Sermons from St. Andrew's ~ Mt. Pleasant
Randy Forrester :: Jesus The Word of Life
Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . 1 John 1:1--4 -- Jesus, Our Fixed Point of Reference 1. We are often spiritually disoriented Ancient sailors relied on the stars to navigate. Without visible stars, they could lose their bearings—and even their lives. Likewise, modern people can be technologically connected yet spiritually adrift. We need fixed points of reference for life’s ultimate questions. 2. 1 John gives us courageous clarity John speaks with courageous clarity about God, morality, love, sin, and Christian life. His words both challenge and comfort, helping us reorient our lives. 3. The fixed point is not merely a truth—it is a person 1 John 1:1–4 points us to Jesus Christ. Jesus is: From the beginning. The Word of Life and Eternal Life. With the Father. The source of all life. Jesus reveals who God is and what life is about. 4. The eternal Son became flesh Jesus did not remain distant or abstract—he was made manifest . John emphasizes his eyewitness experience: heard, seen, looked upon, touched . The reality of Jesus' life in the flesh is foundational to Christianity. Jesus is fully God and fully human. 5. Jesus brings us into fellowship John proclaims what he experienced so that others might share in it. The goal is koinonia—fellowship: With the Father and the Son. With other believers. Christianity is not merely an individual transaction with God. Fellowship with God and love for fellow believers are inseparable. 6. Fellowship around Jesus produces joy John writes so that “our joy” / “your joy” may be complete. Joy comes through sharing Christ and forming community around him. Discussion Questions Randy talked about how 1 John "rescues us from a foggy spirituality of mishmashed feelings, therapeutic platitudes, and cultural compromises." Can you think of any such examples of a "foggy spirituality"? How do they compare with the courageous clarity and conviction of 1 John? Read the Gospel of John 1:1-5. What are some connection points to 1 John 1:1-4? Why does John start both his Gospel and his letter in this way? John is an old man when he writes this letter. Do you think perspective would have been different if he had written it earlier in his life? In what ways has your perspective of Jesus changed over the years? John establishes a connection between fellowship ( koinonia ) and joy. What is the basis of Christian fellowship? How does it complete joy? 1 John -- Study Resources: Introductory BibleProjectGuide--1, 2, 3 John Ian Paul, "What do the letters of John teach us about faith, hope and love?" Commentaries John R. W. Stott, The Epistles of John (TNTC) Colin G. Kruse, The Epistles of John (PNTC) Notes for Small Group Leaders N.T. Wright, The Letters of John Michael LeFebvre, Knowing the Bible: 1--3 John Watch The First Hymn Documentary - Questions?Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester ( ).
