The apostle John came from apparently comfortable circumstances in Galilee, where he and his brother James left their home and fishing trade to follow a man named Jesus. More than sixty years later John, the Beloved of the Lord, recorded his testimony of the divinity of the Savior. His gospel stands apart in literature as a careful and passionate witness of the Son of God. In stating his reasons for writing, John explained, "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:30-31).
John's Gospel carries a unique focus on the words "believe," and "life." It was written for Church members, those who already believe. John bears a tender and intimate witness of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we might know Him and gain Eternal life through faith in His sacrifice; that "when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2). John invites us to leave behind the things that bind us to this world, as he once left his fishing nets on the shore of Galilee, and to follow the Son of God as sheep follow their shepherd.

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Monday, January 10, 2011

1 John 1


1 John 1 Study Guide – to be discussed in class January 13
Read Bible Dictionary entry, “John, Epistles of,” (p. 715).
1. Were the epistles of John written before or after his gospel? What indications do we have that John is the author?

2. What did the apostle John emphasize in his first epistle?

3. According to the chapter heading for 1 John 1, how do we gain fellowship with God?

Read 1 John 1:1-4 (with footnote 1a), D&C 76:14, 22-24
4. Read the JST footnote (1a) to 1 John 1:1 with D&C 76:14, 22-24. Why do prophets declare their testimony of Christ?

5. Of what did John testify specifically? How did he know these things?

6. What two reasons did John give for inviting us to “see” the Lord?

Read 1 John 1:5-6, Ephesians 5:11, D&C 50:23
7. From 1 John 1:5-6 how does John describe God?

8. What two things are we doing if we walk in darkness but claim fellowship with God?

9. Read Ephesians 5:11 and D&C 50:23. What is darkness?

Read 1 John 1:7 (with footnote 7a), Revelation 12:10-11
10. List the results of walking in the light.

11. Read the footnote to 1 John 1:7a. How can we walk with God?

BONUS: What two kinds of fellowship did John advocate? Which must come first?


12. Read Revelation 12:10-11. Give two ways we can overcome the adversary.

Read 1 John 1:8-9, D&C 58:42-43, 3 Nephi 27:19
13. How do we deceive ourselves into believing we have no sin?

14. Why is confession necessary (see also D&C 58:42-43, 3 Nephi 27:19)

15. According to 3 Nephi 27:19, how can we enter God’s kingdom?

Read 1 John 1:10, Proverbs 28:13
16. How does denying our own sins make God a liar?

17. What does it mean to NOT have Christ’s word in us?

18. Read Proverbs 28:13. What happens if we attempt to cover our sins? What do we receive if we confess and forsake them?

Review 1 John 1, read John 1:1-4, Revelation 1:1-3
19. What do the first verses of 1 John 1, John 1:1-4 and Revelation 1:1-3 have in common?

20. Read 1 John 1:3-4, 2:1, 12, and 5:13. Why did John write this epistle?

21. How can we increase our testimony of Jesus Christ?
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