The Real Jesus

The Biblical Reality of Jesus Christ

1 John 1:1-4

Authorship: Most scholars believe that the gospel of John, 1-3 John, and Revelation were all written by John the beloved disciple. This would have been James’ brother, remember James was the first apostle to be martyred in Acts 12. Stephen is the first recorded Christian to be martyred. John was the younger of two sons of Zebedee and a disciple of John the Baptist. John left John the Baptist to follow Jesus. John was part of Jesus’ inter-circle.

Date and place of writing: Between AD 80-95 from Ephesus, to most likely instruct churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey).

Purpose: It is believed that John was combating an earlier form of Gnosticism, a belief that Christ wasn’t fully divine and fully human. It was a religious mysticism that based salvation on a person’s special enlightenment or knowledge. A doctrine called the Hypostatic Union states that Jesus is both fully man and fully God. They also believed that God couldn’t be known or that one couldn’t have a relationship with Him. This philosophy is in our society today. If you were to stand up and say that you’re a seeker of the truth, you would be applauded. When you state that you’ve found the truth in Christ, you’ll be looked at as stupid. Why? Because once you find the truth, you have to surrender to that truth. Three main themes, Light (chs 1-3), Love (ch 4), and Life ch 5).

Very few know the real Jesus!      

1 John 1:1  That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—

Jesus has Been Seen (v.1)

Christ has eternally existed with the Father. He has been seen, touched, and longs for a relationship with us. This is the strongest form of love, to be with us!

v.1- The existence of Jesus.  “Word of life”- John 1:1-5 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

He was seen! 1 Corinthians 15:6 “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”

1 John 1:2-3  the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

The Way to Jesus is Secure and Must be Shared (vv.2-3)

Christ, our Life, was manifested in the flesh.

vv.2-3- The Word came to us, for us to pass on- John 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”

1 John 1:3-4 “that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”

Jesus is all Satisfying (vv.3-4)

The Greek word here for fellowship is koinonia, to share in partnership with. We are satisfied in Jesus, we find great joy in partnership with Him, the Father, and the Faith family. The word joy here in verse means as it was designed to be. God designed this perfect plan for us to have relationship with Jesus. Our greatest joy comes from knowing Him!

v.4- True joy comes with knowing Christ- John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”, John 16:24 “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.”