Study of 1st John
Teacher
Lesson Summary
The class began by revisiting the early chapters of 1 John, emphasizing that the apostle wrote to believers so they would avoid sin, but also acknowledging that sin still occurs and needs confession. The teacher explained that unconfessed sin spiritually separates us from God and can contaminate our hearts, urging participants to bring their sins before the Father through Jesus, who serves as our advocate (1 John 2:1). The discussion then shifted to the concept of love, contrasting the familiar biblical commands to love God (Deuteronomy 6) and love neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) with the "new" command given by Jesus in John 13:34 to love one another as He loved us. The instructor highlighted how this new standard elevates love to a Christ‑centered, self‑sacrificial model, especially within the Christian family, and warned that hatred toward a brother places a believer in darkness. Throughout the lesson, the teacher connected these teachings to the challenges posed by early heretical groups, underscoring that true love and obedience to the commandments are the marks of genuine faith. The class concluded with a call to practical application, encouraging members to confess sins, rely on Christ’s intercession, and embody the renewed love that reflects Christ’s own love for the church.
Key Scriptures
if you walk in the light, as he is in the light, the blood of his son will continually cleanse you from all sin
Dear friends, I am not writing to you a new command, but an old command, which you have had from the beginning. The old command is the word you have heard. Yet I am writing to you a new command, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. The one who says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother or sister, is a liar. For whoever does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And the command we have received from him is this: whoever believes in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, is to love one another. The one who hates his brother or sister is in the darkness, walking in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.