InstaStudy

Exploring the Gospel of John: Chapter 1

A study of the foundational truths presented in the first chapter of John, revealing the divine nature of Jesus and His role in salvation.

1. The Eternal Word

1.1 The Word's Pre-existence

Verses: John 1:1-2
  • In the beginning was the Word, emphasizing the Word's eternal nature.
  • The Word was with God, highlighting the relationship within the Godhead.
  • The Word was God, declaring the divine essence of the Word.

1.2 The Word as Creator

Verses: John 1:3
  • All things were made through Him, establishing the Word's role in creation.
  • Without Him nothing was made that has been made, reinforcing His essential part in all existence.

2. The Light and Life

2.1 Life in Him

Verses: John 1:4
  • In Him was life, indicating the Word as the source of all life.
  • The life was the light of men, connecting divine life with spiritual illumination.

2.2 The Light Shines in Darkness

Verses: John 1:5
  • The light shines in the darkness, symbolizing the Word's revelation in a world of spiritual darkness.
  • The darkness has not overcome it, affirming the power and invincibility of the divine light.

3. John the Baptist's Testimony

3.1 A Witness to the Light

Verses: John 1:6-8
  • A man sent from God, John's divine appointment as a forerunner.
  • He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him, emphasizing his role in preparing the way for Jesus.

3.2 Not the Light, but to Bear Witness

Verses: John 1:8
  • He himself was not the light, clarifying John's subordinate role.
  • But came to bear witness about the light, reiterating his purpose to point to Jesus.

4. The Incarnation

4.1 The Word Made Flesh

Verses: John 1:14
  • The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, the central truth of the incarnation.
  • We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth, emphasizing the manifestation of divine glory in human form.

4.2 Full of Grace and Truth

Verses: John 1:14
  • Full of grace and truth, highlighting the characteristics of Jesus's ministry and nature.
  • The unique expression of the Father's glory, revealed through the Son.

5. Jesus, the Lamb of God

5.1 John's Declaration

Verses: John 1:29
  • Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!, John's powerful declaration identifying Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb.
  • Taking away the sin of the world, emphasizing the universal scope of Jesus's atoning work.

5.2 The Spirit's Descent

Verses: John 1:32-34
  • I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him, witnessing the visible manifestation of the Spirit upon Jesus.
  • He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’, confirming Jesus as the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.