The Study of "First John!" - 1:1-4 (Part 2)

Video Blog for this Lesson: I John 1:1-4 (Part 2)

     Let me say what an honor it is not only to study the word of God but to do it with you. I hope you have a hunger like I do to sink your teeth into the meat of scripture. No longer drinking of milk but tasting and digesting what is needed to become a healthier follower of Christ! Lets get started!

THE STUDY

      1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life.

     Let us not forget what and who John is combating, Gnosticism: a belief that their way is a better way. John starts to lay down the foundation for his presentation to address this issue. He starts with "THE BEGINNING!" This seems only natural for John being that he does the very same thing in his Gospel of John (1:1) In the beginning was the Word. This can be compared to the O.T. passage found in Genesis 1:1 In the beginning. John is finding common ground with the Gnostic's. They professed to give their approval and patronage to the gospel of Jesus as well as the Jews.(1) So John starts "in the beginning" on common ground.

     One of the commentaries (Bakers NT Commentary) I  read focused on the the first two words of this passage "That which." Baker writes, that the first word in this epistle is “that” instead of “who.” Instead of saying, “Jesus Christ, who was from the beginning,” John writes, “That which was from the beginning.” The term that is broader than the word who, for it includes the person and message of Jesus Christ.(2) I find this difficult to digest. The question comes to mind, "Is their a difference between the Person of Jesus and His message?" If we look at who John is dealing with I then understand why he would use this wording. But the question in my mind still remains, is there a difference?



     I think this is a great place to stop for today! We need to answer this question in our hearts and minds. Is there a difference? Does it matter if there is or isn't?



WALK AWAY WITH THIS ......

      We need to remember some important facts when it comes to our walk with Jesus:
* He was, is, and will always be! Meaning, there was never a point in time or history when Jesus didn't exist.
* Our entire belief system stems from the understanding of the Trinity. (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
* If we don't consider Jesus as "the way , the truth, and the life", Houston we have a problem!

CONCLUSION:
     Concerning leadership, John Maxwell states, "everything rises and falls on leadership." I understand the context of which that statement is made. But let me say when it comes to our faith, our eternal existence, or our purpose on earth "Everything rises and falls with Jesus!"

Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod

(1) The Pulpit Commentary: 1 John. 2004 (H. D. M. Spence-Jones, Ed.) (iv). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
(2) Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament Commentary (234). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.