Bethany Bible Study

In 1 John 4, John teaches believers to test spiritual teachings to see whether they come from God. True teaching will always acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. False teachings come from the “spirit of the antichrist.”John then emphasizes the central theme: God is love. Because God loved us first and sent His Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins, believers are called to love one another.Perfect love drives out fear, especially the fear of judgment. A person cannot claim to love God while hating others; loving fellow believers is proof that we truly love God.Core message: True believers recognize the truth about Jesus and reflect God’s nature by loving others.

Theme: The clear contrast between children of God and children of the devil — shown through righteousness and love.John presents a sharp spiritual dividing line:Sin vs. righteousnessHatred vs. loveDeath vs. life

Solutions for SinHebrews 12:2looking unto Jesus, theauthor andfinisher ofourfaith,who for the joy that was set before Himendured the cross, despising the shame, andhas sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Mathew 5:10-12 Blessedarethose who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds ofevil against you falsely for My sake.12Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for greatisyour reward in heaven, forso they persecuted the prophets who were before you.WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM 2BELOVED, NOW ARE WE THE SONS OF GOD, AND IT DOTH NOT YET APPEAR WHAT WE SHALL BE: BUT WE KNOW THAT, WHEN HE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; FOR WE SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS.

Episode Notes: Four Stated Objectives of 1 JohnIn this episode, we explore the four clear purposes for which the Apostle John says he wrote this letter. These objectives shape the entire message of 1 John and give believers clarity, assurance, and direction in their walk with Christ.1️⃣ Joy Made Full (1 John 1:4)“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”John’s first objective is joy—not temporary happiness, but deep, abiding joy rooted in fellowship with God. This joy flows from walking in the light, having communion with God, and living in truth.Key takeaway: True Christian joy comes from restored fellowship with God, not from circumstances.2️⃣ That You May Not Sin (1 John 2:1)“These things write I unto you, that ye sin not.”John writes to encourage believers toward holy living. While he acknowledges human weakness, his goal is not to excuse sin but to discourage it. Christ is presented as our Advocate, not a license to sin.Key takeaway: Grace is not permission to sin, but power to live righteously.3️⃣ Warning Against False Teachers (1 John 2:26)“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.”A major concern in the letter is deception. John warns believers about false teachers who distort the truth about Christ. He reminds them to remain grounded in what they have heard from the beginning.Key takeaway: Spiritual discernment is essential to remain steadfast in truth.4️⃣ Assurance of Eternal Life (1 John 5:13)“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”John’s final and climactic purpose is assurance. Believers don’t have to guess or hope—they can know they have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.Key takeaway: Eternal life is not uncertain for the believer—it is assured through faith in Christ.Closing ThoughtThese four objectives—joy, holiness, discernment, and assurance—form the backbone of 1 John and remain deeply relevant for believers today. John writes not merely to inform, but to transform lives rooted in truth.

1 John 1:1-4JESUS CHRIST REVEALEDPURPOSE OF THE LETTER #1: EXPERIENCE FULLNESS OF JOY

Jude 1WARNING ON FALSE TEACHERSCHALLENGE TO CONTEND FOR OUR FAITH

Brief Review of Nehemiah