Real Christians, Real Joy

Why Study 1 John?

We're diving into 1 John for several reasons. It builds on the theme of fellowship, showing a universal Christian fellowship among believers and a supernatural fellowship with God. Fellowship is central to the church and a key theme in 1 John, emphasizing its profound benefits.

1 John also clearly distinguishes between Christians and non-Christians. In a world that blurs these lines, especially during the transition from youth to adulthood, this book equips us to stand apart from the world. The apostle John's purpose in writing is stated in verse 4: that our joy may be complete—not mediocre joy, but a joy that fills us up, exceeds expectations, and fully satisfies.

Distinguishing ourselves through fellowship with God and other Christians isn't a killjoy; it's the path to overflowing joy.

John also confronts Gnosticism, the idea that spiritual enlightenment excuses physical actions. He insists that what we do matters. Christians do certain things and avoid others. If you claim to be a Christian but don't live like one, John says you're lying. This is serious because being a Christian means eternal life; otherwise, it's eternal death under God's wrath.

The Eyewitness Testimony of Jesus

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—the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

—1 John 1:1-4

John, an eyewitness to Jesus, proclaims His reality—not just as a historical figure, but as the Savior offering eternal life. The goal? Fellowship with us, the apostles, and ultimately with the Father and the Son. Believing in Jesus grants access to this sacred community and a personal relationship with God, even after His ascension.

Christianity offers more than forgiveness of sins and escape from judgment. Imagine being rescued from sharks in the ocean—that alone would inspire lifelong gratitude. God saves us from sin's jaws, but then invites us into joyful community with Him and His people. Fellowship completes our joy.

God is Light: No Fellowship with Darkness

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

—1 John 1:5-7

God is light, with no darkness. "Duh," you might say—but John's point is profound: no fellowship exists between light and darkness. Claiming fellowship with God while living in sin (walking in darkness) is a lie. Darkness hides sin; light exposes it.

Non-Christians avoid the light to conceal their deeds, as Jesus taught in John 3. True Christians walk in the light, enjoying fellowship with God and others, cleansed by Jesus' blood. Salvation and fellowship go together.

Confessing Sin: The Mark of True Fellowship

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

—1 John 1:8-10

Walking in the light means confessing specific sins—not vague admissions like "I'm prideful," but honest acknowledgment: "I did this, and it was wrong." God is faithful and just to forgive because of Christ's finished work on the cross.

Christians confess freely because Jesus bore God's wrath for our sins. No condemnation remains (Romans 8). Like David praying, "Search me, O God, and know my heart," or Paul beholding God's glory in Scripture, fellowship with a holy God transforms us, making us holy.

Denying sin makes God a liar. Real Christians confess sin because they trust in forgiveness. This brings complete joy: fellowship with forgiven believers and a loving God who was once our enemy but now embraces us.