Foundations: Studies in Bible Theology

INTRODUCTION

The standard introduction can be found in any printed or online commentary.
My studies focus on the content of the letter and the application of biblical truth to our Christian way of life.

SUBJECT: basic Christian living.

Growth, fellowship, worship and service

The real issue in Christianity is fellowship with God and then, all
that results from that fellowship. Fellowship with God revolves around
knowledge and application of God’s word. Bible truth is the power of a
successful Christian experience.
The Holy spirit will teach, remind and convict, using the written word
as the standard. But each believer must personally CHOOSE to learn,
listen and use the truths and principles of the bible in his own life.
If we live according to the standards of bible truth we will experience fellowship with God and with one another.
Sin in the life; that is, sin that is unrecognized and not dealt with blocks fellowship with God and hinders fellowship with other believers.
Sin in the life blocks the ministry of the Holy Spirit which prevents
the experience of the abundant life (peace, joy and inner stability);
prevents expressing the character of Christ (righteousness and love);
and prevents prayer access.

Christianity depends on and centers around the person and
work of Jesus Christ. Heb. 12.2; Eph. 1.10; Col. 1.16
He must be the HUB of all doctrinal study-fellowship, worship and service.

If anything about the person and work of Christ breaks down, then all of Christianity falls as well. That's the reason so much emphasis is placed
on the resurrection. 1 Cor. 15.12-19: Acts 17.3l

True fellowship with the Godhead depends on knowing the person and work of Christ.

Chapter One: Verses 1-4
1. We must recognize Him: Verse 1

A. the person of Christ: Rom. 1.3-4

1. Deity: Heb. 1.3; Rom. 9.5; John 1:1-3
Micah 5.2; Is. 44.6; Rev. 1.17-18

2. Humanity: In. 1.14; Gal. 4.4; Phil. 2.5-8
Heb. 2.14-18; 4.15

B. The work of Christ: Salvation/Eternal life accomplished
through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

Jn. 14.6: Acts 4.12; 2 Cor. 5.21: Jn. 10.7-18

2. We must verify Him: Verse 2

     A. Academic: Fulfilled prophecy
     "If anyone will learn the connection between prophecy
     and its fulfillment, let him read the 53rd chapter of
     Isaiah and compare it with the story of the passion.
     So vague and figurative that no one could have acted
     out the drama it fortold; but yet so definite and clear
     that, once fulfilled, the simplest child can recognize
     its scope and meaning."
     (Sir Robert Anderson; “The Coming Prince," P.77).

LIST: prophecies of Christ’s first coming

B. Experience: Ministry of the H.S. in our life.

Rom. 8.16; Gal. 5.22-23;

3. We must embrace Him: Verse 3a

     A. Salvation: Jn. 1.12-13; 3.16-18; 14.6
     B. Christian way of life: We live for Him not for
        ourselves.
       Romans 14:7-8; 12:1-2; 13.14; 1Peter 3:15; Gal. 2:20

4. Then we have the basis for fellowship. Verse 3b
Our fellowship is with the Father
and with His son Jesus Christ.

VERSE ONE
WE MUST RECOGNIZE HIM
1. That which: neuter relative pronoun to refer to the principle of the revelation of God through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. was: Imperfect Ind. of eimi. The imperfect tense indicates continuous
action in the past. Used here it establishes the absolute existence of
God the Son in past time. The past time is identified in the verse.

3. From the beginning: apo archā, from the ultimate source of the Beginning.

   a. The subject is - that which, and refers to the revelation of God.
   b. The revelation of god is his thinking, viewpoint and design.
   c. It has been in existence as long as He has – eternity. Prov. 8:22-31.

   d. The revelation of God concerning his design for the human race
      was revealed to man from the time of Adam and Eve.
      1. focus on His character prior to the fall of Adam.
      2. focus on His character and plan of salvation after the fall.
   e. And then at the appointed time, the revelation of God received
     its ultimate manifestation in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

f. The manifestation of LJC as the revelation and the living
Word of God is what John is thinking of here.

g. As the living Word of God, Jesus Christ is God, and as The
God-man. he completed the work of salvation for the human race

   h. Thus, our attention is brought to the Person and work of Christ, for
      there must be an orientation to that before there can be fellowship.
      Verse 3.

4. What we have heard: HIS MESSAGE
This is a perfect act. Indicative of akouō. It indicates something that
was heard in the past with the result that it is still ringing in our ears.

   This is the FIRST WITNESS to the incarnation: HIS MESSAGE.
   We heard the message not just once, but repeatedly and thoroughly such
   as to prove beyond any shadow of doubt that what we heard was the
   personal revelation of God in the person of Jesus.

5. What we have seen with our eyes: HIS MIRACLES
This is a perfect act indicative of horaō.
The SSECOND WITNESS to the incarnation: HIS MIRACLES
We saw it. It was no optical illusion or dream but an actual physical
person we saw.
We saw Him, we saw what He did; what He was; Who He was. Even now we can
close our eyes and the physical impressions and reality of living closely
with him are still crystal clear to our mind's eye.

6. What we looked upon: HIS CHARACTER

This is the THIRD WITNESS to the incarnation.
The verb is theaomai as an aorist active indicative.
a. view attentively, contemplate, focus intensely on something.

b. the aorist is used to indicate the fact of his honest, intense
and complete concentration.
c. It is a long, intense and honest evaluation that again convinces
beyond any shadow of doubt. John 1:14, His GLORY.
d. This is talking about looking at WHO he is – his character
e. John recorded the results of his evaluation at John 20.26-31.

7. And our hands have handled: psālaphaō as an aorist active indicative.

To examine closely, to handle with a view to investigation, to touch.

a. The aorist tense is used to indicate the specific fact of the case
and refers to the incident after our Lord’s resurrection recorded
at Luke 24.39, where the same word is used, “touch me and see.”

b. The resurrection of His humanity attests to the reality of
his humanity. The FOURTH WITNESS to the incarnation;
we touched him AFTER his resurrection.

c. also to be included in this 4th witness are the incidents such
as occurred in John 13:33. The close fellowship and friendship
between Jesus and his disciples.

8. Concerning the word of The Life:

a. The word: logos (from the verb, legō, which means to speak)
refers to the content of communication.

It is God's communication to man in the person of Christ.
See John 1.1, 4, 14

b. of the life: the special kind of life which is in fact the life
that God is and offers to the human race in contrast to

the judgment prepared for Satan and his angels, which is existence without “life.”

John 20:31; Acts 4.12

c. Two aspects to this quality of life. John 10:10, “life and abundance.”

1. eternal life through relationship with God. John 6:40; 10:27-29
2. Abundant life while living here on earth. John 7:37-39; 8:31-32

VERSE TWO
WE MUST VERIFY HIM

1. and the life was manifested- Phaneroō as an aorist passive indicative.
This is a specific reference to the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 1.14, “the word became flesh.”
This is the first attack of Gnosticism: it denies the incarnation.

DOCTRINE OF THE INCARNATION

2. And we have seen it: horaō is a perfect a. ind. The repetition of the verb
connects the logical and natural progression from seeing and verifying

to communicating. (perfect tense: present results from seeing in the past).

3. and are bearing witness: martureō as a present act indicative expresses
the act of John's personal verification of the incarnation; the person and
work of Christ.

Present tense: constantly bearing witness (verifying) the reality

of the person and work of Christ in every aspect of John's life.

4. and are announcing to you: apangellō, present act. ind.

The natural result from recognizing and verifying the person and work of Christ is

to make a public proclamation and in this case, in written form.

5. The Eternal life: the whole reality of the person and work of Christ and
the complete package of the Salvation provided by the cross and resurrection.

6. which was with the Father-- In. 1.1- the intimacy of the Godhead.

7. and was manifested to us: aorist p. ind. Of phaneroō

There is a natural pause in the Greek here before John continues.

The condescension of God to mankind is so amazing that John cannot
help but pause and reflect in his own thinking what is the magnificent
mystery of Godliness-- 1 Tim. 3:16.

It is expressed later at 1 John 3.1, behold what manner.

VERSE THREE We must embrace Him

After his pause for reflection in v. 2, John picks up again with
his statement that what was seen and heard is being proclaimed.

1. What we have seen: Perf. a. ind. of horaō- repeats the concept of v. 1
a very real and physical manifestation of the logos of God.

2. and heard: perf. a. ind.- akouō- a very real and physical hearing of
the message of the Logos of God.

We are proclaiming -- pro a. ind- apangellō-
apo- from the ultimate source
angellō- announce

80- to make a public announcement from the ultimate source of
ones self--

to proclaim a message based on the standards in ones soul-
and in this case, standards baded on actual physical revelation
to John as well as the Holy Spirit's ministry of inspiration.

5~.

to you: The Ephesian believers, and in application. to all believers
of every generation in the church age.

This is not evangelical in scope but instructional.
specifically. how the Eternal life applies to the cwl.

the function of the cwl depends on the person and work of Christ
as it relates to salvation.

i'.LSO

very important principle-The revelation of God to man is for
all believers. Not just a few who are specially educated,
and not just to those used of God to provide revelation.

in order that- hina plus the subjunctive to indicate the purpose
for the communication of Divine truth.

You also might have-

a. have: echō, -ir. a. subj- goes with hina to indicate purpose, but
the potential is also in view. Communication of the truth

in itself does not guarantee that the desired results will
be seen in the lives of those who receive the communication.
b. ALSO_ -again- non-limited participation in the benefits of

vine design .

.tl . fellowship: koinōnia, a participation with, a sharing with

a communion and partnership with

/6. wi th 1..1.s-- .John and the other communicators of Doctrine.
but the key is fellowship with one another.

j/, .and indeed- de- incidentally-

I~. our fellowship- the fellowship that all believers have together.
specifically- John's fellowship with the Father and the son-
but all believers participate in it as well .

VEHSE THREE

12. is with the Father and with his son, Jesus Christ.

THE CIRCLE OF FELLOWSHIP

a. with the Father: Primarily through an orientation to his
perfect character and plan. Eph. 1.2- Grace

1. through prayer- all prayer is directed to the Father,
in the name of the Son, through the Holy Spirit.

2. through experiencing the perfect peace of God- Phil. 4.6-7

~Vi th the :3on-

1.experiencing the grace and peace of Eph. 1.2

2.Thru participation in his character as it is produced
in the life. 2 Cor. 3.18; Rom. 13.14;
3. Service- 1 Cor. 3.9: 2 Cor. 5.20; 6.1, 4.

1 Cor. 11.1

With the Holy Spirit:

It is through Mis indwelling presense that enables us to have
fellowship with the Father and the Son.

OU.r communion with the B.S. is mentioned with regard to
his control and ministry of producing ~hrist's character
in the life. 2 Cor. 13.14; Phil. 2.1; Gal. 5.22-23; 5.~

with other believers:& Mutual participation in the areas of-
prayer, singing, service, comfort and encouragement, _

and general worship.

1. and these things-- The book of 1 John

by application, the entirety of the written revelation of God.

2. we are writing- graphō- pro a. ind.-

3. so that our joy- chara- my joy and your joy

the experience of-inner relaxation and contentment and
satisfaction in life.

A. My joy - as the communicator- knowing that what he offers is
the key to max. soul prosperity in the cwl.

B. Your joy- through acceptance and participation in the

instruction they receive.

Hearing and doing the Word of God
J arne s 1. 25 ;

J+. might be fulfilled- Perf. p. part. Plāroō- Plus- Pro sub j . of eimi

A. periphrastic perfect part. to emphasize the unique and

special quality of Divine happiness in the soul

B.When certain principles of Doctrine are understood, the results
are a fulfillment of soul prosperity which is evident whenever
those principles are volitionally adhered to.

C. the Subjunctive of eimi indicates that volition plays a part
in experiencing the fulfillment of XM joy.

D. the perfect tense indicates full and complete results of the
action but dependent on the volition of the subjunctive.

E.On our part- the doing of our commission

on your part- the hearing and doing of the word taught.

ifen contend in an insistent rebellious attitude.

2. that we are having: echō- pr.a. ind. - communicates a present
condition or experience

3. fellowship: koinōnia - rapport and partnership based on
alignment with someone’s character and plan.

A.Usually used for fellowship in experience
B Two times for salvation

E.Fellowship with God is based on alignment with His character
and viewpoint. Called light Thus, walking in the light.

F.It is called "abiding in Him (Cnrtst)" at John 1 S~ 7; I IN 2.28
F This then is the issue at "I. 2.}·-6

mtrodu ~~~ '~n attendant tactor tc our claim to

fellowship with God.

S,- are actually walking: peripates - pr. d. indo - the attendant

The word is used to indicate how we conduct ourselves in life.

b. in the darkness: skotia - that which is contrary to the light
factors of s . 5. God's character and viewpoint,

A.The principle oJ mcompatibitity: 2 Cor 6.14.

B.Prov. 2 13 - leaving the paths of uprightness (y~sher)
Emphasis on moral standards and integrity

(; 1 In 2, t ta - fails to operate on love,

Empnasis on spiritual standards and integrity

D.The deeds of darkness: Rom. 1,3.12 -13

E.Thus. no alignment with God's character or viewpoint --
1. The Holy spirit is quenched.

2 .. And there is not Bible Truth operating in the soul.

F.Eph. 5.9 ,. the ,) factors of light Iivtng establish the nature
of darkness living. Goodness, righteousness and truth
7 We are lying: pseudō - pi ill. indo - our affirmation is false

9. the truth: alātheia - God's viewpoint. doctrine and policy.

I JOHN one

The principle of imitation: Eph. 5.1-2

A.God's standards not man's.

I. Is. 55.6-9
2. Is 5.18-21
l.. Mal. 2 .. 17

Rebellion - Job 24.13

alignment with God's standards

y rcnowsntp with one another

B.That is God with us -- and we with God.

C.As well as, by application, with fellow believers as per v . 3
c_ Fellowship indicates an alignment with God. TF no enmity

between Him and the betiever

D.This must be premised on cleansing and forgiveness of sins.
E.. Such a cleansing and forgiveness is only available through

F From a salvation perspective, it is an accomplished fact.

G From an experiential perspective it is only realized through
confession of sin. 1 In. 1.9;

H.nut the basis for cleansing in experience is an appeal back to
tne cross and a recognition of Christ's payment for sin.

1 In. 2.1

I And this appeal back to the cross is represented by the
phrase, “the blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin."

6.And the blood of Jesus His Son: specific reference to the spiritual sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

DOCTRINE OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

7 cleanses us: katharidzō - pr. a. ind. - keeps on cleansing.

Th.e once and for all sacrifice on the cross has a continuous
cleansing appltcation wnite the believer is on earth.

&. From all sin: pas .•. hamartia - The all makes this a reference
to personal sins ..

point and policy, fellowship is maintained.

they occur.

l IContesston of sin then perpetuates the salvation sacrifice of

I JOHN one

s . ,3 De-nial of the OSN as the- 3rd attack of gnosticism.
L If we affirm: .')rd cc plus a.a.s of leg~ to the OSH.

A. nave ~chl! -pr. d. indo indicates pre-sent status quo

B the nature to sin in. contrast. with acts of sin 8.S in v . 10.
e. Antinomian - doctrine of sinless perfection

,). We are deceiving ourselves: ptanas - pr. a. indo

A.Deception because we do have an OSN and it is the source of

i our sintnl t .•.. ouents and activi .•.. .i~f"' Gal L 1 o rl 1· lI..k "7

1 .~ 1.1 \. 1 U :0 i,.:t) d U;j_ A lii.·I,,·iJo. ..). 7-"::' ,.I:'I'l . I.

B.Deception, because without recognizing the problem, we will
never find the sotution.

'l" And the truth is not in us: atstnera-tne truth of Gods revelation

A Genesis ().2 1
B. Psalm 51.5

eRe. Y.3

D. Proverbs 22.15
E .. J;c}Jeremiah 17.9
F. Romans 7. 1 4 - 2 1

'fI.q - Having recognized the existance of the OSN, we must deal
with the personal sins produced by it.

1.If: 3rd class condition - maybe we will follow this policy .. -

2.We· reference to believers only. The unbeliever is not told to
confess his SiDS for salvation or any other "blessings" from God.
} Confess. pr .a. s. - nomotoges -

Lit: to say the same thing. Thus, to agree with or acknowledge.
A Confession of sin involves a total agreement with God about
that sin.

L Its nature: it is a violation of His viewpoint and standards

3 Your attitude. rejection or forsaking as at Provo 23.13

B Confession of sin is not a mechanical gimmick· or·ff{uafl)ut a
simple mental statement of the facts concerning that sin.

C.Confession or sin is always directed to God the Father - never
to men. Ps 32.5

4. our sins: hamartia - plural to indicate the difference between

A.PERSONAL sin is the violation of any aspect of God's view-
point and policy as detailed in His written word. Mk.7; Gal. 5.

B.What is obvious, but often overlooked, is that this is rerermg
to known sins. You cannot confess what is unknown.

I JOHN one
¥. 9

5 He is faithful: pistos - dependable, trustworthy

,A.. All sins were paid for on the cross.

B.When someone trusts in Christ as saviour, the penalty for sin
(eternal separation from God) is removed in regard to all
past and future sins ..

C But any ruture sins will still produce the effects of separation
from GOod through disalignrneut with his viewpoint and policy.

is no need tor another sacrifice.

Ii. fT~ •• ~, about tns disatisnmentllWIC"

with God that results from personal sin.

F.An appeal back to the CfOSS work of Christ is what accomp-
lishes rorgtveness and a re-alignment with God.

l J n. L 7 and 2. 1

7. T~): nina + subj. = in order to. indicates that the basis tor
forgiveness is the character 01' God

the known violation which takes us out of alignment with God.
9 And cleanse us: a.a.s. of katnartdzs -

10. From all unrighteousness: pas adikia -cleansmg of all unknown
sins that -we committed either before or after the known ones
which are to be confessed.

v . 10 The denial of personal sin

L If we say: 3rd c1. condo + a.a.s. of legl!

2.that we have not sinned: namartans - pert. a. indo

A.This is a rejection of the need for cleansing.

B.It denies any past or present sin activity.

C It directly contradicts Rom. 3.2.3 and context .- which estab-
Irshes conctusrvetv that man's thoughts and actions come far
short of Divine standards for righteousness.

_) Thus- w(: make- Him a Iiar: poie s - pr. a. indo

4. And His word is not in us: no doctrinal orientation to spiritual

Rom. 14.7-8
Lam. ).24

Questions and comments are always welcome

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FIRST JOHN CHAPTER ONE