John 1:1 - 2:17 Recap

IT was a lot to cover and we were short on time, so I apologize the lesson was rushed. I'll summarize what we covered as briefly as I can and I was going to give the outline, but it doesn't format very well on the blog. I look forward to Caleb's application lesson this Sunday.

Summary:

"Jesus who was with the Father from the beginning is eternal life and became man. We saw him, fellowship with him, and would love for you to do the same.

Let me cover the basics...God is light. Light and dark don't mix. Being in the light with God means we are forgiven sinners. If you claim not to sin, you are a liar. Being in the light with God means you do what he says. If you claim to know God and don't do wat he says, you are a liar. Doing what he says means loving your brother. If you say you know God and hate your brother you are a liar.

I'm writing you guys because I believe you are in the light, forgiven, and know God...be encouraged!

But...do not love the world...that is incompatible with the love of God. the world is passing away, but God and those who do what he says will live forever."

Some additional thoughts:

1. We know John is writing this at least in part to respond to heretics who have torn the church. It's inferred in this passage that they were claiming to be sinless and also to know God while not keeping his commandments nor loving their brothers. John calls them out for being the liars they were.

2. Consider the profundity of John calling Jesus the "word" both here and in his Gospel (John 1:1-5). Jesus not only carried God's word or message, but was the very essence and substance of God's message for us.

3. Notice how there appears to be little middle ground for John...you are either with God in the light or in the darkness...there doesn't seem to be in between. Either you keep God's command or you don't. Either you love your brothers, or you hate them.

4. What an encouragement verses 12-14 must have been to John's readers at a time when their churches had just been ripped apart and faith had been challenged.

5. I think the warning in verses 15-17 should resonate loudly with American believers today...I think we really struggle with loving the world.