holy God and He will not allow His name to be disgraced. We are saved by the grace to live a holy and blameless life. To whom much is given, much shall be required.
Conclusion: 1 John 5:18-21.
John concludes that whoever is born of God does not practice sin because he has a divine nature. He is kept by the divine power of God through faith (1 Pet 1:5; Jude 24, 25; John 10: 28). We have no power within us to protect us from the devil. But as we keep ourselves in the love of God and meditate on His Word, we will have victory over sin (Psalms 119:11). False teachers are under the control of the evil one and their lives are characterized by sin. Believers know that they are born of God and have personal relationship with Christ. The purpose of writing this epistle was to give assurance of eternal life to believers. Christ came to reveal the true God. God the Father can only be known through Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 18). Jesus Christ is the true God and the source of eternal life. The whole world is influenced by the evil one. Christians do not need to live in fear because Christ is on their side. Believers must be on guard against false teachers. Do you have the assurance of salvation through Christ?
Everyone who believes that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is born of God. Biblical faith is not an intellectual assent of some biblical facts but the total commitment to Jesus Christ. True believers love God and fellow believers. They do not feel it burdensome because they are characterized by the desire to obey God. Jesus told His disciples “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:23). Faith, in Christ, love for other believers and obedience to God will go together (5:1-3). Everyone born of God will overcome the world through faith in Christ. This is the saving faith that believes that Jesus is the Son of God. Only Christ enables believers to overcome the world (5:5). Believers are constantly facing the enticement from the world, the Satan and the flesh. The lust of the flesh, the lust of eyes and the pride of life are real (1 John 2:16). It is easy for us to yield to these temptations and hard to keep our minds pure. Satan will do whatever it takes to lure us away from God. We are no match for Satan. When we face temptation, Christ is our strength (2 Cor 12:9). He is able to keep us from the wicked one (James 4:7). The divine nature we received enables us stand against the lure of Satan (1 John 5:18; Luke 22: 31, 31; 1 Cor 10:13). The victory that overcomes the world is our faith in Christ.
Jesus is the Son of God: 1 John 5: 6-10.
The Spirit, water and blood bear witness that Jesus is the Son of God. False teachers taught that Jesus was merely a man on whom “the Christ had come on at His baptism and left him before crucifixion”. Scholars suggest that the water is a reference to Christ’s baptism and the blood is a common symbol of His death. At His baptism we see Father’s attestation of His Son and the descending of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus (Matt 3:13-17). "This is My beloved Son , in whom I am well pleased". When Jesus died on the Cross, Roman centurion testified of Jesus that “ Truly this was the Son of God” (Matt 27:54). By resurrection, the Father confirmed Jesus as the Son of God (Rom 1:4). The Spirit bears witness in the believer’s heart that we are the children of God (Rom 15:15-16). Scripture teaches that by the witnesses of two or three, a matter can be settled (Deuteronomy 19:15). Rejecting the witness of God makes Him a liar.
Assurance of Eternal Life: 1 John 5:11-13.
The message of the letter is that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. Eternal salvation is not gained by human effort but is granted to those who trust in Christ. Whoever has the Son has life and he who does not have the Son of God does not have eternal life. John wrote the gospel so that we may believe that Jesus is the Christ and be saved (John 20:21). But John wrote the epistle so that those who genuinely believe might have full assurance of their salvation (5:13). This confident assurance in eternal life should be manifested in their daily life. Their lives should be characterized by righteousness and love for God and the brethren. They overcome the world through faith in Christ (1 John 3:9; 3:14; 5:4). No one born of God habitually practices sin (1 John 3:9). They will turn away from false gods.
Fellowship gives Assurance of Answered Prayer: 1 John 5:14-17.
Believers who remain in fellowship have the confidence that God would answer their prayers. God is our heavenly Father. Our confidence in eternal life produces a life of prayer that is according to his will
(1 John 5:14-15). The scriptures reveal God’s will. We should study the Bible to know God's will. There is a sin that leads to death and we should not pray for that (1 John 5:1:16). Bible teachers differ on the interpretation of this verse. Some think, John is talking about the sin against the Holy Spirit. Keeping the context in mind we can conclude that this is the sin of apostasy. Apostate is the one who heard the gospel and made the profession of faith in Christ but never truly saved. They had known the facts of the Bible but they willfully deny the deity of Christ and the sufficiency of his atoning death to save them. Apostates misinterpret the grace of God and chose to live in sin. God's grace is not a license to live a sinful life. People who had sinned willfully died because of their sin in the Old Testament (Leviticus 10:1-7). When a believers do not confess and forsake their sin, they will be disciplined (Heb 12:1-13). If they continue to live in sin they may die premature death (Act 5:1-11; 1 Cor 11:30). Our God is a holy God and He will not allow His name to be disgraced. We are saved by the grace to live a holy and blameless life. To whom much is given, much shall be required.
Conclusion: 1 John 5:18-21.
John concludes that whoever is born of God does not practice sin because he has a divine nature. He is kept by the divine power of God through faith (1 Pet 1:5; Jude 24, 25; John 10: 28). We have no power within us to protect us from the devil. But as we keep ourselves in the love of God and meditate on His Word, we will have victory over sin (Psalms 119:11). False teachers are under the control of the evil one and their lives are characterized by sin. Believers know that they are born of God and have personal relationship with Christ. The purpose of writing this epistle was to give assurance of eternal life to believers. Christ came to reveal the true God. God the Father can only be known through Jesus Christ (John 1:14, 18). Jesus Christ is the true God and the source of eternal life. The whole world is influenced by the evil one. Christians do not need to live in fear because Christ is on their side. Believers must be on guard against false teachers. Do you have the assurance of salvation through Christ?
