First John, like many other letters in the New Testament, tackles the issue of false teaching. Heresy at its root is a denial of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Although the letter does not disclose its author, Greek and Latin church fathers consistently identified the author as the apostle John, the son of Zebedee and author of the Gospel of John. The letter includes no salutation; more than likely, John wrote this letter from Ephesus to send to the seven churches in Asia Minor.
The theme of 1 John is a call to return to the basics of Christian living:
1. True doctrine
2. Living obediently to that doctrine
3. Be faithful in your devotion.
Because “God is light” (1:5), Christ’s followers overcome wicked people who oppose them. God’s Son lives in and among them. He is greater than the spirit of “the antichrist” now in the world (4:3–4). Those who believe in the Son of God have assurance of eternal life (5:13).
"And these things write we unto you that your joy may be full." 1 John 1:4
One of Charles Spurgeon sermons on 1 John 1:4 is about Joy. He writes:
"It is a wonderful proof of our Savior the people’s deep attachment to His people that having made their salvation sure, He is also anxious concerning their present state of mind. He wishes that His people should be not only safe, but happy — that they should not be merely saved, but that they should rejoice in His salvation!"
God not only wants to fellowship with us, He wants us to be happy! Join me in reading 1 John 1 and be encouraged!
