A. SERMON SLIDES

Slide 1:
An Introduction to 1 John
I John 1:1-4
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

Slide 2:
Author

Slide 3:
The Date and Setting

Slide 4:
Style

Slide 5:
Purpose and Audience

Slide 6:
John 20:31 (ESV)
…but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Slide 7:
Why is John writing this letter?
1) Joy Complete
1 John 1:4 (ESV)
And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

Slide 8:
Why is John writing this letter?
1) Joy Complete
2) Avoidance of Sin/Hope in Christ
1 John 2:1 (ESV)
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

Slide 9:
Why is John writing this letter?
1) Joy Complete
2) Avoidance of Sin/Hope in Christ
3) Assurance of Salvation
1 John 5:13 (ESV)
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Slide 10:
Two Sides of Christianity
1) The objective truth of Jesus Christ
2) The subjective experience of relationship

B. GROUP DISCUSSION

1) Read John 1:1-4. How is John laying the foundation for what he wants to talk about? What stands out to you that is interesting or may require further study?

2) John was entering his last years on earth as he wrote this letter. How does that change how you perceive his words?

3) Talk about each of these reasons John gives for writing. Which one feels like it might matter most to you?

a) Joy Complete
b) Avoidance of Sin/Hope in Christ
c) Assurance of Salvation

4) When it comes to objective truth and subjective experience with Christ, which one comes easier for you? Explain

5) Why is it important that we have both objective and subjective in our Christian life?

6) Prayer and praise