1 John 1, Word of Life Revealed

December 05, 2025
Pastor Mike

This episode explores 1 John chapter 1, emphasizing the tangible reality of Jesus Christ as the "Word of Life" who was witnessed, touched, and experienced by the apostles. The message focuses on three main aspects: seeing the word (the physical manifestation of Christ), walking with the word (living authentically in fellowship with God and others), and confessing the word (honest acknowledgment of sin leading to forgiveness and restoration). This episode challenges believers to recognize that Scripture is the inspired Word of God, written by ordinary men under the extraordinary influence of the Holy Spirit. It calls Christians to live lives that reflect God's glory through genuine fellowship, transparency about sin, and continual communion with the Father through Jesus Christ. The central theme is that true joy and fulfillment come only through walking in the light of Christ, being honest about our sinful nature, and receiving God's gracious forgiveness.

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Episode Notes

Part 1: Seeing the Word (1 John 1:1-3)

  1. The Testimony of Experience: John emphasizes what the disciples "heard," "saw," "looked upon," and "touched." Why is personal experience with Jesus so powerful in sharing faith with others? How has your personal experience with Christ shaped your testimony?

  2. Ongoing Fellowship: The sermon notes that John uses present tense—"our fellowship IS with the Father"—not "was" or "will be." What does it mean practically that we can have the same fellowship with God today that the disciples had? How does this change your perspective on your daily relationship with God?

  3. The Cure Analogy: The sermon compares sharing the gospel to sharing about a miraculous cure. Which approach resonates more with people today: explaining theological concepts or sharing transformation stories? Why?

Part 2: Walking with the Word (1 John 1:4-6)

  1. Complete Joy: John writes "so that our joy may be complete." How does sharing the gospel and living in fellowship with other believers contribute to the completeness of our joy? When have you experienced this?

  2. Light vs. Darkness: What does it look like practically to "walk in darkness" while claiming fellowship with God? What are some modern examples of this contradiction in the church or in our personal lives?

  3. The God-Shaped Hole: The sermon references Augustine's quote: "Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Him." Do you agree that everyone has a "God-shaped hole"? How have you seen people try to fill this void with things other than God?

Part 3: Confessing the Word (1 John 1:7-10)

  1. Walking, Not Standing: Charles Spurgeon said the Christian life is described as "walking," implying activity and continuation. Why is perseverance emphasized over simply "starting well"? What helps you continue walking with God when it gets difficult?

  2. Honest Confession: The sermon emphasizes that "if we can't be transparent with God, we will have no place with God." Why is it sometimes difficult to be completely honest with God about our sin? What barriers prevent us from confession?

  3. Modern Views of Sin: The sermon mentions how today's world sidesteps the issue of sin (claiming "my heart's in the right place" or "all people are inherently good"). How do these cultural messages affect believers? How can we maintain a biblical understanding of sin without becoming judgmental?

  4. The Promise of Cleansing: According to 1 John 1:9, God is "faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." What's the difference between forgiveness and cleansing? Why do we need both?

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