Joy
What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—2 that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—3 what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
1 John 1:1-4 (CSB)
In a letter dated March 9, 1790, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to Ezra Stiles, American educator, academic, Congregationalist minister, theologian, and author, stating the following;
“As to Jesus of Nazareth … I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see; but I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes, and I have, with most of the present dissenters in England, some doubts as to his divinity; tho’ it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now.“
As believers of Jesus Christ, in this particular moment, Mr. Franklin was incorrect. It is never needless to busy ourselves with Jesus. If He is who He claimed to be, that identity changes everything. We should all have a passion to know this life.
Christianity stands or falls on the person and work of Jesus Christ. The faith hinges on whether or not an authentic and genuine incarnation occurred in space and time. The identity and mission of Jesus can be distilled into four primary possibilities. He could have been a liar—knowingly deceiving people about who he was. He could have been a lunatic—sincerely deluded about his identity. He could have been a legend—whose real story was obscured by myth over time. Or He could be the Lord—precisely who He claimed to be, with His birth, life, death, and resurrection affirming His divine nature and mission.
In our twenty-first-century context, we are constantly bombarded with confusion, distortions, inaccuracies, and outright denials of the Jesus revealed in the Bible. This is not a modern phenomenon; it dates back to the early days of Christianity. The apostle John faced similar challenges in the first century, prompting him to pen the letter of 1 John to set the record straight. John understood the critical importance of correctly answering the "Jesus question."
John, the son of Zebedee and brother of James (the first apostle to be martyred, cf. Acts 12:2), authored five books in the New Testament. He wrote the Gospel of John to convert sinners, the Epistles of John to confirm the saints, and the Book of Revelation to coronate the Savior. John is notable for explicitly stating his purpose in writing. In the Gospel of John, he concludes with his intent: “But these are written so that you may believe Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). In Revelation, he begins with his purpose: “Therefore write what you have seen, what is, and what will take place after this” (Revelation 1:19). However, in 1 John, his purpose is scattered throughout the five chapters, revealing itself in four key verses.
In 1 John 1:4, John writes to promote full joy in the family of God. In 2:1, he aims to prevent sin in the family of God. In 2:26, his goal is to protect believers from false teachers. And in 5:13, John assures us of his intent to provide assurance of salvation. These purposes address vital aspects of Christian life and doctrine, making the letter a comprehensive guide for early Christians.
Written from Ephesus sometime between AD 80 and 95, likely to churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey), 1 John weaves together three significant themes: correct belief in Jesus, right obedience to God’s commands, and proper love for one another. These themes provide "avenues of assurance," helping believers discern their spiritual state. Similar to how the Gospel of John was written so that readers might have eternal life (John 20:31), 1 John was written so believers might know they have everlasting life. By examining these themes, John exposes false professions of faith and reassures genuine believers who may struggle with doubts.
The timeless truths presented in 1 John resonate across ages, offering guidance for any believer, anywhere, and under any circumstances. These truths are not just words on a page, but the very foundation for the community of faith that acknowledges Jesus as Lord, adheres to God's commands, and loves one another.
As we delve into 1 John, we will uncover three profound truths about Jesus's life. John begins his letter with a powerful prologue, declaring, "Look! Here is a life like no other!" By exploring these truths, we gain a deeper understanding of the essence of Christian faith and the assurance it provides.
1. **Who do you believe Jesus is?**
Reflect on the possibilities presented (liar, lunatic, legend, or Lord) and consider which of these you believe aligns with the Jesus revealed in the Bible. How does your belief in Jesus' true identity shape your faith and daily life?
2. **How do you handle doubts about your faith?**
John wrote 1 John to provide assurance of salvation and address doubts. Think about moments when you've experienced doubt. How do you seek reassurance, and what role does your understanding of Jesus' life and work play in overcoming these doubts?
3. **In what ways do you see the themes of right belief, obedience, and love reflected in your own life?**
John emphasizes the importance of correct belief in Jesus, obedience to God's commands, and love for one another. Consider how these themes are evident in your personal faith journey and community. Are there areas where you feel challenged or need growth?