The Real Christian, 1 John, Part 3, Key

Bridge Church, Sunday, Oct 4, 2009

Growth Patterns With Certainty, part 2, 1 John 1:5-2:11

3) GROWING STRONGER – YOUNG MEN, OVERCOMING EVIL, ABIDING IN THE WORD 1 John 2:13, 14

Overview of 1 John:



A letter written by John, who was one of Jesus’ inner circle. He was the only disciple at the crucifixion and the first to see the empty tomb.  John wrote the book near the end of his life after he had suffered much for being a Christian.  John’s intent is to confront the false teaching of Gnosticism and give assurance to believers during a time of persecution and uncertainty.  Gnostic Heresy 101: 1) Jesus is not real, 2) Sin is not that big a deal, 3) It’s about what you know.  Theme: Jesus is Real and you can know Him with certainty.  Key Verse: 1 John 5:13 – “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.”

4) FATHERHOOD - EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, REPRODUCING YOURSELF, CARING FOR OTHERS

Myths about Spiritual Growth

What do you love? What satisfies you?

1 John 2:13, 14

Where am I?

 Am I satisfied by THE WORLD. 1 John 2:15-16, Genesis 3:1-6

Stages of Spiritual Growth: 1) DEATH, DARKNESS, LOSTNESS Ephesians 2:1-7

2) CHILDHOOD - SINS ARE FORGIVEN, KNOWING GOD 1 John 2:12, 13; Hebrews 5:12-14

 Am I satisfied by DOING THE WILL OF GOD. 1 John 2:17, Matthew 4:1-11