This verse by verse Bible study was taught by Sim Forder, one of our pastors, at our Sunday evening service on the 3rd July 2022.

Introduction to this book

The theme of this 62nd book of the Bible, as summarised by many, is that God is light, God is love, and God is life – three descriptions John gives in this letter. Further to that, John tells us the purpose of this letter was so that;

• You may have fellowship with other believers (1 John 1:3)
• Your joy may be full (1 John 1:4)
• You may not sin (1 John 2:1)
• You may know that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13)
• You may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13)

Overview of this study

In the opening verses of this letter, John wastes no time in telling us of the reality of Jesus – he was a real man with a real body, and he was actually God – a clear rebuttal to Gnosticism that was prevalent at the time, and is still found in some teaching today.

From verse 5 onwards, he then speaks about our fellowship with each other, and most importantly God – and that if we persist in sin, and fail to see it as God does, then that will damage our walk with Him.

Application questions

• Are you walking in the light? Do you have any fellowship with God?
• Do you truly fellowship with other believers?
• Have you confessed your sin? Do you see it as God sees it?