Fellowship with God: A Study of 1 John 1
A Bible study outline focusing on 1 John 1, exploring fellowship with God and the importance of confessing sin.
1. The Incarnation and Apostolic Witness (1 John 1:1-4)
1.1 The Word of Life
Verses: 1 John 1:1
- The Apostle John emphasizes the tangible reality of Jesus Christ: that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, seen, looked upon, and handled.
- This highlights the importance of a personal encounter with the manifested Word, not just intellectual assent.
1.2 Manifestation and Revelation
Verses: 1 John 1:2
- The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and declare unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.
- This manifestation is the basis of the apostles' testimony and the foundation of our faith.
1.3 Fellowship with the Father and the Son
Verses: 1 John 1:3-4
- The purpose of the apostolic message is to bring believers into fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.
- This fellowship is not merely a concept but a lived reality, characterized by shared life and communion.
- Joy is a byproduct of genuine fellowship with God and with one another.
2. Walking in the Light (1 John 1:5-7)
2.1 God is Light
Verses: 1 John 1:5
- God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. This is the fundamental truth about God's nature.
- Light represents truth, holiness, and purity, while darkness symbolizes falsehood, sin, and impurity.
2.2 The Consequences of False Claims
Verses: 1 John 1:6
- If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.
- Professing fellowship with God while continuing in sin is a contradiction and a deception.
2.3 Walking in the Light Defined
Verses: 1 John 1:7
- Walking in the light means living in accordance with God's truth and holiness, reflecting His character in our lives.
- This lifestyle results in fellowship with one another and cleansing from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ.
3. Confession and Forgiveness (1 John 1:8-10)
3.1 The Deceit of Self-Righteousness
Verses: 1 John 1:8
- If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
- Denying our sinfulness is a form of self-deception that prevents us from experiencing God's grace and forgiveness.
3.2 The Promise of Forgiveness
Verses: 1 John 1:9
- If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- Confession is the key to receiving God's forgiveness and cleansing. It involves acknowledging our sins to God with a sincere heart.
3.3 Making God a Liar
Verses: 1 John 1:10
- If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
- Denying our sinfulness not only deceives ourselves but also contradicts God's Word, which declares that all have sinned.