Quarter Four Wilmington, NC

Transcription

1 Quarter Four Wilmington, NC

2 THE BOOK of FIRST JOHN The Theme of The Book The Deity of Jesus Christ and the life that faith here on earth demands 1:1-4 The Assurance one has: We know occurs 13 times in the book Gospel of John was to create faith in Christ John 20:30-31 while the Epistles gives certainty of faith and the possession of eternal life. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 2

3 The Man John: John was the son of Zebedee and Salome and had a brother James (cf. Matthew 4:21, who was killed by Herod, (cf. Acts 12:2). It is apparent that John came from a fairly wealthy family based on these facts: They had servants - Mark 1:20 His mother helped with the financial support of Christ - Mark 15:40-41 John was acquainted with the High Priest, who would have been chosen from the upper class - John 18:15 Evidently John did not study at any of the Rabbinical schools, however, his training in the home was thorough - Acts 4:3 John, James and Peter are mentioned by Paul as being one of the pillars in the church and extended the right had of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas - Gal. 2:9 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 3

4 The Man John: John spent much of his time in Asia Minor - chiefly in the city of Ephesus. Support for this is found in: Justin Martyr - Dialogue with Trypho, LXXXI Irenaeus (Eusebius Ecclesiastical History V,xx Polycrates (Ibid. V. xxiv. 3) And the strong evidence of the writing of the book of Revelation. Best known as the "Apostle of Love" however, he is a very stern man on the subject of heresy in the church. Both these characteristics are displayed by John in this first epistle. Intense is a better word which describes the Apostle, "whom Jesus loved." 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 4

5 Authorship of the Epistle: The question is often raised as to who this John is: Two answers can be given: John the Apostle of the Lord Or, as some suggest that it is John the elder. For our studies let us suffice to say that I believe that the evidence is far greater in the stead of John the Apostle, rather than John the Elder - if these two are different. All evidence I believe points to the very fact that all the books that bear the name, John, were written by the same author - John the son of Zebedee. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 5

6 Authorship of the Epistle: There is External Evidence: From the church fathers --- Polycarp, Papias, Irenaus, Origen, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian and Eusebius. Internal Evidence: Similarities between these Epistles and the Gospel of John: Open Verse of 1 st John = to the 1 st Chapter of Gospel of John Distinctive words = beginning, light, love and abide. Distinctive phrases: To do truth 1:6 ; John 3:21 To walk in Darkness 2:11 ; John 8:12 Children of God 3:2 ; John 11:52 To be born of God 3:9 ; John 1:13 Children of the devil 3:10 ; John 8:44 To pass from Death to Life 3:14 ; John 5:24 The Spirit of Truth 4:6 ; John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13 The only begotten Son 4:9 ; John 3:16, 18 No man has ever seen God 4:12 ; John 1:18 The Savior of the world 4:14 ; John 4:42 The water and the blood 5:6 ; John 19:34 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 6

7 Date of the Book It is believed that all the books that bear John's name were written at Ephesus between A.D. 80 and A.D. 90. Some have placed the book as far as 110 to 165 face the dilemma of having to explain the silence of the Anti-Nicean fathers in their writings. An earlier dating is demanded especially after the discovery of the Rylands fragment of John which was found in Egypt and dated from A.D. 140 or earlier. Revelation was written from the island of Patmos and is dated about A.D. 96 and their can be no doubt as to who the author is of this book - cf. Revelation 1:9. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 7

8 Conditions Which Prompted the Writing Internal opposition to Christ and the church. Poor Spiritual conditions: Worldliness in philosophy and carnal deeds 2:15-17 Tendency to worldliness and sin 1:5-2:6; 2:15-17 Lack of Love towards the brethren 2:7-11; 3:13-24 Lack of Assurance of salvation 5:13 In influx of Gnosticism 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 8

9 Purpose of Writing The deduced purposes: Evidence for faith in the Deity of Christ 1:3, 4; 5:13 Description of the life that faith demands 3:1-12 As stated by John: That their joy may be full 1:4 That they may not sin 2:1 That they may be warned against error 2:26 That they may know they have eternal life 5:13 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 9

10 OUTLINE OF THE BOOK: 1. Introduction 1: Certainty through Walking in the light --- 1:5 2:29 1. In personal spiritual conduct 1:5 2:6 2. In social relationships 2: In separation from the world 2: In adherence to the truth 2: Certainty through Abiding in love 3:1 4:21 1. Ethical proof of love 3: Social proof of love 3: Theological proof of love 4: Emotional proof of love 4: Certainty through Exercise of our faith 5: Conclusion Certainties of Life 5:13-21 From Merrill C. Tenney p /28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 10

11 THE CHRISTIAN'S FELLOWSHIP --- 1:1 2:6 When Jesus came to the earth, man was visited by God on his home turf. By looking at Christ, one sees God (John 14:9). Only through Christ can we have a personal encounter with God (John 14:6). Both John's gospel and his first epistle were written to acquaint people with Jesus (John 20:30-31) and to bolster their confidence in Him and the life He supplies (1 Jn. 5:13). Without this true knowledge, one cannot have life eternal (John 17:3). The need for John's letter was prompted by the false teaching of the day. Some denied Jesus as the Christ (2:22). Possibly, other groups were targets of this epistle. Early forms of Gnosticism were developing. They made a sharp distinction between spirit and matter, contending only spirit is good and all flesh is evil. Therefore, the sinless Son of God could not have come in a fleshly body. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 11

12 THE CHRISTIAN'S FELLOWSHIP Others see parts of the letter directed against Docetism, the belief that Jesus' humanity was not real and that he only appeared to have a physical body. Statements in 5:6 may have been directed toward disciples of Cerinthus. He taught that Jesus was only a man and that the divine Christ descended on Jesus at His baptism and left Him before the crucifixion. Any one or a combination of these heretical ideas flew directly in the face of Jesus' claims and the apostles' testimony. If Jesus' claims were untrue, then the hope of these Christians was a false hope. On the other hand, fellowship with God and His Son affords us life eternal. John encourages his readers to examine their attitude toward God, sin, Jesus, the brethren, and the world. When man's attitude toward these things corresponds to divine revelation, then he can live with the assurance God intends. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 12

13 ENLIGHTENING LOVE 1 John 2:7-17 John's first epistle is aimed at helping Christians understand the real meaning of life eternal. In order to clarify the thinking of these brethren, the apostle suggests several tests to see if they are walking in the light of God's eternal word. So he tells them to examine the objects of their love. John's words are not new since the message of love is as old as life itself. Jesus spoke of love as the basis of the Law and Prophets (Matt. 22:37-40). However, as a way of life it is revolutionary since before Jesus, it had never been seen in practice. Now man reaches love's perfection by following the words and example of Jesus (2:5-6). By walking love's way, all occasions of stumbling will be removed. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 13

14 ENLIGHTENING LOVE The greatest hindrance to the rightful expression of love is selfishness, because love is essentially the giving of self. This fact is clearly seen in Christ (John 3:16; Phi. 2:5-8; 1 Jn. 4:9). When men let love control their lives rather than hatred, light conquers darkness. But we must not be deceived, thinking we are in the light when we are not. This is why we need to continually check ourselves in the light of God's word. Such passages as 1 Cor. 13:4-7 provide excellent checkups. When one ponders the fact that all men can share in the benefits of God's love (1 Jn. 2:12-14), then it is easy to see the folly of directing one's love toward the world. This enlightening fact reinforces the warnings of both Jesus (Matt. 6:24) and the apostles (Jam. 4:4; 1 Jn. 2:15-16). When men choose to pursue the ways of their worldly appetites, they forfeit victory over the evil one. So the choice is to become like that which is passing away or like that which abides forever. The decision is ours. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 14

15 ANTICHRISTS 1 John 2:18-29 John now turns the reader's attention to another test to see if they have a right attitude toward the Christ. Those who walk in the light and have fellowship with God will share the Father's attitude toward the Christ. Naturally, those who reside in the realm of darkness oppose the Christ and are thus anti-christ. The fact that many antichrists had arisen provided evidence for the fact that it was the last hour. To John's readers, a "last hour" denoted a time of consummation. Jesus represented the end purpose of God's work in previous times (Rom. 10:4), so we see how the age of Christ can be looked upon as a last "day" or "hour". Christ fulfilled His mission and accomplished God's purpose (John 17:4). Sadly some former disciples now stood opposed to Christ (v. 19). However, some Christians had divinely revealed knowledge about antichrists and could expose the liars (v ). Those denying the humanity and deity of Jesus were repudiating His Messiahship and rejecting the only way of access to God (vs ; John 1:18; 5:23; 12:45; 14:6-9;). John implores the people to abide in (a permanent dwelling place) the truth they first heard about Jesus. It is the basis of the promise of life eternal (vs ). When one denies the Son, he forfeits all claim to the promise. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 15

16 ANTICHRISTS They faced a real threat to their faith (v. 26). But they should not despair since some among them had the miraculous ability (anointed; vs. 27; 1 Cor. 12:10) to know who spoke for God. Additionally, fidelity to Christ has long-range benefits. Those who abide in Him will have boldness (freedom of speech) at His return. But those who follow false teachers will be ashamed (grow pale, to change color from shame) when He is manifested. Let us give heed to the warning of this epistle and be sure that we are ready for the Lord's return. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 16

17 BEGOTTEN OF GOD 1 John 3:1-10 In verse 29 of the preceding chapter, John declared that those begotten (born) of God practice righteousness. God's love prompted Him to make it possible for us to be His children. Being the object of such love should motivate each child to want to do right. Christians must realize that the world will disapprove of their lives. But in spite of what people of the world think and our ignorance about all matters pertaining to the next life, Christians ARE now God's children. Such knowledge imparts a hope that motivates us to a life of purity. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 17

18 BEGOTTEN OF GOD One who is not a child of God lives a contrasting life style of sin or lawlessness. John asserts that it is utterly impossible to reconcile a life of sin and fellowship with Christ. Apparently, some were trying to convince these Christians otherwise (v. 7). But the very purpose of His mission forbids such a notion (v. 5). In these verses, John reveals the means of identifying the children of God and the children of the devil. They are known from what they do or how they act. John declares that living a life of sin identifies Satan as one's father not God. These verses are probably aimed at those who hold that they have fellowship with God and know Him, but who do not attempt to walk as the Lord directs. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 18

19 HATE AND LOVE CONTRASTED -1 John 3:11-24 In verse 10 John mentioned two categories of people: children of God and children of the devil. He pointed to the fact that children of God not only do right, but they also love one another. This information is not new to John's readers (2:7; 3:11). But now he elaborates on the character of each type person. God's children are like Abel and the devil's have an attitude like Cain's. Cain's example underscores the tragic end of those driven by the influence of envy and bitterness. Like Abel, Christians need to realize that those who hate righteousness will hate them (John 3:20; 15:17-19). Since John is stressing the identity of God's children, he wants them to see the tangible evidence of their position. Love of the brethren evidences life with God. John does not say that one lives because he loves, but we love because we live in Him. Those separated from God (death) do not love but hate. Such is the disposition of a murderer (cf. Matt. 5:21-22). In view of this, we must search our hearts diligently and purge them of every wrong attitude harbored toward others. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 19

20 HATE AND LOVE CONTRASTED Lest one forget how to recognize Godly love, just look at Christ. Evidently such love was rare prior to Jesus' incarnation. In all the pre-christian Papyri the word agape (love) has been found less than ten times. Worldly love is self-gratifying but Godly love is selfemptying. The same love which motivated Him to give all He had will motivate Christians to give more than empty words or mere left-overs to help their brethren. However, no man can give what Christ gave. The fact that we all fall short of His glorious example might cause some to despair. Lest we suffer uneasiness from the reality of our own weaknesses and consciousness of our own imperfections, let us remember God's greatness. He forgives those who conscientiously walk in the light (1 John 1:7). By following His will Christians can confidently approach God's glorious throne (v. 22). But we MUST believe in the name of Jesus (i.e. believe in all that His name stands for). This would include all claims about His person and work revealed by the Spirit. The result of such belief is the fellowship John desires for his readers (1:3; 3:24). 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 20

21 GOD IS LOVE - 1 John 4:1-21 John now proceeds to develop some thoughts already introduced, especially on the subjects of faith in Jesus as the Christ and love of the brethren (3:23). John's points sharply contrast the claims, attitudes and teachings of the false teachers who were troubling John's readers. He challenges them to test the spirits. Those with the spirit of the antichrist deny the incarnation of Jesus as the Christ. But God's children overcome such nonsense (v. 4) while the rest of the world keeps listening to the false teachers. The subject of love is discussed for the third time in the epistle (2:7ff.; 3:1ff.). This more extensive discussion identifies God as the source of love. The Christian's love for his brethren is the proper response to God's love for us in Christ. This is probably a reaction to the false teaching that one could love God without loving the brethren. When we love as God, His love finds completion in us. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 21

22 GOD IS LOVE Next, John assures his readers of their relationship to God. The testimony of the Spirit, the apostles, and their own confession establishes further proof of their position. The confidence produced by such love gives the child of God boldness in view of the judgment day. It is this perfect love which removes the fear of punishment. Our appreciation for such love should motivate us to love our brethren. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 22

23 TESTS OF LOVE AND FAITH - 1 John 5:1-12 Chapter five continues the argument begun in 4:7 urging these Christians to practice brotherly love. Since God's children love Him, it naturally follows that they should love each other. However, the false teachers had probably clouded the true meaning of the love John enjoins, so he again directs their attention to Christ and God's directives (vs. 1-3). But some might consider obedience to God's commands too burdensome. John's reply puts the whole issue in perspective. Nothing required of us by God is too great a price to pay for victory over the world (v. 4)! The means of attaining this victory does not reside within our own souls; we must have faith. Faith, however, is more than mental assent to a proposition. It needs an object so that we can have assurance of hope and conviction regarding unseen realities (cf. Heb. 11:1). Jesus supplies this need. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 23

24 TESTS OF LOVE AND FAITH Many saw Christ just as a man or a man with some unique, short-term powers. John affirms Christ's deity by calling attention to the testimony of His baptism (water) and His death (blood). Additionally, the Holy Spirit testifies to His position in the divine record. Since men ordinarily accept the testimony of men, then all should accept the witness of God. His testimony is superior to any man's. Those accepting the witness believe on the Son of God, but by rejecting the witness of scripture unbelievers in effect accuse God of lying. They deny the inspired record and thus refuse life eternal. On the other hand, the result of God's heavenly declaration should dramatically impress every Christian. The whole Bible points to one divine purpose; God gives life through His Son. Those who receive the testimony of scripture and obey their Creator have life. The remainder who refuse the Son have no hope for life, but must resign themselves to an eternity of torment with Satan and his kind. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 24

25 CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY - 1 John 5:13-21 John's expressed desire is that all men enjoy fellowship with God and one another (1:3-4). The entire course of his writing continually focuses upon this purpose. Having proved his point, he wants these believers to appreciate the assurance such fellowship brings. Eternal life (5:13) affords one the assurance of answered prayer (5:14), protection from the evil one (5:18), belonging to God (5:19), and an understanding of the authentic God (5:20). What the Christian "knows" stands in sharp contrast to the false teacher's claimed knowledge. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 25

26 CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY Throughout the epistle John seeks to establish the position of the true disciple and refute the false claims of the Gnostics (cf. 2:3, 4, 5, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 29; 3:1, 2, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 24; 4:2, 6, 7, 8, 13; 5:2, 13, 15, 18, 19, 20). John closes his letter by pointing to the fact that Christ's coming enables us to know the real God as opposed to the false or non-existent gods. As a final point the true God is set over against idols with a warning to avoid them. 1/28/2017 NT SURVEY PART FOUR (2THESSALONIANS - REVELATION) Slide 26