A Tour Through John, Lesson 38

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/tour-john-lesson-38/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p>1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.</p><ul><li>John the apostle is confronting the false system of Docetism, as we learned yesterday. The docetic Christ wasn't physical -- hence John's emphasis that Jesus was <i>tangible</i>.</li><li>According to verse 2, eternal life is available to all through Jesus Christ.<ul><li>This suggests that none of us possesses it <i>innately. </i>Romans 6:23 tells us that eternal life is a gift we receive through Christ.</li><li>This implies that no one will truly live eternally who has not come through Jesus Christ. And yet what an incredible gift for those willing to receive it!</li></ul></li><li>Following the teachings of Docetism removed one from the fellowship.</li><li>John has joy when the members in his sphere of influence (his ministry, here specifically in Asia Minor) are on track spiritually. It is deeply burdensome, for a leader, especially, when Christians are struggling with their faith and commitment (2 Cor 11:28-29).</li></ul><p>5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his