InstaStudy

A Bible Study Outline on First John

An in-depth study of 1 John focusing on the manifestation of God in Christ, walking in holiness, spiritual discernment, and the assurance of eternal life.

1. The Incarnation and Manifestation of God

1.1 The Word of Life Revealed

Verses: 1 John 1:1-2; 1 John 1:3
  • The eternal God who existed from the beginning was physically manifested in the flesh so humanity could see and touch Him.
  • Fellowship with God is experienced through His full revelation in Jesus Christ.

1.2 Jesus Christ as Advocate and God Manifest

Verses: 1 John 2:1-2; 1 John 2:22-23
  • Jesus serves as our advocate and the complete propitiation for human sin.
  • To deny that Jesus is the Christ and the embodiment of the Father is to deny the truth entirely.

2. Walking in Light and Holiness

2.1 Fellowship Through Walking in Truth

Verses: 1 John 1:5-7; 1 John 2:6
  • God is absolute light, requiring believers to walk in truth and purity to maintain true spiritual fellowship.
  • The blood of Jesus cleanses those who continuously abide in His light and pattern their lives after Him.

2.2 Overcoming Sin and Separation from the World

Verses: 1 John 2:15-17; 1 John 3:8-9
  • Believers born of God do not practice sin because His divine nature abides in them.
  • Love for worldly lusts is incompatible with genuine love for God.

3. Spiritual Discernment and Divine Love

3.1 Testing the Spirits by Apostolic Truth

Verses: 1 John 4:1-3; 1 John 4:6
  • Every spirit must be tested by acknowledging that Jesus Christ is God come in human flesh.
  • The Spirit of truth aligns completely with the apostolic doctrine and teaching.

3.2 The Nature and Perfection of Love

Verses: 1 John 4:7-10; 1 John 4:12
  • God is love by nature, demonstrated supremely by sending His Son into the world to give us life.
  • Although no one has seen God in His invisible essence, His love is perfected in us as we love one another.

4. The Testimony and Assurance of Eternal Life

4.1 The Threefold Witness and Life in the Son

Verses: 1 John 5:6-8; 1 John 5:11-12
  • The Spirit, the water, and the blood agree in one unified testimony regarding salvation.
  • Eternal life resides exclusively in Jesus Christ, giving absolute assurance to those who possess Him.

4.2 The True God and Guarding Against Idolatry

Verses: 1 John 5:20; 1 John 5:21
  • Jesus Christ is explicitly declared to be the true God and eternal life.
  • Believers are commanded to keep themselves from false concepts and representations of God.