1. A careful study of the Gospel of John will help us in achieving the growth that is mentioned in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. The inspired writer, the apostle John, knew the Lord personally. 3. In his Gospel, John recorded information designed to produce faith in Jesus as the Son of God (John 20:30-31). 4. This lesson is a study of the information presented in John 1:1-18. Discussion: I. (vs.1-5) JOHN INTRODUCED CHRIST AS "THE WORD," A MEMBER OF THE ETERNAL GODHEAD
A. Let us contrast John with the other Gospels. 1. By contrast,: a. Matthew began his Gospel with the Lord's genealogy b. Mark began his Gospel with the Lord's baptism c. Luke began his Gospel with the births of John the Baptist and the Lord d. John began his Gospel by going all the way back to the beginning. 2. We must keep in mind that: a. some people were confused about the Lord's identity (Matthew 16:13-14) b. John confronted the teaching of antichrist in his writings (1 John 2:18-19, 22-23; 4:1-3). B. John declared that Christ: 1. was with God in the beginning 2. was God 3. was Creator (Colossians 1:16-17) 4. was the source of "life" and "light." II. (vs.6-8) JOHN INTRODUCED THE FORERUNNER OF CHRIST
A. God sent John "to bear witness of the Light." B. Prophecies were made in the Old Testament about John. 1. Isaiah 40:3-5 2. Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6 C. John the Baptist fulfilled these prophecies (Matthew 11:7-15; 17:10-13). D. In his Gospel John presented information from John the Baptist about the Lord's identity. III. (vs.9-11) ALTHOUGH CHRIST BROUGHT LIGHT INTO THE WORLD THAT HE MADE, MANY REJECTED HIM
A. For a time the Lord's brothers did not believe in Him (John 7:5). B. The Jews wanted to take the Lord's life (John 8:59). IV. (vs.12-13) THOSE WHO RECEIVED THE LORD WERE BLESSED
A. Those who received Him were given the power to become children of God. B. This blessing is given to those who: 1. believe on the Lord's name 2. are born of God (John 3:3-5, 7). V. (vs.14-18) THE WORD BECAME FLESH
A. The Word was made flesh and lived on the earth. 1. Galatians 4:4-5 2. Hebrews 2:16-18 B. John the Baptist bore witness of the Lord. C. By coming in the flesh, Christ revealed: 1. grace and truth in their fullness 2. the Father whom no one has seen (John 6:46; 14:7-11).
