Background
This group taught that salvation came through a higher, exclusive knowledge. To them, flesh is evil, spirit is good, and had no doctrine of original sin.
Gnosticism.
Jesus holds these two titles according to 1 John 2:1-2.
Our Advocate and our atoning sacrifice.
What does Incarnate literally mean?
In the flesh!
What is the "Objective Safeguard" John says we must fight false teaching with?
The Facts! These are the things that are written down in God's divinely inspired Bible!
What was the Original Language of the 1 John?
Ancient Greek
What is required for fellowship with each other, according to 1:7? Put it in your own words.
What is walking in the Light as He Himself is in the light (1:7)?
What is Heresy?
This term is typically used to describe a belief that is false or inconsistent with God's truth set forth in Scripture.
What is the "Subjective Safeguard" John says we must fight false teaching with?
Reason and experience found in a relationship with Jesus that is learned.
When was the Bible all put together? Did John's church have a Bible?
a) 30 AD
b) 100 AD
c) 250 AD
d) 400 AD
C. The bible wasn't compilled until 267AD, and full copies wouldn't appear for another 100 years at least. Therefore, John's church didn't have a full Bible!
What two things abiding/remaining in you cause you to remain in Him? 2:24 and 27
The word you have heard from the beginning and the anointing you have received from Him.
What is Orthodoxy?
This term typically refers to the true teaching of God that is found in Scripture.
What are antichrists according to John? Hint: Chapter 2 is the only mention of MULTIPLE antichrists!
John defines antichrist more broadly than anywhere else in the Bible in 1 John 2. He uses this term for emphasis to describe the fractured state of the Church and how these heretics resembled the antichrist depicted in Revelation.
List two evidences that the Gospel of John and 1 John have the same author.
Author is an eyewitness (1:1), style of writing (In the beginning), similar grammar/syntax.
If we claim to have fellowship with him, yet walk in the darkness, _____ ____ _____ _____ _____ _______ ___ ___ ________. (1:6)
We lie and do not practice the truth (ESV).
Whom does John identify that are “strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one”? (Chapter 2)
“Young men” (2:14).
What is Schism?
Split; separation of two groups in a church.
Describe how the Gnostic understanding of Jesus is false.
They believed he was just spirit, not flesh and spirit. This distorts the necessity of the crucifixion, as Christ was human who served as the sacrifice to die for our sin.
DAILY DOUBLE
Who were John's approximate audience(s)?
What reason(s) did he have for writing? HINT: how did their available resources help/hurt them?
Audiences: Gnostics and Orthodox Believers
Reasons: No full Bible! He had to correct the gnostics, stop the orthodox believers from listening to the gnostics, and reunite the fellowship of the Church.
Who is considered a "liar" in chapter 2?
Those who don't follow God's commands (2:4) and whoever denies Jesus Christ (2:22).
Why is John writing this book? (Chapter 1)
What is ecclesiology the study of?
Ecclesia; The Church! As well as its histories and traditions.
Name and briefly define the 4 Sides of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.
Scripture: What we know about God from the Bible.
Tradition: What we know about God from our Church traditions and family.
Experience: What we know about God from what he has revealed to us personally.
Reason: What we know about God because of our God-given intellect.