1 John

[Theophilus]

In Depth Study of The First Epistle of JOHN

Author: The Apostle John
Date: About A.D. 90
Theme: Jesus Is the Son of God. Those Who Follow Him Must Live Righteously.
Key Words: Love, Know, Life, Light, Fellowship

Author and Recipients. Although this epistle is anonymous, its style and vocabulary clearly indicate that it was written by the author of the Gospel of John. Internal evidence also points to John as the author, and ancient testimony unanimously ascribes the epistle to him.
Lack of a special dedication and salutation indicates that the letter was circular, probably sent to the churches near Ephesus, where John spent his latter years.

Date. The weight of early and strong Christian tradition that John spent his latter years at Ephesus, together with the fact that the tone of the writings suggests that they are the product of a mature man who has enjoyed profound spiritual experience, points to a date near the end of the first century. In addition, the character of the heresy combated in the letter points to the same time, approximately A.D. 90.

Occasion and Purpose. John states that he wrote to give assurance of eternal life to those “who believe in the name of the Son of God” (1John 5:13). The uncertainty of his readers about their spiritual status was caused by an unsettling conflict with the teachers of a false doctrine. John refers to the teachings as deceitful (1 John 2:26; 3:7) and to the teachers as “false prophets” (1 John 4:1), liars (1 John 2:22), and antichrists (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3). They had once been within the church, but had withdrawn (1 John 2:19) and had “gone out into the world” (John4:1) to propagate their dangerous heresy.

The heresy was a forerunner of second-century Gnosticism, which taught that matter is essentially evil and spirit is essentially good. This dualistic viewpoint caused the false teachers to deny the Incarnation of Christ and, hence, the Resurrection. The true God, they taught, could never indwell a material body of flesh and blood. Therefore, the human body that Jesus supposedly possessed was not real, but merely apparent. John wrote vigorously against this error (1 John 2:22, 23; 4:3).

They also taught that since the evil human body was merely an envelope for the spirit within, and since nothing the body could do could affect the inner spirit, ethical distinctions ceased to be relevant. Hence, they had no sin. John answered this error with indignation (1 John 2:4, 6, 15–17; 3:3, 7, 9, 10; 5:18).

“Gnosticism” is a word derived from the Greek gnosis, meaning “knowledge.” Gnostics later taught salvation by mental enlightenment, which came only to elite spiritual initiates, not to the ordinary rank and file of Christians. Hence, they substituted intellectual pursuits for faith and exalted speculation above the basic tenets of the gospel. John again reacted strenuously (1 John 2:20, 27), declaring that there is no private revelation reserved for a few intellectuals, and that the whole body of believers possesses the apostolic teaching.

John’s purpose in writing, then, was to expose the heresy of the false teachers and to confirm the faith of the true believers.


Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible

 

[Theophilus]

In Depth Study of The First Epistle of JOHN

Characteristics. There are strong similarities between the Gospel of John and 1 John. The tone of the epistle is friendly and fatherly, reflecting the authority that age and apostleship bring. The style is informal and personal, revealing the apostle’s intimate relationship with God and God’s people.

Content. First John stresses the themes of love, light, knowledge, and life in its warnings against heresy. These major elements are repeated throughout the letter, with love being the dominant note. Possessing love is clear evidence that one is a Christian, and lack of love indicates that one is in darkness (2:9–11; 3:10–23; 4:7–21).

John affirms that God is light, and fellowship with Him causes one to walk in the light in true fellowship with other believers. Fellowship with God and the brethren enables one to recognize, through the anointing of God, false doctrine and the spirit of the antichrist.
Fellowship with God necessitates walking in the light and obeying the commandments of God (1:6, 7; 2:3–5). The one “who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous” (3:7), while “whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God” (3:10). The love of the Father and the love of the world are totally incompatible (2:15–17), and no one born of God is in the habit of practicing sin (3:9; 5:18). Christ is the antithesis of sin, and He has appeared that He might take away all of our sins (3:5).

Chapter 4 continues the theme of understanding the rival spirits—the false prophets who have gone out into the world (v. 1). In order to test the spirits we must find whom they acknowledge as savior and lord. Every spirit that does not acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh is not from God (v. 3).

The epistle ends with the testimony of Jesus the Son of God. Jesus is the One who came. The technical title of the Messiah is “He who comes” or “He who is to come” (Matt. 11:3; 1 John 5:6). John identifies Him as the One who came by water and by blood, the God who came and dwelt among us, the Word that was made flesh.

Personal Application. Prominent in 1 John is the positive note of Christian certainty. Thirty-nine times the verb “know” occurs. Christian truth is beyond the realm of speculation, because it is irrevocably moored to the historical event of Jesus Christ and the apostolic witness to that event. In addition, Christians possess the anointing and witness of the Holy Spirit to assure them of the truth about God, Christ, and their own spiritual standing.
Three tests prove the genuineness of Christianity: the test of belief (4:2), the test of obedience (2:3), and the test of love (4:20). The same affirmations are stated negatively. The one who professes to be a Christian, but who cannot pass the test of belief (2:22), the test of obedience (1:6), and the test of love (4:20), is a liar. John brings all three tests together in 5:1–5, where he indicates that a profession of Christianity is false unless it is characterized by correct belief, godly obedience, and brotherly love. The same tests are valid today.

Christ Revealed. John emphasizes both the deity and the humanity of Jesus, declaring that in Him God fully entered into human life. A test of Christianity is correct belief about the Incarnation (4:2, 15; 5:1).
Jesus is our Advocate with the Father (2:1). Sin is incongruous in the life of a Christian; but if he does sin, Jesus pleads his case.
Jesus is the propitiation for our sins (2:2; 4:10). See note on Romans 3:25.
Jesus is also Savior, sent by God to rescue us from sin (1:7; 3:5; 4:14). Only through Him can we have eternal life (5:11, 12).
John presents the Second Coming of Jesus as an incentive to remain firm in the faith (2:28), and he gives assurance that our complete transformation into Christ’s likeness will occur at His return.

The Holy Spirit at Work. John describes a threefold ministry of the Holy Spirit in this epistle. First, God’s gift of the Spirit to us assures us of our relationship to Christ, both that He abides in us (3:24) and that we abide in Him (4:13). Second, the Holy Spirit testifies to the reality of the Incarnation of Christ (4:2; 5:6–8). Third, the Spirit leads true believers into a full realization of the truth concerning Jesus, that they may successfully oppose the heretics who deny that truth (2:20; 4:4).


Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible

 

[Theophilus]

Outline of 1 John Chapter One

I. The Incarnation 1:1–10
A. God became flesh in human form 1:1–4
B. God is light 1:5–10

1:1 As the eternal Son of God, Jesus existed before His manifestation in time (see John 1:1). When He came to Earth, He assumed real manhood, a fact that was verified by those who knew Him in the flesh.
1:3 See section 1 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
1:5 See section 6 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
1:5 As light, God reveals Himself in His perfect holiness and majesty.
1:6 Our walk in the light is a test of fellowship with God, since the life of fellowship is a life that is continually cleansed from sin by the blood of Jesus. It also involves our relationship with one another, which indicates that a walk “in the light” is lived accountably before both God and man.
1:8 Anyone who walks in the light that God has revealed cannot fail to note his own sinfulness.
1:9 To persevere in the false pride that denies one’s sins is not only to deceive oneself (v. 8), but to accuse God of lying, since His Word declares the universality of sin. However, to confess our sins is a prerequisite to receiving the Lord’s forgiveness and cleansing.

1 John 1:1–10
[WE ARE writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands.
2 And the Life [an aspect of His being] was revealed (made manifest, demonstrated), and we saw [as eyewitnesses] and are testifying to and declare to you the Life, the eternal Life [in Him] Who already existed with the Father and Who [actually] was made visible (was revealed) to us [His followers].
3 What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
4 And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and your joy may be complete].
5 And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way].
6 [So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents].
7 But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].
8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts].
9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].
10 If we say (claim) we have not sinned, we contradict His Word and make Him out to be false and a liar, and His Word is not in us [the divine message of the Gospel is not in our hearts].

Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible

 

[Theophilus]

Outline of 1 John Chapter 2

II. The life of righteousness 2:1–29
A. Walking in the light 2:1–17
B. Warning against the spirit of antichrist 2:18–29

2:1 Although John’s purpose is to keep his readers from sinning, realistically he knows that at some time they will commit an act of sin. In His grace, God has made a twofold provision to restore sinning Christians. First, He has appointed Jesus as an Advocate to plead the case of sinners. He is certain to secure their pardon because He is righteous. Second, God has provided Jesus as the propitiation for our sins.
2:3 See section 3 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
2:3 Obedience to the commandments of God tests one’s knowledge of Him. Genuine love for God (v. 5) and a true relationship with Him (v. 6) must be evidenced by loyalty.
2:5 perfected, teleioo (tel-eye-ah-oh); Strong’s #5048: To complete, accomplish, carry through to the end, bring to a successful conclusion, reach a goal, fulfill. In an ethical and spiritual sense, the word signifies a bringing to maturity, a perfecting.

2:7 Another test of fellowship with God is love for the brethren, an old commandment that they had known since their first acquaintance with Christ.
2:8 The commandment to love is also new because Jesus gave it a new standard and a new motive (see John 13:34). John affirms the fact that the true light, which the gospel reveals, dispels the darkness of moral ignorance and satanic bondage.
2:9 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
2:9 Love is characteristic of light, and hate is characteristic of darkness. Those two are mortal enemies. Therefore, a person reveals the genuineness of his relationship with God by his relationship with others.
2:12 John addresses different groups in the church, not according to physical age, but according to their levels of spiritual growth. His purpose is to encourage them to further progress and to warn them against the temptations that are certain to come (vv. 15-17).
2:15 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
2:15 The world does not refer to the physical creation, but to the sphere of evil operating in our world under the dominion of Satan (see 4:4; 5:19; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).
ult of the heresy (vv. 22, 23), and reminds his readers of the resources available to meet the heresy (vv. 24-27).
2:18 See section 6 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
2:18 The last hour was introduced by the First Coming of Christ (see Acts 2:17; Heb. 1:1, 2; 1 Pet. 1:20). At the end of this period the one known as the Antichrist will come (see 2 Thess. 2:3-9), but there are already many such persons at work in the world. John identifies other antichrists as the heretics (deceitful, destructive, devisive “believers”) who withdrew from the church (v. 19). Their withdrawal is evidence that they never really shared in the life and fellowship of the church.
2:20 In contrast to the false teachers who claimed superior knowledge, true Christians possess an understanding of spiritual realities through the illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit.
2:22 The particular error of these heretics was a denial of the Incarnation, which created a gospel of mysticism and obstructed a true understanding of the Father and personal relationship with Him (John 14:7-11).
2:24 Two things will protect the readers from falling vicitim to the seductive teachings of the heretics: 1) constantly abiding in the truth concerning Christ, which they had received from the apostles; 2) the anointing of the Holy Spirit, whose illuminating power will enable them to distinguish truth from error. To receive spiritual knowledge under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is to know truth in a way that human instruction cannot provide. The text is not an argument against the ministry of teaching (Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11), but an emphasis that only the Holy Spirit is able to bring revelation to the human heart (Eph. 1:17, 18).
2:28 Abiding in Christ is not only by faith, but by obedience.

1 John 2:1–29
MY LITTLE children, I write you these things so that you may not violate God’s law and sin. But if anyone should sin, we have an Advocate (One Who will intercede for us) with the Father—[it is] Jesus Christ [the all] righteous [upright, just, Who conforms to the Father’s will in every purpose, thought, and action].
2 And He [that same Jesus Himself] is the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins, and not for ours alone but also for [the sins of] the whole world.
3 And this is how we may discern [daily, by experience] that we are coming to know Him [to perceive, recognize, understand, and become better acquainted with Him]: if we keep (bear in mind, observe, practice) His teachings (precepts, commandments).
4 Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in him.
5 But he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity). By this we may perceive (know, recognize, and be sure) that we are in Him:
6 Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself.
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the message which you have heard [the doctrine of salvation through Christ].
8 Yet I am writing you a new commandment, which is true (is realized) in Him and in you, because the darkness (moral blindness) is clearing away and the true Light (the revelation of God in Christ) is already shining.
9 Whoever says he is in the Light and [yet] hates his brother [Christian, born-again child of God his Father] is in darkness even until now.
10 Whoever loves his brother [believer] abides (lives) in the Light, and in It or in him there is no occasion for stumbling or cause for error or sin.
11 But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying and does not perceive or know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 I am writing to you, little children, because for His name’s sake your sins are forgiven [pardoned through His name and on account of confessing His name].
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be aware of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have been victorious over the wicked [one]. I write to you, boys (lads), because you have come to know (recognize and be aware) of the Father.
14 I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always] abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the wicked one.
15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].
17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.
18 Boys (lads), it is the last time (hour, the end of this age). And as you have heard that the antichrist [he who will oppose Christ in the guise of Christ] is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen, which confirms our belief that it is the final (the end) time.
19 They went out from our number, but they did not [really] belong to us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [they withdrew] that it might be plain that they all are not of us.
20 But you have been anointed by [you hold a sacred appointment from, you have been given an unction from] the Holy One, and you all know [the Truth] or you know all things.
21 I write to you not because you are ignorant and do not perceive and know the Truth, but because you do perceive and know it, and [know positively] that nothing false (no deception, no lie) is of the Truth.
22 Who is [such a] liar as he who denies that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah)? He is the antichrist (the antagonist of Christ), who [habitually] denies and refuses to acknowledge the Father and the Son.
23 No one who [habitually] denies (disowns) the Son even has the Father. Whoever confesses (acknowledges and has) the Son has the Father also.
24 As for you, keep in your hearts what you have heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the first dwells and remains in you, then you will dwell in the Son and in the Father [always].
25 And this is what He Himself has promised us—the life, the eternal [life].
26 I write this to you with reference to those who would deceive you [seduce and lead you astray].
27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].
28 And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming.
29 If you know (perceive and are sure) that He [Christ] is [absolutely] righteous [conforming to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action], you may also know (be sure) that everyone who does righteously [and is therefore in like manner conformed to the divine will] is born (begotten) of Him [God].



Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible

 

[Theophilus]

Outline of 1 John Chapter 3

The life of the children of God 3:1–4:6
A. Righteousness 3:1–12
B. Love 3:13–24
C. Belief 4:1–6

3:1 John expresses astonishment at God’s love in regenerating believers, an experience the world cannot understand.
3:2 The prospect of being transformed into the likeness of Christ motivates Christians to live righteously.
3:3 pure, hagnos (hag-noss); Strong’s #53: From the same root as hagios, “holy.” The adjective describes a person or thing as clean, modest, pure, undefiled, morally faultless, and without blemish. Christ’s ability to overcome temptation and remain pure makes Him a role model for all believers.

3:4 Sin is the spirit of rebellion against God’s Law.
3:6 John does not teach perfectionism; otherwise, he would contradict himself (see 1:8, 9). Although interpretations of this text vary, it seems John’s argument is grammatically based. By using the Greek present tense he does not declare that Christians are unable to commit an occasional act of sin (see 1:8-10; 2:1), but that they are not characterized by the spirit of lawlessness (v. 4), powerlessly led into a habitual practice of sin. Sin is natural to children of the Devil, who has sinned from the beginning, but unnatural to children of God, who cannot sin without the Spirit’s conviction. A constant indulgence in sin contradicts the claim to have a personal knowledge of Christ.
3:10 Love for fellow Christians is just as much a characteristic of the new nature of believers as righteous living (see John 13:35). For hates and murderer, see Matt. 5:21, 22.
3:16 The sacrifice of Christ is both the proof of His love and the standard of our own love (see Phil. 2:4-8).
3:17 Love is shown, not only in a heroic deed of self-sacrifice, but in a daily life of compassion.
3:18 See James 2:15, 16.
3:19 Even when true Christians are discouraged and self-condemning, they can receive assurance that they are children of God from the objective test of God’s Word.
3:21 Assurance of our standing before God gives boldness in prayer. Our prayers are not answered as a reward for obedience, but when we keep His commandments we give evidence that we are in harmony with God’s will (see John 15:7) and thus pray accordingly.
3:24 The indwelling Holy Spirit manifests His presence outwardly in our life and conduct, giving evidence of our relationship with God.

1 John 3:1–24
SEE WHAT [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him.
2 Beloved, we are [even here and] now God’s children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall [as God’s children] resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is.
3 And everyone who has this hope [resting] on Him cleanses (purifies) himself just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless).
4 Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God’s law by transgression or neglect—being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will).
5 You know that He appeared in visible form and became Man to take away [upon Himself] sins, and in Him there is no sin [essentially and forever].
6 No one who abides in Him [who lives and remains in communion with and in obedience to Him—deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] commits (practices) sin. No one who [habitually] sins has either seen or known Him [recognized, perceived, or understood Him, or has had an experiential acquaintance with Him].
7 Boys (lads), let no one deceive and lead you astray. He who practices righteousness [who is upright, conforming to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action, living a consistently conscientious life] is righteous, even as He is righteous.
8 [But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done].
9 No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God.
10 By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ).
11 For this is the message (the announcement) which you have heard from the first, that we should love one another,
12 [And] not be like Cain who [took his nature and got his motivation] from the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his deeds (activities, works) were wicked and malicious and his brother’s were righteous (virtuous).
13 Do not be surprised and wonder, brethren, that the world detests and pursues you with hatred.
14 We know that we have passed over out of death into Life by the fact that we love the brethren (our fellow Christians). He who does not love abides (remains, is held and kept continually) in [spiritual] death.
15 Anyone who hates (abominates, detests) his brother [in Christ] is [at heart] a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding (persevering) within him.
16 By this we come to know (progressively to recognize, to perceive, to understand) the [essential] love: that He laid down His [own] life for us; and we ought to lay [our] lives down for [those who are our] brothers [in Him].
17 But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?
18 Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity).
19 By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His presence,
20 Whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God’s hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him].
21 And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God,
22 And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him.
23 And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us.
24 All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them. [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.] And by this we know and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us.


Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible

 

[Theophilus]

Outline of 1 John Chapter 4
The source of love 4:7–21

4:1 Believers are not to be so gullible that they indiscriminately accept the pronouncements of all prophets who claim to be of God, that is, to speak with divine authority and under divine inspiration. A spirit is indeed behind every prophet, but it may be a false spirit, described as “the spirit of the Antichrist” (v. 3) and “the spirit of error” (v. 6), rather than “the Spirit of God” (v. 2), who is “the spirit of truth” (v. 6). Therefore, since there are many cultic and heretical teachers claiming to be spokespersons for God, we must test the spirits possessing them to determine their origin. Paul gives similar instructions in 1 Thess. 5:19-22.

4:2 The crux of the test is a spirit’s acknowledgment or rejection of Jesus Christ as the incarnate Son of God. A confession of Jesus involves more than an admission of His identity (see Matt. 8:28, 29; Mark 1:24; 3:11). It is a profession of faith in Him and submission to His sovereignty. The Holy Spirit testifies to and glorifies Jesus (see John 15:26; 16:14; 1 Cor. 12:3). Therefore, a confession proclaiming the truth that Jesus is the incarnate Christ is of God testifies to both His full humanity as our Savior-Redeemer and His full deity as Lord and Sovereign King.
4:3 On the other hand, a denial of the truth concerning Jesus reveals that any claim of divine inspiration is false and that the true origin is the spirit of the Antichrist.

4:4 That which fundamentally distinguishes the people of the world and the people of God is their respective attitudes toward Jesus Christ. By the illumination of the Holy Spirit, who is greater than Satan (the spirit of error), true believers may overcome deceiving teachers.
4:4 See section 5 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
4:7 For the third time John stresses love as a test of the Christian life (see 2:7-11; 3:10-18). Here he traces love to its source in the nature of God as revealed at the Cross. Christians show that they are God’s children by manifesting sacrificial attitudes and actions like His.
4:7 See section 1 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.

WORD WEALTH
4:10 propitiation, hilasmos (hil-as-moss); Strong’s #2434: Related to hileos, “merciful.” Used in the NT only in 2:2 and 4:10, the word describes Christ, through His sacrificial death, as appeasing the wrath of God on account of sin. It also pictures His death as expiatory, providing a covering for sin. By means of the atoning death of Christ, God can be merciful to the sinner who believes in Him, and reconciliation is effected.

4:12 Although God is invisible (1 Tim. 1:17; 6:16), we manifest His nature through life-styles that reflect His love.
4:13 The Spirit does not indwell us because of our love; on the contrary, He enables us to love.
4:15 See vv. 1-3; 1 Cor. 12:3.
4:17 Possessing God’s love results in fearless confidence toward God and love for the brethren. The one who knows this love has no dread of facing God at the judgment. Even now in this world we are as He (Christ) is. The comparison is that of positions, not characters. Jesus is well-pleasing to God as His Son, and we are God’s children (3:1), acceptable to Him.

WORD WEALTH
4:18 fear, phobos (fob-oss); Strong’s #5401: In classical Greek the word signified flight. Later it came to denote that which causes flight; hence, fear, terror, dread. In the NT phobos denotes both the fear of terror and the fear of reverence toward God. The English word “phobia” transliterates the Greek word.

4:20 Love for God must express itself in love for fellow believers. The “perfect love” that “casts out fear” (v. 18) sweeps away hate.

1 John 4:1–21
BELOVED, DO not put faith in every spirit, but prove (test) the spirits to discover whether they proceed from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
2 By this you may know (perceive and recognize) the Spirit of God: every spirit which acknowledges and confesses [the fact] that Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [actually] has become man and has come in the flesh is of God [has God for its source];
3 And every spirit which does not acknowledge and confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh [but would annul, destroy, sever, disunite Him] is not of God [does not proceed from Him]. This [nonconfession] is the [spirit] of the antichrist, [of] which you heard that it was coming, and now it is already in the world.
4 Little children, you are of God [you belong to Him] and have [already] defeated and overcome them [the agents of the antichrist], because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world.
5 They proceed from the world and are of the world; therefore it is out of the world [its whole economy morally considered] that they speak, and the world listens (pays attention) to them.
6 We are [children] of God. Whoever is learning to know God [progressively to perceive, recognize, and understand God by observation and experience, and to get an ever-clearer knowledge of Him] listens to us; and he who is not of God does not listen or pay attention to us. By this we know (recognize) the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.
7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him].
8 He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.
9 In this the love of God was made manifest (displayed) where we are concerned: in that God sent His Son, the only begotten or unique [Son], into the world so that we might live through Him.
10 In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins.
11 Beloved, if God loved us so [very much], we also ought to love one another.
12 No man has at any time [yet] seen God. But if we love one another, God abides (lives and remains) in us and His love (that love which is essentially His) is brought to completion (to its full maturity, runs its full course, is perfected) in us!
13 By this we come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we abide (live and remain) in Him and He in us: because He has given (imparted) to us of His [Holy] Spirit.
14 And [besides] we ourselves have seen (have deliberately and steadfastly contemplated) and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son [as the] Savior of the world.
15 Anyone who confesses (acknowledges, owns) that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides (lives, makes His home) in him and he [abides, lives, makes his home] in God.
16 And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him.
17 In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love’s complete perfection].
19 We love Him, because He first loved us.
20 If anyone says, I love God, and hates (detests, abominates) his brother [in Christ], he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, Whom he has not seen.
21 And this command (charge, order, injunction) we have from Him: that he who loves God shall love his brother [believer] also.


Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible

 

[Theophilus]

Outline of 1 John Chapter 5
V. The triumph of righteousness 5:1–5
VI. The assurance of eternal life 5:6–12
VII. Christian certainties 5:13–21

5:1 John shows how faith, love, and obedience are related to each other. Faith brings us into a loving relationship with God, and love for Him leads to love for other Christians and to obedience of His commandments. They are not burdensome, for the practical benefits of obedience to all God’s laws are entirely contributive to human good and fulfilling to those who learn their application to life. Our faith brings victory over the world, providing a spiritual weapon by which we can combat both the temptations and the persecutions of a godless society.

5:6 In the previous paragraph (vv. 1, 5) John spoke of faith in the divine-human Jesus. Now he presents the basis of such belief, especially in answer to the heretics who suggested that the Spirit came upon Jesus at His baptism but left Him at His crucifixion. John insists that Christ possessed the indwelling Holy Spirit during His entire earthly life (since He was born by the power of the Spirit).
5:6 Water probably refers to the baptism of Jesus, when the Father declared His identity as the Son and anointed Him for His ministry. Blood refers to the Crucifixion, by which Christ completed His work. The Spirit testifies concerning Christ at every point of His life.
5:7 The Law demanded the testimony of two or three witnesses (see Deut. 19:15; John 8:17, 18).
5:9 Behind the united testimony of the three witnesses is God Himself.
5:10 The assurance that comes to those who trust in Jesus is from the indwelling Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16). To refuse to believe is equivalent to calling God a liar.
5:11 John states the content of the testimony given by the witnesses mentioned in the previous verses. Eternal life signifies not only endless life, but a quality of life that comes only to those who have faith in Jesus. This life is a present possession of which we can have confident assurance.

KINGDOM DYNAMICS
5:14 Prayer Is Agreeing with God’s Will, PRAYER. Immature faith tries to manipulate God. It looks for spiritual shortcuts and formulas guaranteed to produce an answer to any request. It regards prayer as a weapon we use to force God to make good His promises. But true prayer is not a human effort at persuading God or forcing our will on Him. True prayer is founded upon finding and coming into agreement with God’s will (v. 14). We ask according to His will; then we stand in faith, confident that God hears us and that what we ask for is already ours (v. 15). Lessons: 1) To pray with authority and receive answers to your prayers, make sure you ask according to the will of God. If you do not know His will, ask Him (James 1:5). 2) Believe that God hears your petition and has already set the answer into motion. 3) Pray tenaciously and persistently until His will is accomplished. That is true prayer.

5:14 Children of God may have confidence of free access and boldness of speech in presenting their requests to Him. There is, however, a limitation to the assurance that our prayers will be answered. The NT elsewhere bases the assurance on asking in Jesus’ name (John 14:13, 14; 15:16; 16:23, 24), abiding in Christ and allowing His words to abide in us (John 15:7), having faith (Matt. 21:22; James 1:6), and being righteous in life and fervent in prayer (1 John 3:21, 22; James 5:16). Here John says that we must ask according to His will, which inclusively states the fundamental condition for assurance in prayer. One who abides in Christ and whose words abide in him; who prays in the name of Jesus, that is, in accord with His character and nature; and who is full of faith and righteousness is not inclined to pray anything contrary to His will. But more than how we pray, God wills and cares that we pray. Genuine prayer is not an attempt at precise means of getting God to meet our desires and demands; but rather, in subordinating our will to His, we open the doorway to His fullest blessings being released in our lives.
5:16 See section 4 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
5:16 A specific example of prayer is intercession for a brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death. On the other hand, John does not encourage prayer for the restoration of those who are sinning a sin leading to death. These are the ones who, like the false teachers, have manifested the spirit of the Antichrist (2:18) in denying the Father and the Son (2:22, 23). They reveal themselves to be “children of the devil” (3:10), and they forfeit life in rejecting Christ (v. 12).
5:18 Does not sin: See note on 3:6-9, where John teaches that anyone whose life is unrepentantly characterized by sin does not belong to the family of God. The reason that a Christian does not persist unrepentantly in sin is that he who has been born of God keeps himself, or, as this may also be translated, “He (Jesus) who was born of God keeps him (the believer) from the relentless temptation and snare of the wicked one.”
5:19 John has given tests by which believers may know that they are of God as distinguished from those who belong to the wicked one. World: See note on 2:15. Satan exercises dominion over the world as its ruler (see John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2; 6:12).

WORD WEALTH
5:20 life, zoe (dzo-ay); Strong’s #2222: Compare “zoology,” “zoological,” “Zoe.” Refers to the principle of life. In the NT zoe denotes not only physical life, but spiritual life, which one can possess only through faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal life refers not only to duration of life, but to quality of life. It is a present life of grace and a future life of glory.

5:21 Any god, object, or pursuit other than that directed by God’s revealed will and way declared in His Son (v. 20) is an idol.

1 John 5

EVERYONE WHO believes (adheres to, trusts, and relies on the fact) that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah) is a born-again child of God; and everyone who loves the Father also loves the one born of Him (His offspring).
2 By this we come to know (recognize and understand) that we love the children of God: when we love God and obey His commands (orders, charges)—[when we keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and His teaching].
3 For the [true] love of God is this: that we do His commands [keep His ordinances and are mindful of His precepts and teaching]. And these orders of His are not irksome (burdensome, oppressive, or grievous).
4 For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.
5 Who is it that is victorious over [that conquers] the world but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on that fact]?
6 This is He Who came by (with) water and blood [His baptism and His death], Jesus Christ (the Messiah)—not by (in) the water only, but by (in) the water and the blood. And it is the [Holy] Spirit Who bears witness, because the [Holy] Spirit is the Truth.
7 So there are three witnesses in heaven: the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit, and these three are One;
8 and there are three witnesses on the earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree [are in unison; their testimony coincides].
9 If we accept [as we do] the testimony of men [if we are willing to take human authority], the testimony of God is greater (of stronger authority), for this is the testimony of God, even the witness which He has borne regarding His Son.
10 He who believes in the Son of God [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] has the testimony [possesses this divine attestation] within himself. He who does not believe God [in this way] has made Him out to be and represented Him as a liar, because he has not believed (put his faith in, adhered to, and relied on) the evidence (the testimony) that God has borne regarding His Son.
11 And this is that testimony (that evidence): God gave us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 He who possesses the Son has that life; he who does not possess the Son of God does not have that life.
13 I write this to you who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) the name of the Son of God [in the peculiar services and blessings conferred by Him on men], so that you may know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that you [already] have life, yes, eternal life.
14 And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.
15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.
16 If anyone sees his brother [believer] committing a sin that does not [lead to] death (the extinguishing of life), he will pray and [God] will give him life [yes, He will grant life to all those whose sin is not one leading to death]. There is a sin [that leads] to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin which does not [involve] death [that may be repented of and forgiven].
18 We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ’s divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him].
19 We know [positively] that we are of God, and the whole world [around us] is under the power of the evil one.
20 And we [have seen and] know [positively] that the Son of God has [actually] come to this world and has given us understanding and insight [progressively] to perceive (recognize) and come to know better and more clearly Him Who is true; and we are in Him Who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). This [Man] is the true God and Life eternal.
21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols (false gods)—[from anything and everything that would occupy the place in your heart due to God, from any sort of substitute for Him that would take first place in your life]. Amen (so let it be).

Jack W. Hayford, ed., Spirit Filled Life Study Bible

 

[Fred]

His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). This [Man] is the true God and Life eternal.

Thanks for going through each chapter.


I thought it was interesting that Christ was being referred to in the first part of 1 John 2:29, but not at the last part.

"He is righteous" (1 John 2:29; 3:7)

 

[Obadiah]

Outline of 1 John Chapter 2

II. The life of righteousness 2:1–29
A. Walking in the light 2:1–17
B. Warning against the spirit of antichrist 2:18–29

2:1 Although John’s purpose is to keep his readers from sinning, realistically he knows that at some time they will commit an act of sin. In His grace, God has made a twofold provision to restore sinning Christians. First, He has appointed Jesus as an Advocate to plead the case of sinners. He is certain to secure their pardon because He is righteous. Second, God has provided Jesus as the propitiation for our sins.
2:3 See section 3 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
2:3 Obedience to the commandments of God tests one’s knowledge of Him. Genuine love for God (v. 5) and a true relationship with Him (v. 6) must be evidenced by loyalty.
2:5 perfected, teleioo (tel-eye-ah-oh); Strong’s #5048: To complete, accomplish, carry through to the end, bring to a successful conclusion, reach a goal, fulfill. In an ethical and spiritual sense, the word signifies a bringing to maturity, a perfecting.

2:7 Another test of fellowship with God is love for the brethren, an old commandment that they had known since their first acquaintance with Christ.
2:8 The commandment to love is also new because Jesus gave it a new standard and a new motive (see John 13:34). John affirms the fact that the true light, which the gospel reveals, dispels the darkness of moral ignorance and satanic bondage.
2:9 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
2:9 Love is characteristic of light, and hate is characteristic of darkness. Those two are mortal enemies. Therefore, a person reveals the genuineness of his relationship with God by his relationship with others.
2:12 John addresses different groups in the church, not according to physical age, but according to their levels of spiritual growth. His purpose is to encourage them to further progress and to warn them against the temptations that are certain to come (vv. 15-17).
2:15 See section 2 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
2:15 The world does not refer to the physical creation, but to the sphere of evil operating in our world under the dominion of Satan (see 4:4; 5:19; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11).
ult of the heresy (vv. 22, 23), and reminds his readers of the resources available to meet the heresy (vv. 24-27).
2:18 See section 6 of Truth-In-Action at the end of 1 John.
2:18 The last hour was introduced by the First Coming of Christ (see Acts 2:17; Heb. 1:1, 2; 1 Pet. 1:20). At the end of this period the one known as the Antichrist will come (see 2 Thess. 2:3-9), but there are already many such persons at work in the world. John identifies other antichrists as the heretics (deceitful, destructive, devisive “believers”) who withdrew from the church (v. 19). Their withdrawal is evidence that they never really shared in the life and fellowship of the church.
2:20 In contrast to the false teachers who claimed superior knowledge, true Christians possess an understanding of spiritual realities through the illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit.
2:22 The particular error of these heretics was a denial of the Incarnation, which created a gospel of mysticism and obstructed a true understanding of the Father and personal relationship with Him (John 14:7-11).
2:24 Two things will protect the readers from falling vicitim to the seductive teachings of the heretics: 1) constantly abiding in the truth concerning Christ, which they had received from the apostles; 2) the anointing of the Holy Spirit, whose illuminating power will enable them to distinguish truth from error. To receive spiritual knowledge under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is to know truth in a way that human instruction cannot provide. The text is not an argument against the ministry of teaching (Rom. 12:7; Eph. 4:11), but an emphasis that only the Holy Spirit is able to bring revelation to the human heart (Eph. 1:17, 18).
2:28 Abiding in Christ is not only by faith, but by obedience.

1 John 2:1–29
MY LITTLE children, I write you these things so that you may not violate God’s law and sin. But if anyone should sin, we have an Advocate (One Who will intercede for us) with the Father—[it is] Jesus Christ [the all] righteous [upright, just, Who conforms to the Father’s will in every purpose, thought, and action].
2 And He [that same Jesus Himself] is the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins, and not for ours alone but also for [the sins of] the whole world.
3 And this is how we may discern [daily, by experience] that we are coming to know Him [to perceive, recognize, understand, and become better acquainted with Him]: if we keep (bear in mind, observe, practice) His teachings (precepts, commandments).
4 Whoever says, I know Him [I perceive, recognize, understand, and am acquainted with Him] but fails to keep and obey His commandments (teachings) is a liar, and the Truth [of the Gospel] is not in him.
5 But he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity). By this we may perceive (know, recognize, and be sure) that we are in Him:
6 Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself.
7 Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the message which you have heard [the doctrine of salvation through Christ].
8 Yet I am writing you a new commandment, which is true (is realized) in Him and in you, because the darkness (moral blindness) is clearing away and the true Light (the revelation of God in Christ) is already shining.
9 Whoever says he is in the Light and [yet] hates his brother [Christian, born-again child of God his Father] is in darkness even until now.
10 Whoever loves his brother [believer] abides (lives) in the Light, and in It or in him there is no occasion for stumbling or cause for error or sin.
11 But he who hates (detests, despises) his brother [in Christ] is in darkness and walking (living) in the dark; he is straying and does not perceive or know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12 I am writing to you, little children, because for His name’s sake your sins are forgiven [pardoned through His name and on account of confessing His name].
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be aware of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have been victorious over the wicked [one]. I write to you, boys (lads), because you have come to know (recognize and be aware) of the Father.
14 I write to you, fathers, because you have come to know (recognize, be conscious of, and understand) Him Who [has existed] from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong and vigorous, and the Word of God is [always] abiding in you (in your hearts), and you have been victorious over the wicked one.
15 Do not love or cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him.
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].
17 And the world passes away and disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever.
18 Boys (lads), it is the last time (hour, the end of this age). And as you have heard that the antichrist [he who will oppose Christ in the guise of Christ] is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen, which confirms our belief that it is the final (the end) time.
19 They went out from our number, but they did not [really] belong to us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us. But [they withdrew] that it might be plain that they all are not of us.
20 But you have been anointed by [you hold a sacred appointment from, you have been given an unction from] the Holy One, and you all know [the Truth] or you know all things.
21 I write to you not because you are ignorant and do not perceive and know the Truth, but because you do perceive and know it, and [know positively] that nothing false (no deception, no lie) is of the Truth.
22 Who is [such a] liar as he who denies that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah)? He is the antichrist (the antagonist of Christ), who [habitually] denies and refuses to acknowledge the Father and the Son.
23 No one who [habitually] denies (disowns) the Son even has the Father. Whoever confesses (acknowledges and has) the Son has the Father also.
24 As for you, keep in your hearts what you have heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the first dwells and remains in you, then you will dwell in the Son and in the Father [always].
25 And this is what He Himself has promised us—the life, the eternal [life].
26 I write this to you with reference to those who would deceive you [seduce and lead you astray].
27 But as for you, the anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so] then you have no need that anyone should instruct you. But just as His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true and is no falsehood, so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him [being rooted in Him, knit to Him], just as [His anointing] has taught you [to do].
28 And now, little children, abide (live, remain permanently) in Him, so that when He is made visible, we may have and enjoy perfect confidence (boldness, assurance) and not be ashamed and shrink from Him at His coming.
29 If you know (perceive and are sure) that He [Christ] is [absolutely] righteous [conforming to the Father’s will in purpose, thought, and action], you may also know (be sure) that everyone who does righteously [and is therefore in like manner conformed to the divine will] is born (begotten) of Him [God].



Jack W. Hayford, Spirit Filled Life Study Bible

1 John 2:18–29

1 John 2:18 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org

1 John 2:18 - Children, it is the last hour; and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour. on StudyLight.org

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