The Epistles of John

Bible Study series : Lessons from the Epistles of John

The Epistles of John are distinctly similar to his gospel in many ways. In both John and 1 John, he captures the identity of Jesus as Light, a revelation that is seemingly unique to his ministry. Throughout the epistles, he focuses on maintaining a healthy relationship with God and other believers, constantly cautioning the church about imposters operating in the spirit of the antichrist. These are the practical lessons that I derived in my study of the Epistles of John in the NLT version.

1. Jesus is the only answer to the sin problem (1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:1-5). Unlike other religions, sin should not be a problem to Christians at all. Not only has Jesus set us free from its power, but He is also an advocate for us whenever we sin. Sinning continuously is thus proof that one does not know God (1 John 3:6-10). If you live in fellowship with God, you will follow His commandments (1 John 3.24).

2. Love is the greatest commandment of all (1 John 2:7). A true believer must love God and other believers, and he/she must not cause a brother to stumble (1 John 2.10). Love is the proof of adoption into sonship. Our love is based on the revelation that He loved us first (1 John 4.10). Love is supposed to grow to perfection in a Christian, and proof of perfection is the expulsion of fear (1 John 4:16-18). We will know that we love God when we keep His commandments (1 John 5:3).

3. Our most effective teacher as Christians is the Holy Spirit. We must learn from Him in order not to fall prey to false teachings. He leads us to all truth. (1 John2.20, 27). He lives in us and He is greater than any spirit that is in the world. (1 Jon 4:4)

4. Whilst a young believer may have strength in their hearts, knowing Christ well comes with the maturity of older believers (1 John 2.14). It is thus important to honor older Christians.

5. God released a 3- fold witness that Jesus is His son; Jesus’s water baptism, the shedding of blood at the cross, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. Whoever denies this truth calls God a liar (1 John5:6-10)

6. The enemy is in control of the world around us (1 John 5:19). Any System that does not place Jesus as its center is an ANTICHRIST SYSTEM. (1 John 2.22, 4:1-33), (2 John 1:7)

7. The world’s rewards systems focus on physical pleasure and pride in achievements and possessions. As believers, we should not be trapped in this vanity, (1 John 2.16)

8. Backsliding from fellowship with God and believers is proof that someone never belonged. (1 John 2:19)

9. It is possible to lose fellowship with Christ, and thus your salvation. Being FAITHFUL to Christ is what keeps you in fellowship with Him. (1 John 2.24, 27). Obedience to God’s commands keeps us in fellowship with God. (1 John 3.24) (2 John 1:8-9).

10. What you see determines who you are. When we see Christ for who He really is, we will become like Him. This exemplifies the power of sight. (1 John 3:2).

11. The purity of God should drive us to become pure (1 John 3.3).

12. It is expected that believers will be hated by the world. Do not find it strange. (1 John 2.13).

13. When we obey and please God, we will receive EVERYTHING we ask for in His will. (1 John 3.21, 1 John 5;14-15)

14. Some sins lead to death while others do not? (1 John 5:14)

15. We should stay away from all idols that may take God’s place in our hearts (1 John 5:21).

16. The joy of a believer is seeing other believers growing in truth (2 John1:4) (3 John 1:2-4).

17. We should not entertain, but rather, stay away from false teachers who are not centered on Christ (2 John 1:10).

18. It is our responsibility to take care of God’s servants (3 John 1:5-7)

19. As believers, we should not depend on non-believers for provision (3 John 1:7). In my understanding, they do not have a full understanding of the Kingdom principles of giving, and what they give may not be clean.

20. Arrogance and disregard for leadership in the church should not be entertained, It is proof of a lack of humility and reverence for God (3 John 1:10).