There are few things that we crave more in life than intimate personal relationships with other people. We are increasing living in the age of shallow and superficial friendships. We might have hundreds or even thousands of Facebook friends. We might type hundreds of WhatsApp messages each day. But many of us have very few deep personal relationships. And yet as human beings, we have been hard-wired for a desire for deep personal relationship. Our desire for such deep, secure relationships is no accident. We were made for a deep, personal relationship with God. And it is John’s goal as he writes this letter to convince us that can be assured of our relationship with God. He does exist. He does love us. And his promise of eternal life is true.
Introduction: More than Facebook friends
Purpose of 1 John (5:13)
1. The true gospel brings fellowship with God (1-4)
a. Content: The eternal God entered our world (1-2)
b. Basis: The eyewitness testimony of the apostles (1)
c. Result: Eternal life (2)
d. Goal: Fellowship & Joy (3-4)
2. True Fellowship with God is evidenced by a changed life (5-10)
a. God is light (5)
b. Test #1: Are you walking in darkness or light? (6-7)
c. Test #2: Do you deny or confess your sin? (8-10)
d. Cleansing & Forgiveness (7. 9)
3. Conclusion: Reassured Relationship
