Bible Study - 1 John 1:1-10

"Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays."  - Andrew Murray

I'm so happy that you have joined me this week! In our last meeting, we had a brief introduction to The First Epistle of John, or 1 John.

Beginning this week, we shall launch into our study of this epistle and the two that follow. You are certainly more than welcome to go back to the previous installment for background information, or review.

“Fellowship with God” is stressed throughout the first chapter. Here, John underscores that fellowship with God is foundational to Christian life. But what is this “fellowship,” and "how does it apply to us?"

The Greek word for “fellowship” is koinōnia, which translates into "participation or sharing." This basically means that when we are in genuine fellowship with God, we are partners, or share a relational experience with Him.

I've listed some important points to consider as you proceed through the first chapter. They are:

• The witness (testimony)of John concerning the Word of Life.
• The nature of the evidence for faith in Jesus.
• The basis of our fellowship with God. 

Helpful Information: The answers will be found within the numbered verses that are given. If you have trouble with a question, continue on and return to it again. Re-read the verse as many times as needed!

Opening Prayer: Dear LORD, as I prepare to study your Word I pray for an open and accepting heart and mind; may it also restore, replenish, and nourish my heart, soul, and spirit. Amen.

Study Questions: 

1) What are the two (2) main points of Chapter 1? (1 John 1:1-4; 5-10)  *Carefully read the entire chapter before answering this question! 

2) Describe how the beginning to this, John’s epistle, is similar to that of his gospel. (1 John 1:1-4; John 1:1-14)

3) What is John's description of the pre-incarnate Jesus? (1 John 1:1)

4) What firsthand, or observed, evidence does John provide regarding the Word? (1 John 1:1)

5) What does John announce (proclaim)? What does he want to share? What is his reason for writing? (1 John 1:2-4)

6) What message has John heard that he makes known to us now? (1 John1:5)

7) If we declare that we have fellowship with God but walk in darkness, what are we? (1 John1:6)

8) How do we benefit by walking in the light together with God? (1 John 1:7)

9) What happens when we say that we have no sin? (1 John 1:8, 10)

10) What is required of us in order to be forgiven of sin and cleansed of all unrighteousness? (1 John 1:9) 

We've come to the end of our bible study for now. I hope you've found this lesson both informative and inspirational. Each study will build upon the last, therefore, please join us again next time. 

Until then, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."   -1 Corinthians 16:13

Scripture: Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25; Proverbs 27:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 13:14 

Prayer: “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,”   - Philippians 3:10 (ESV)

Joyfully in Christ,

Bridget