“God Is Love”

All Posts Archived Lessons New Testament Old Testament Book of Mormon Doctrine & Covenants Search “God Is Love” CFMCorner Nov 24, 2023 19 min read CFM: November 27–December 3 1–3 John ; Jude Videos and Podcasts Video/ Podcast Lesson Extension Additional Materials Scripture Central 1–3 John; Jude Study Guide Follow Him 1–3 John; Jude Part 1 , Part 2 Transcripts Line Upon Line 1–3 John; Jude Teaching with Power 1–3 John; Jude Don't Miss This 1–3 John; Jude CFM New Testament 1–3 John; Jude Unshaken 1–3 John; Jude ( Part 1 , Part 2 ) The Interpreter Foundation 1–3 John; Jude Study helps by Jonn Claybaugh Teaching Helps with John Hilton 1–3 John; Jude ( Not yet posted ) Ponderfun 1–3 John; Jude ( Not yet Posted ) Talking Scripture 1–3 John; Jude Show Notes Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class , New Testament The Epistles of 1, 2, & 3 John : Notes , Slides , Handout arnt19_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 3.42MB Resources and Insights about this Week's Lesson the Johannine Epistles (1 John, 2 John, and 3 John) are attributed to the Apostle John to address theological, ethical, and practical concerns within early Christian communities. The writings bear many similarities to John's other writings, the book of John in the Gospels as well as the Book of Revelation. 1, 2, and 3 John were likely composed in the late 1st century AD, probably around 95-110 AD, although some scholars suggest even later dates. These letters were directed towards a community of early Christians who were facing profound challenges and difficulties. During this period, the nascent Christian church grappled with a multitude of formidable obstacles, including severe persecution, internal divisions, the influence of false teachers, doctrinal confusion, and contentious debates regarding the nature of Christ and Christian conduct. The backdrop for these challenges was a tumultuous period in history. The Jewish-Roman war had culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, resulting in the deaths of over a million Jews. Christians, too, were not spared from persecution, enduring intense hostility under the reigns of Roman emperors like Nero (54-68 AD) and Domitian (81-96 AD). Numerous campaigns of extermination led to the martyrdom of countless Christians, including prominent figures like Peter and Paul. By this juncture, John stood as the last surviving Apostle, witnessing and addressing the trials faced by the Christian community during this turbulent era. Ancient History: Rome If You Want To, Nero Persecutes Christians (EP2) - Drive Thru History Christian Persecution during the Early Roman Empire: Nero and Domitian It is within the sobering historical context of intense persecution that we delve into the writings of John. This backdrop of a challenging social and political climate profoundly shaped the delivery and reception of these writings. Many scholars contend that specific passages in John's works, notably in the Book of Revelation, deliberately employ symbolism and veiled language to communicate messages and prophecies that would have been perilous to articulate openly in the face of Roman persecution. This is particularly evident in the Book of Revelation, renowned for its pervasive use of symbolism, vivid imagery, and apocalyptic language. A prevailing view among scholars is that John deliberately embraced this symbolic language as a means to convey messages of encouragement and hope to the beleaguered Christian communities, all the while safeguarding the true meaning from the watchful eyes of Roman authorities. In this way, the Book of Revelation served as both a source of spiritual sustenance and a covert source of resistance against the oppressive forces of persecution. Through its intricate symbolism, it offered comfort to those who sought solace in its message and concealed its deeper revelations from potential adversaries, thus allowing messages of faith and endurance to endure in the face of adversity. Likewise, in his Gospel and epistles (1 John, 2 John, 3 John), John consistently employs metaphorical language and explores intricate theological concepts that invite deep contemplation. It is suggested by some that this deliberate stylistic choice served a twofold purpose. On one hand, it facilitated the communication of profound spiritual truths to the Christian community, nurturing their understanding of essential doctrines and encouraging their growth in faith. On the other hand, this enigmatic approach potentially created a barrier, making it more demanding for outsiders or persecutors to fully comprehend the message. In a climate where Christian beliefs were viewed with suspicion and hostility, this use of metaphor and deep theology could have acted as a protective veil, shielding the core teachings and beliefs of the Christian community from external threats. While outsiders might have struggled to grasp the full significance of John's writings, the intended audience—fellow believers—could delve into the depths of these spiritual insights and truths, finding solace, guidance, and spiritual nourishment in the midst of adversity. In this way, John's writings not only conveyed theological richness but also provided a means of resilience for a persecuted Christian community while navigating treacherous waters. Given the challenging circumstances of the time, and the years that have passed between, the writings we delve into throughout the rest of our New Testament can be a lot more challenging to comprehend. Many references and means of communications that were employed by these early Christians remain elusive to us today. Nevertheless, it is reasonable to infer that they drew upon a common pool of writings and examples known to their fellow believers, particularly those found within the realm of scripture. To decipher the teachings embedded in these writings, a good approach is to carefully examine the references they made. Notably, it is important to understand that not all of these references are included in our current Biblical Canon, some of the sourced texts, particularly those found in Jude, are derived from the Apocrypha and Pseudo-Apocrypha . These texts, while not part of our canonical Scriptures today, held a degree of familiarity and importance within the Early Christian communities. By examining these references and exploring the context of how they were utilized, one can gain helpful insight into trying to make sense of some of the more cryptic passages. This type of examination can help one to unlock the deeper meanings and intentions behind these writings, even as we acknowledge the inherent historical and textual challenges. Overview 1 John 1 introduces key Johannine themes like the reality and incarnation of Jesus Christ, the concept of God as light, and the importance of living truthfully in this light. It stresses the necessity of acknowledging sin, the availability of God's forgiveness, and the importance of authentic fellowship with God and fellow believers. The epistle serves as a guide for understanding the Christian life as a balance of divine truth, personal integrity, and communal harmony. Scripture Major Topics/ Themes Summary 1 John 1 , INT 1 John 1:1-4 Introduction to the Word of Life The Manifestation of the Word (1:1) Cross-reference: John 1:1 , 14 , Genesis 1:1 – The Word made flesh. Beginning ἀρχῆς , רֵאשִׁית . Word of Life λόγου τῆς ζωῆς , דָּבָר , also אֵת / אות , אֹמֶר , and מִלָּה ; Cross-reference: Luke 24:39 – Physical reality of Christ post-resurrection. Purpose of Proclamation (1:2-3) Cross-reference: John 20:31 – Purpose of written testimony about Jesus. Manifest ἐφανερώθη , בָּרַר Cross-reference: Acts 4:20 – Apostles’ witness of what they have seen and heard. Declare ἀπαγγέλλομεν , שָׁמַע Joy in Fellowship (1:4) Cross-reference: John 15:11 – Jesus' teachings for complete joy. Joy χαρὰ , שִׂמְחָה and שָׂשׂון Cross-reference: Philippians 4:4 – Call to rejoice in Christian fellowship. Fellowship κοινωνία , תְּשׂ֫וּמֶת 1 John 1:5-7 God is Light and Fellowship with Him God as Light (1:5) Cross-reference: John 8:12 – Jesus as the light of the world. Light φῶς , אור . Darkness σκοτία , חֲשֵׁכָה Cross-reference: Psalm 104:2 – God clothed in light. Walking in Light vs. Darkness (1:6-7) Cross-reference: John 3:19-21 – Contrast of light and darkness, opposition in all things. Cross-reference: Ephesians 5:8 – Christians as children of light. Walk in the Light. Walk: περιπατῶμεν , הָלַך ; 1:8-10 The Reality of Sin and Confession Deception of Sinlessness (1:8) Cross-reference: Romans 3:23 – All have sinned. Cross-reference: Proverbs 20:9 – No one can claim purity from sin. Confession and Forgiveness (1:9) Cross-reference: Psalm 32:5 – Confession leading to forgiveness. Cross-reference: James 5:16 – Confess sins to one another. Denial of Sin as Calling God a Liar (1:10) Cross-reference: Romans 9:1 – Paul's truthfulness in Christ. Cross-reference: Jeremiah 17:9 – The deceitfulness of the heart. 1 John 2 delves deeper into the themes of fellowship, obedience, and love, contrasting the world's ways with God's commands. It warns against antichrists and deceivers, emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ, and underscores the new yet old commandment of love. Scripture Major Topics/ Themes Summary 1 John 2 , INT 1 John 2:1-2 Christ Our Advocate Christ the Righteous Advocate (2:1) Cross-reference: Hebrews 7:25 – Christ lives to intercede. Cross-reference: Romans 8:34 – Christ intercedes for us. Propitiation for Sins (2:2) Cross-reference: Romans 3:25 – Christ as a sacrifice of atonement. Cross-reference: Hebrews 2:17 – Christ as a merciful and faithful high priest. 1 John 2:3-6 Obedience as Evidence of Knowing God Knowing God Through Keeping the Commandments (2:3-4) Cross-reference: John 14:15 – If you love me, keep my commandments. Cross-reference: James 2:17-18 – Faith demons