This week Pastor Scott walked us through John’s opening words in 1 John—showing us that Christian fellowship rests on a true Christ, a true gospel, and a true walk.
Sermon Recap (1 John 1:1-10)
1) The Credibility of John’s Testimony
John speaks of having heard, seen, and touched “that which was from the beginning.” He repeats multiple times, that which “we” have heard, and seen and touched. John has personal knowledge of the things he proclaims. John’s desire is that his audience would have fellowship “with us” and so that our joy may be complete.
2) Walking in the Light
The message John proclaims is that God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. Walking in the light, as he is in the light, is the way to have fellowship with God.
3) Hindrances
John identifies three hindrances to fellowship with other believers and with God:
- claiming to have fellowship while walking in darkness;
- saying we have no sin, by which we deceive ourselves, and
- saying we have not sinned.
Reflection and Preparation
Day 1 — The apostolic gospel is solid ground
Read: 1 John 1:1–4
Reflect (Adults)
- Why are introductory issues important to consider before studying a book?
- What does John emphasize about his message (heard/seen/handled), and why does that matter for your faith?
- How does John connect fellowship with believers to fellowship with the Father and the Son?
For children:
- Why is it important that John really knew Jesus and didn’t just tell a story he heard from someone else?
Day 2 — God is light
Read: 1 John 1:5
Reflect (Adults)
- What does it mean that God is light and has no darkness at all?
- Where are you tempted to think of God as “a little like us” (mixed, inconsistent), instead of perfectly holy?
For children:
- Is God ever wrong or sinful? What does it mean that God is always good and always true?
Day 3 — A false claim vs. a true walk
Read: 1 John 1:6–7
Reflect (Adults)
- What does John say is a lie, and what does he say is the true path?
- How does walking in the light strengthen fellowship with other believers?
For children:
- What happens when someone says they love God but keeps choosing sin and hiding it?
Day 4 — The danger of denying sin
Read: 1 John 1:8, 10
Reflect (Adults)
- What are two ways people deny sin in these verses?
- Why is denying sin not only self-deception, but an attack on God’s truthfulness?
For children:
- What should we do when we sin—hide it, or tell the truth to God?
Day 5 — Preparing for Genesis 3: the first temptation and the first hiding
Next Lord’s Day sermon text: Genesis 3:1-13 — The Genesis of Fallen Man; Theme focus: How did our first parents fall from the ideal state in which they were created?
Read: Genesis 3:1–13
Reflect (Adults)
- What are the serpent’s strategies in vv. 1–5 (what does he question, what does he deny, what does he promise)? Where do you see similar temptations today?
- Trace the movement in the passage: doubt → desire → disobedience → shame → hiding → blame. Which parts of that pattern do you recognize in your own heart?
- What does Adam and Eve’s hiding teach us about what sin does to our fellowship with God? What is the only safe place for sinners to come?
For children:
- What did the serpent try to make Eve doubt about God?
- What did Adam and Eve do after they sinned?
Hymns for this coming Lord’s Day
- 185 Hail To The Lord’s Annointed
- 462 Be Thou My Vision
- 335 And Can It Be?
- 51 Jesus Shall Reign
Brethren, may the Lord help us to walk in the light as God is light. Let there be no darkness in us. And let us enjoy the fellowship we have with one another and with our Triune God.
In Christ,
Pastor Mike