2 reasons why john wrote his letter (1 john 1:1-4)
Introduction:
1. Our lessons today are based on information revealed in 1 John. 2. We are especially interested in John's explanation of why he wrote 1 John. a. This morning we are examining "2 reasons why John wrote his letter." b. This evening: "1 more reason why John wrote his letter." 3. As we study passages from 1 John, let us receive instruction from "the disciple whom Jesus loved." Discussion: I. FIRST, JOHN WROTE HIS LETTER SO THAT OUR "JOY MAY BE FULL" (1 John 1:1-4)
A. John began in vs.1-3 by showing that the everlasting Son of God came in the flesh. 1. Keep in mind that some teachers were saying that: a. Jesus was not the Christ (1 John 2:22-23) b. Jesus did not come in the flesh (1 John 4:3). 2. If Jesus did not come in the flesh as God's Son, there is no cleansing from sin, everyone is in darkness, and there is no reason for joy. 3. John showed how he and others had heard the Lord, they had seen the Lord, and they had touched the Lord. 4. By coming in the flesh as God's eternal Son, Jesus made it possible for us to have fellowship with Him and the Father. B. John explained in vs.4 why he wrote this information -- so that we may experience joy to the fullest extent. II. SECOND, JOHN EXPLAINED THAT HE WROTE HIS LETTER SO THAT WE "SIN NOT" (1 John 2:1-2)
A. This appeal for Christians to avoid sin is based on having fellowship with God. 1. Jesus made it possible for us to have fellowship with God (1 John 1:1-4). 2. To have fellowship with God we have responsibilities -- we must walk in the light, and we must confess our sins (1 John 1:5-10). 3. On the basis of these principles, John made an appeal for his "little children" to avoid sin. 4. We would do well to follow John's instructions (Psalm 119:11). 5. However, we do sin. B. John continued by revealing the cure for sin. 1. Jesus is the cure for our sin. 2. John described Jesus as: a. "the righteous" (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:21-24) b. our "advocate with the Father" [lawyer, one who pleads our case] c. "the propitiation for our sins" [atonement, means of appeasing]. Conclusion:
1. We have examined 2 reasons why John wrote his letter: a. so that our "joy may be full" b. so that we "sin not." 2. Let us always strive to comply with the Lord's will (1 John 2:3-6).
