John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.“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.
Gene Cunningham - October 26, 2019
PA 2019 Session 3
Correct interpretation of the book requires taking its historical and cultural context into consideration. The book was written around 66–68 A.D. This was in the early stages of the growing Jewish/Roman war that would end in the destruction of the Temple, the city of Jerusalem, and the Nation of Israel itself. The recipients were Hebrew believers, who under fierce persecution were considering returning to Judaism as a shield against both their Jewish persecutors and also the growing Roman threat. At this time, Judaism was still protected by Rome. The Book of Hebrews is not an epistle written to professing but unsaved people (the Calvinist/ Lordship view). Nor is it a warning to genuine believers who are in danger of apostasy resulting in the loss of their salvation (the Arminian view). Rather, it is a stark warning to true children of God of the danger of loving this world to the point of hiding their faith and denying the Savior—just as Peter (and Paul) had done.
Scripture References: Hebrews 1:1-14, Ephesians 4:17-20, Ephesians 4:1, Psalms 2:7
From Series: "An Appeal for Faithfulness in and Age of Apostasy"
On October 25th – 27th, 2019 Basic Training Bible Ministries and Abundant Life Church in Uniontown, PA presented “An Appeal for Faithfulness in an Age of Apostasy – The Five Warning Passages from The Book of Hebrews”. The theme comes from Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore, we must give more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”