1 John Introduction

The book of 1 John was written by the Apostle John, likely near the end of the first century. Its primary purpose is to encourage believers to live in the light of God’s love and truth, to reject sin, and to live in fellowship with God and other believers. It emphasizes themes like love, obedience, and the assurance of eternal life. John also addresses false teachings, particularly regarding the nature of Christ, urging believers to hold fast to the truth.

1 John Chapter 1:
John begins by affirming his personal witness of Christ, emphasizing the reality of the incarnation. He encourages believers to walk in the light of fellowship with God and others. Sin is acknowledged, but the path to forgiveness is through confession. Fellowship with God is marked by walking in His light, and through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are cleansed from sin.

1 John Chapter 2:
John exhorts believers to obey God's commandments as proof of knowing Him. He contrasts the love for the world with the love for God, warning that the world’s desires pass away. He also warns against antichrists and false teachers, encouraging believers to hold fast to the truth they received and abide in Christ, whose return they eagerly await.

1 John Chapter 3:
This chapter focuses on the transformative power of God's love, which makes believers His children. John stresses that those born of God do not practice sin, but righteousness and love for one another. He highlights love as a core mark of the believer’s life and encourages believers to have confidence before God, living in the truth and keeping His commands.

1 John Chapter 4:
John emphasizes testing the spirits to ensure teachings align with the truth of Christ's incarnation. He highlights that true believers are recognized by their love for one another, as love originates from God. John declares that God is love, and because of this love, believers should love one another. Perfect love casts out fear, and genuine love for God is reflected in loving others.

1 John Chapter 5:
John reaffirms that faith in Jesus as the Son of God leads to eternal life. He emphasizes the testimony of God about His Son and assures believers of their eternal life. The chapter also addresses the confidence in prayer, the certainty of victory over the world, and the need to stay away from sin and idols, summarizing the key themes of faith, love, and obedience to God.