Blessed Assurance
David Royes
John describes to his readers what it is like to have confidence and be ‘of the truth’ (cf John 18). We see the experience of condemnation, the path of assurance and the confidence of children. For Further Discussion Why is it important to understand the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow? (cf 2 Corinthians […]
Evidence of Eternal Life
David Royes
Throughout his letter John emphasizes three tests of eternal life: a theological test, a moral test and a relational test. Relationally, eternal life is always evidenced by a super-natural love for others. The biblical picture of love is notably different from worldly love. John speaks about love by offering a sober antithesis, a high calling […]
Sinfulness of Sin
David Royes
John’s words are particularly troubling for Christians with tender consciences. Far from advocating sinless perfection, John describes Christians on the path of righteousness by giving The call of a transformed practice, the reminder of the person of Christ and the encouragement of a clear identity. For Further Discussion Why do many Christians avoid the idea […]
Confidence of His Coming
David Royes
John paints a picture of the Christian life as one that is lived in light of Jesus’ return. The reality of his second coming is instructive to believers living in the ‘last hour’. Because Jesus is coming we Abide in Him, Endure like Him, and Long for Him! For Further Discussion Why is it important […]
Child or Counterfeit?
David Royes
1 John 2:18-29: The Apostle John deliberately contrasts counterfeit Christianity with authentic Christianity. A part of living life in his name is exercising discernment between the time of Jesus’ ascension and his return. John explains the reality of anti-Christ, the marks of true children and the call to confidence. For Further Discussion Why is it […]
Love God Hates
David Royes
John (the disciple whom Jesus loved) exhorts his readers about a type of love that God hates. He helps his readers navigate the sin of worldliness by offering a sober command, a convincing reason, and a compelling vision. For Further Discussion Why is worldliness so often ignored? How do John’s reasoning and vision compel us […]
Jesus Teaches Life, in His Name
David Royes
Before his crucifixion, Jesus used a captivating illustration that likely informed much of the Apostle John’s thinking as he authored his epistle. Jesus illustrates real life, he explains true joy and fulfills great salvation. For Further Discussion What other implications can be drawn from Jesus’ illustration? How is Jesus’ depiction of joy similar or different […]
The Apostolic Message
David Royes
John continues his epistle by explicitly stating his apostolic message. He offers to his readers a treasured truth about God, a sober truth about ourselves, and an unbelievable truth about Jesus. For Further Discussion What other implications are meant to be drawn from the statement ‘God is light’? Which of the lies in the passage […]
The Incarnate Word
David Royes
The Apostle John was an eyewitness and personal friend of the Lord Jesus Christ. His letters draw a clear connection between belief in Jesus and having life in his name. While his gospel account is written so that his readers might have life in his name, his first letter underscores what it means to know, and walk […]