I John Intro.: In order for us to understand I John, we need to try to understand the situation that moved him to write it. By A.D. 100 there were inevitable changes within the church, and especially in a place like Ephesus. By this point in time all the other apostles were dead. Many of the Christians were now either second or third generation Christians. The thrill of the first days of new discovery had to some extent passed away and Christianity had become traditional, half hearted and nominal as men became used to it. (Matt. 24:12) One result was that the standards which Christianity demanded had become a burden. With the first thrill and enthusiasm gone, it became harder and harder to stand out against the world and deny oneself of the things which the world habitually allowed. It is also interesting to note that I John shows no sign of persecution. The danger of violence from outside the church seems to have lessened and the danger now seems to come from within. The problem seems to be seduction and lack of commitment rather than persecution. (Acts 20:29-30) The trouble seems to come from men influenced by the Gnostic philosophy of the day who thought they were intellectually superior, that they had a secret knowledge and that they were improving the Church. Along with this, some denied that Jesus was the Messiah, denying the historical evidence of His life, death and resurrection. The result of this was confusion, a lack of Christian love, annihilation of Christian Fellowship, and a lack of assurance of salvation. Because of the Gnostic system with its distinction between spirit (which was good) and matter (which was considered evil) there was also a denial of the importance of a moral life. In writing this letter, John had five major emphases. 1. The insistence on the truth and value of the original apostolic message. 2. The historical Christ is the foundation of our faith. 3. We have absolute assurance that Christianity is true and that each one has the certainty of his own salvation. 4. Righteousness must characterize the life of those who claim to be Christians. 5. Christians must let all that they do be characterized by love. Here again we have a book that speaks to us in our contemporary society. In reading and studying it our true faith will be confirmed and it will enable us to defend against that which would seduce us from it. Purpose: To reassure Christians in their faith and to counter false teaching. Author: The apostle John, cousin of Jesus Date: Between 85 and 95 A.D. from Ephesus before exile to Patmos Key Verse: 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. Outline: Ch. 1:1-2:27 - God is Light Ch. 2:28-4:21 - God is Love Ch. 5 - God is Life 1
Read vv. 1-4 Chapter 1 1. What does the first verse tell you about Jesus? (See Gen. 1:1 and John 1:1 also) 2. What gives John the authority to speak? Note: The most important thing that John has to say in this preface is that Christianity is Jesus Christ. Without Christ there would not have been Christianity, for it began by God s revelation of Himself in Jesus and continues by the authoritative testimony of the apostles and others to that revelation. From The Epistles of John by James Montgomery Boice 3. What word, repeated three times, describes Christ and emphasizes something significant about Him? 4. The gospel message which comes through Christ is most often called the word of God. What do we learn about the Word from the following verses? I Thess. 1:8 Acts 15:7 Acts 14:3 Acts 13:26 2 Cor. 5:19 1 Cor. 1:18 Eph. 1:13 Phil. 2:16 2
Note: John speaks of fellowship rather than salvation perhaps because that fellowship had so recently been broken by the Gnostic schism that wanted to establish a fellowship of the intellectually elite. 5. What twofold objective does John have in writing this? 6. What is your relationship with other believers? Read vv. 5-7 7. What contrasts does John use in these verses? 8. A. What does light represent? B. What does dark represent? 9. What does this tell you about God? (See also Jn. 4:24 and I Jn. 4:8) 10. A. What are the properties of light which make it an appropriate image of God? B. When have you experienced the joy of spiritual light in your life in a new way? 11. What properties of darkness make it an appropriate description of a Christless life? 12. John is correcting three claims of the false teachers in this chapter, and all begin with the same phrase. What are these false claims? 3
13. What heretical and mistaken way of thought was John correcting here? 14. In order to have fellowship with God what does John insist must happen? Explain what that means. 15. Many Christians have the wrong idea of truth. For the Christian truth is not only intellectual but involves the whole personality. What active verbs accompany truth (or light) which re-enforce this teaching? I Jn. 1:6 I Jn. 1:7 Gal. 2:14 I Peter 1:22 I John 3:18 II John 1:4 16. What great blessings result from walking in the light? 17. What does being purified from sin mean to you? 18. What blunt truth does John lay down here? 4
Read vv. 8-10 19. What is the great disadvantage in the denial of sin? 20. How difficult is it for you to admit your sins and fault and why is it so important to do so? 21. What does confession mean? 22. Why does John use the words faithful and just to describe God? A. In what sense is He faithful? (Jer. 31:34) B. In what sense is He just? (Rom. 3:20-28) 23. Why is confession, repentance and forgiveness so important? 5
Read vv. 1-14 Chapter 2 1. What do you think of John s address to these people? 2. What is John s purpose in writing this? 3. How can a Christian truly know that he is born again or in John s terms that he knows God? Note: It is interesting to note that in Greek thought and literature as well as European and English thought in the 18th century to know indicated intellectual reasoning. The Greeks glorified the intellect. Later Greeks in the New Testament era sought to know God in emotional experience. It was not so much knowing God as feeling God. The Jewish and Christian way however, of knowing God came by revelation from God not by man s speculation and could only be proved by obedience to God. To know God is to experience His love in Christ and to return that love in obedience. 4. What problems created by this Greek thinking was John trying to correct? 5. How was John s understanding of the knowledge of God much more satisfying? 6. Why is righteousness proof that we know God? (See Phil. 2:13) 6
7. What kind of people is John speaking of with his blunt words? 8. How would you explain what it means to walk as Jesus did? 9. Of what commandment is John speaking? 10. How can you love a brother for whom you have no liking? 11. A. What is the consequence of lack of love? See also Jn. 12:35 B. What is the positive advantage in a life of love? 12. In verses 12 to 14 what progression in spiritual maturity do you see? 13. How does one overcome the evil one? 7
Read vv. 15-17 14. In what three areas does Satan concentrate his attacks? Explain what each one means. 15. On whom else were these three attacks centered? see Gen. 3:1-7 and Matt. 4:1-11 16. When has Satan used these tactics on you? 17. What word is repeated five times in these three verses and define its meaning as used here? 18. For what reasons are Christians not to love the world? 19. How does Jesus speak of this principle in Matt. 6:19-24? 20. In what way is this teaching like a marriage? 8
Read vv. 18-29 Note: It is characteristic of our time, often pointed out by contemporary Christian apologists, that men and women no longer strictly believe in truth. When a thing is said to be true they do not mean absolute and forever. The consequence of this is a great deal of uncertainty and a noticeable sense of lostness in the universe of ideas and objects by modern men. To men and women conditioned by this 20th century mind it is somewhat of a surprise to find that Christianity, particularly in its New Testament expression, moves within an entirely different set of presuppositions. But surprise or not, it is clear that when the Bible peaks of truth it means truth absolutely; that is, truth which is binding upon everyone and which is true both now and forever. It is in this sense that God is true, that Christ is the truth, and that the Bible is said to contain true propositions. Moreover, according to the Bible, such truth can be known now. It can be known by believing it. That is, it can be known by taking God at His word, as that word is recorded in the Bible, and by acting upon it. In I John the aged author of that book even says that knowing the truth is one evidence of the new life of God within the Christian. From: The Epistle of John by James Montgomery Boice 21. John, in helping Christians become sure of their salvation, offers three tests. The first is the test of righteousness (2:9-10). The second is the test of love (2:15). What is the third test? Verses 20-23. 22. A. What does the word Antichrist refer to? B. What other terms in scripture refer to this person or power which is hostile to God? Matt. 24:15 2 Thess. 2:3-4 Rev. 13:1 and 20:10 Rev. 16:13 C. What is the master lie he teaches? 9
D. How had Paul forewarned of these false teachers? (Acts 20:29-30) E. How did Jesus forewarn the people? (Matt. 24:5) 23. What two things will protect Christians from such deceit? Give verses. 24. What does to continue in Him mean? (See John 15) 25. What will continuing in Him accomplish? 26. What reason for writing this letter does John give here? 27. What is the anointing spoken of here? 28. What is the incentive to live a righteous life and walk closely with Him? 10
Chapter 3 Read vv. 1-10 1. What gnostic teaching is John refuting here? (See Introduction) 2. What should deter a Christian from leading a life of sin? 3. What is the difference between paternity and fatherhood? 4. How is this described in John 1:12-13? 5. What is God s aim and goal for His children? (See Rom. 8:29) 6. What is our part in reaching that goal? Explain. 7. What is the difference between committing a sin and continuing in sin? 8. What is sin? Explain. 9. What two groups of people are contrasted here? 11
10. What are the distinguishing characteristics and evidence of each group? Children of God Children of the Devil 11. What does it mean to have God s seed in us? 12. How victorious are you in overcoming sin? What dominant feeling accompanies a lapse into sin? Read vv. 11-18 13. What one word sums up and is central to the Christian life? 14. What proof is there that Cain was not a child of God? 15. What caused him to hate Abel which is also the reason that the world hates Christians? 12
16. Trace this thought in the following verses. John 8:44 - John 15:18-19 - 17. What teaching does Jesus give on murder in Matt. 5:21-22 and Mark 7:21-23? 18. According to Hebrews 12:15 what can we do to avoid anger and hatred? 19. What element in the cross of Christ shows us the measure of God s love? 20. How can we sacrifice ourselves - lay down our lives in: Christian work - Christian homes - Christian churches - 21. How clearly do your actions show that you really love another? 13
Read vv. 19-24 22. To whom does John seem to be speaking in these first verses? 23. What emotions would exist in such a person? 24. How are we to overcome such feelings of conscience? 25. Have you ever been the victim of such doubts and how do you escape such self condemnation? 26. How can such fears affect our prayer life? 27. What beautiful assurance do we have concerning prayer? 28. What other promises and limitations concerning prayer are given in the following verses? Matt. 7:7 - Matt. 21:22 - John 14:13 - Psalms 66:18 14
29. What commandments does John give us if we want to enjoy the privilege of having all our prayers answered? 30. What does to believe in Christ mean to you? 31. What great advantage is ours as we obey? 32. Have you ever at a definite time in you life received Christ through the Holy Spirit? Receiving Christ is a free gift from God. The following verses will help give us the assurance and conscious awareness of this. A. Where do you stand concerning sin? Rom. 3:23 Rom. 6:23 B. What cleanses you? Heb. 9:14 and 22 - C. What should we do? Rev. 3:20 - Acts 2:28-15
D. If we do this what does it mean for us? Eph. 2:1-5 - Rom. 8:9 - John 5:24 - E. What is the natural result of having believed and received Christ? Matt. 10:32 - I Peter 2:1-2 - Col. 3:16 - F. Re-read Rev. 3:20 and if you have never done so, say a prayer confessing your sinfulness, asking Christ to fill you with His Spirit and committing your life to Him in complete surrender. Remember it is not you who does this, but the Holy Spirit drawing and urging you. G. Having done this you will need the armor of God to protect you against Satan s attacks. Simply put it on as stated in Eph. 6:10-18 and pray for His protection. 16
Chapter 4 Read vv. 1-6 Note: Through the centuries many heretics have denied that Jesus was both God and man. In John s day people had trouble believing He was human. Today more people have problems seeing Him as God. To deny either His divinity or His humanity is to consider Him less than Christ the Savior. 1. What is the contrast John speaks of here? 2. What repeated phrase in verses 1, 2, 3, 4, & 6 contrasts with verse 5? What does this tell you about the source and origin of each? 3. What important test distinguishes a true prophet from a false one? (See Jer. 28:9 and Deut. 18:22) 4. Supposing the prophecy of a false prophet happens to come true or he performs signs and wonders--what test will help determine whether he is from God or Satan? (See Deut. 13:1-3) 5. What is our standard in judging whether a message is from God or the Antichrist? 6. What great fact gives comfort to the Christians living in an evil world surrounded by falsehood? 7. Who is referred to by the pronouns we and us in verse 6? 17
8. What examples can you give showing how false teachers and their teachings are creeping into our churches today. 9. Why are false prophets popular in the world? Read vv. 7-18 10. Love is usually thought of as a feeling. By contrast what do you learn about love from I Cor. 13:4-7? 11. Since that is not natural to fallen human nature what source and power enables us to love? 12. Why do you think that at this point in time John lays such emphasis on love? 13. Do you think it is important to press this point in our churches today? 14. What reasons does John give why we should love one another? 15. How well do you display love in the choices you make, the words you say and the actions you take? 16. Verse 9 tells us that Jesus is the bringer of life. What is the difference between existence and the life which Christ brings to us? 18
17. What else does it tell us about Christ? (Explain) 18. What does it tell us about the Spirit? (See also Rom. 8:15-16) 19. In what way is love made complete? Read vv. 19-21 20. What is the source of love? 21. How do we prove our love for God? 22. What indissoluble connection is given here? 23. What blunt statement does John make concerning those who say they love God? 24. How can you love someone in your acquaintance that you have no liking for? 19
Chapter 5 Read vv. 1-5 1. Who is John referring to by the phrase the children of God? Who is my brother? 2. What barriers can you think of that keep Christians from loving each other? 3. What two proofs indicate that we are truly born again? 4. From where does the initiative come to accomplish this, and by what means are we drawn to do it? (See Jn. 1:12-13 and I Peter 1:23) 5. How do you find God s commands? 6. Even though obeying God s command may be difficult, why and to whom are they not burdensome? (See Matt. 11:28-30) 7. What is the third test or proof along with love and obedience that proves we are born again? 8. What does the term world in verses 3 and 4 refer to? 9. Explain what victory to overcome the world means in your life. 20
Read vv. 6-13 10. What is the significance of water and to what does it refer? 11. What is the significance of blood? (See John 19:33-34) 12. A. Do you believe there is such a thing as absolute truth? Why? (Ps. 33:4, Rev. 22:6) B. Define truth. C. Is this commonly taught in our schools today? 13. What is the difference between believing a man (:9) and believing in a man (:10)? 14. A. What absolute assurance does John want his readers to have? B. Is saying we know absolutely that we are saved presumptuous? Why or why not? Read vv. 14-21 15. What emphasis concerning prayer does John give us here? 16. Beyond asking in God s will, what other qualifications are given in the third chapter of this book for our prayer to be answered? 21
17. Do you have this kind of confidence in prayer and what prayer answer have you seen recently? Note: According to these verses prayer is not so much getting God to pay attention to my request, as it is getting my requests in line with His perfect will for me. It is learning to think God s thoughts after Him and to desire His desires. It is a means by which my desires may be directed according to the mind of God. It is not only talking to God but also listening to Him. 18. What responsibility does John speak of regarding prayer? 19. What type of intercessory prayer does scripture suggest we say? I Thess. 5:16-18 I Thes. 5:25 James 5:14 James 5:16 Gal. 6:2 II Cor. 13:9 Psalms 122:6 Matt. 5:44 Acts 8:15 Note: There are a variety of views on the meaning of the sin that leads to death. The Lutheran view is that it refers to adamant and persistent denial of the truth or unrepentant and persistent denial of the Holy Spirit who leads us into God s truth. We won t dwell on this since John s central message is to pray for any believer whom we see falling into sin. For this reason we will not spend time on the exception. 22
20. What three affirmations or certainties does John give in summarizing this letter? (Give verse) 21. Does verse 18a contradict the statement in Ch. 1:10? Explain. 22. What effect does being born again have on your tendency to sin? 23. What deductions can we make about those who are not born of God? 24. What assurance do you have that you don t live under Satan s control? 25. What advantage is there in being a child of God? 26. What two gifts has God given us? 27. What is the contrast to the true or genuine God? 28. What is an idol? Name some. 29. What is our best protection in keeping free from idols? 30. Do you have any doubts about where you will go when you die? 23
II & III John Intro: The letters of II and III John are the shortest books in the Bible but this does not mean that they are insignificant. In some ways they repeat the general message of I John, but in two distinct contexts which give them a new emphasis. The immediate problem in each book is that of traveling teachers or missionaries. Many of these were taking advantage of Christian hospitality or were motivated by greed and were attempting to profit by Christianity. In II John the author seems to be reminding his readers of the tests of true Christianity developed in I John. Secondly he warns them to be on guard against false teachers. Here the test of truth and error is Christian doctrine particularly as relates to Jesus as the Christ come in the flesh. In III John the author by contrast encourages genuine hospitality toward true teachers and John s format centers around three men. Gaius is an example of one who follows Christ and loves others; Diotrephes, the self proclaimed church leader who does not reflect God s values; and Demetrius, who also follows the truth. John encourages Gaius to practice hospitality and continue to walk in the truth and do what is right. As you read these letters and apply these lessons with which man do you identify? Are you generously giving to others and loving the truth or like Diotrephes, looking out for yourself and your things? Determine to reflect Christ s values in your relationship by opening your home and teaching others His Love. II John Purpose: To emphasize the basics-truth and love and to warn against false teachers Author: John To whom written: To the chosen lady and her children or possibly a local church. Date: About 90 AD from Ephesus Key verse: :6 And this is love that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love. III John Purpose: To commend Gaius for his hospitality and to encourage him in his Christian life Author: John To whom written: To Gaius, a prominent Christian in one of the churches and to all Christians Date: About 90 AD from Ephesus Key verse: :5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. Outlines: II John I. :1-6 Walk in truth and love II. :7-13 Refuse false leaders III John I. :1-8 Gaius an example of walking in truth and love II :9-11 Diotrephes a contrary walk III :12-14 Demetrius a good example 24
II John Read vv. 1-6 1. On what does true Christian love rest? 2. Define truth. 3. What happens in the contemporary church when the truth is compromised? 4. When have you had opportunity to defend the truth or where in our day do you see the truth being compromised? 5. What truth is John concerned about? (See I John 2:21-23) 6. What gives John his great joy which is also true for other Christian leaders? 7. What three things are Christians commanded to do? (Give verses) 8. A. How is it possible to command someone to love? B. Give examples of how we Christians can show love. 9. What gives us an indication that even in John s church (similar to churches in our day) there were problems. 10. What is John s first cure for this problem? 25
Read vv. 7-13 Note: In John s day there were traveling teachers or missionaries some of whom were distorting the truth. According to their Christian ethics all who traveled in this way were to be shown hospitality by the Christians in towns to which they came. Unfortunately this extension of hospitality was open to abuse and raised moral questions as well. Supposing a teacher taught false doctrine. Hospitality would demand that he be provided for but to do so would seem to be participation in the spread of false teaching. Should he be received or not? Or suppose he overstayed his welcome or asked for money giving evidence of greed rather than service. How long should such a one be tolerated? From: The Epistle of John by J. M. Boice 11. Who does John seem to be warning the people about? (See I John 2:19) 12. Why are such people so dangerous? 13. What distortion of Christian doctrine have you encountered? 14. What instruction does John give to counter this danger? 15. Is John speaking here of all error or only that which comes under the guise of Christianity? 16. What does this have to say about the emphasis on tolerance in our day and age? 26
III John Read vv. 1-8 1. How does John show his love for Gaius? 2. How was this contrary to the Gnostic teaching of John s day? 3. What is the greatest joy spiritual teachers can have? 4. Hospitality is almost a lost art in today s busy world. What does Scripture tell us about hospitality? I Peter 1:9 Heb. 13:2 I Tim. 5:10 Rom. 12:13 I Tim. 3:2 Titus 1:8 5. A. In what ways was Gaius faithful? B. How faithful are you or do you grow weary of serving? 27
6. How can you extend love or show hospitality to missionaries or other Christians? Read vv. 9-11 7. What seems to be Diotrephen s problem? 8. Have you ever seen any example of such aggressive strong minded people in the church? 9. Why are they such a problem to the church and not to be followed? Read vv. 12-14 10. Verses 11 and 12 give us a word of caution. What is it? 11. Why is that important? 12. What makes Demetrius a good example? 13. In the midst of strife and bitterness that can often bedevil a Christian group, what comfort do we have? 28