Chapter Summary

Fellowship with God made possible through the incarnation. Conditions of perpetual fellowship walking in the light and confessing sins.

Discussion Questions for 1 John, Chapter 1

1. John says that he heard, saw, observed and touched that which "was from the beginning" (verse 1, CSB). Of whom is he speaking? What does this say about the attributes of Jesus?
2. In verse 2, John says that "the eternal life that was with the Father...was revealed to us" (CSB). What might the subject matter of the Book of 1 John be? Why would this be important to his readers?
3. John desires for his readers to "have fellowship with us" (verse 3, CSB). What do you believe "fellowship" means? What is unique about Christian fellowship that distinguishes it from the fellowship that other people may share?
4. How does having fellowship with other believers give you joy (cf. verse 4)? When a believer expresses joy, what effect does it have on other believers?
5. What does it mean to say that "God is light" (verse 5, CSB)? Why should this encourage us?
6. Since God is light, why does it follow that there is "absolutely no darkness in him" (verse 5, CSB)? In what ways does darkness carry a negative spiritual connotation?
7. What do you believe it means to "walk in darkness" (verse 6, CSB)? What steps can a believer take to stop walking in darkness?
8. If sinning is walking in darkness, and there is no darkness in God, then can someone who is given over to sin have fellowship with God (cf. verse 6)? Why does sin interrupt our fellowship with God?
9. According to verse 7, walking in the light means that we have fellowship with God and with one another. Walking in the light has what effect on our sin? How do you believe we can walk in the light?
10. What does verse 9 say the remedy for our sins? How does confession restore fellowship with God and other believers?

Key Words/Phrase

Fellowship, v. 6.

Characters

God, Christ, John.

Strong Verse(s)

6, 7, 8, 9, 10.