1st John – The Transforming Power of Abiding in Christ – 2007 – Northern VA
John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.
His secondary PURPOSE is to give believers ASSURANCE of their salvation, with the RESULT that they will continue to live by faith.
“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)
This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.
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All our searching is in vain if we don't seek fulfillment in Christ (2Co 3:6). The scope of God's glory includes the power of creation (Psa 8:1-2). God's glory transcends the universe (Isa 6:3). The glory of the frailty of incarnation (Psa 8:2). Jesus applies the Psalm to himself (Mat 22:16, Heb 10:5, Psa 22:9-10, Mat 11:25). The glory of the wisdom of God in crucifixion (Psa 8:1 - the Gittith - "wine press"). The condescension of God's glory -- contained in Jesus Christ (Psa 8:3-4). The universe is a faint reflection of the glory of God (Psa 19:1, Rom 1:20). If God's glory is only faintly reflected in the universe, where do we see it in its greatest brilliance? David uses first the word Enosh - "fallen man" then Adam referring to the incarnation (Psa 8:4). David says the Son of Man visits the race of Adam (Luk 1:78, Luk 1:68). The trail of God's glory (Psa 8:5-8) starts with the descent. "You (the Father) have made Him (the Son) lower (for a short time) than angels". Then the ascent: "..and have crowned him with glory and honor". This was prophesied (Psa 110:1) and discussed by Paul (Rom 10:6, Eph 4:9-10). Jesus Christ will own and control everything someday (Psa 8:6-9). The Lord applies this Psalm to Himself (Mat 21:16). Paul adds the redemptive discussion to this Psalm (Eph 1:19-23). Paul places the Psalm timing after the resurrection (1Co 15:22-28). The author of Hebrews also times fulfillment (Heb 2:5-9). John applies the Psalm to post resurrection (Rev 5:12).