Teachings from the Elder – Week 1

1 John 1:1-5; John 1:1, 14

Introduction: I have been waiting for the right time/opportunity to begin a new series that starts today.

I want to walk us through what I’m calling ‘Teachings from the Elder’ from the Epistle of John. I will cover the book over the next 4 weeks.

Background / Reason for Title:

• Internal evidence points to John as the author (the same as that of the gospel.
• The weight of the evidence suggests that it was circular (past around) probably sent to the churches near Ephesus where John spent his latter years.
• The tone of the writings suggest that the writings suggest they are the product of a mature man.

Issues being Addressed:

• False doctrine (‘deceitful’)
• ‘False prophets’ (liars and antichrists) – moved on from within the church and went out into the world to propagate dangerous heresy
• They denied the Incarnation of Christ and hence, the resurrection.

Mood:

• Friendly and fatherly
• Informal (revealing the apostle’s intimate relationship with God and God’s people.

Fellowship with God – 1:1-10

1. Jesus – God in Flesh – Incarnation

The incarnation of Christ refers to the Christian belief that the eternal Son of God, Jesus, took on human form and became fully human in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. This event, where God “became flesh,” is a central doctrine in Christianity, emphasizing Jesus’s dual nature as both fully divine and fully human.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

The Divine Becoming Human:

The incarnation means that the eternal, divine Word (the Son of God) entered into human history and became a man. This was not a temporary or partial change, but a permanent and essential aspect of his being.

Full Humanity and Divinity:

Christians believe that Jesus was not just a man with divine qualities, but that he was fully God and fully human, existing in one person. This is often referred to as the hypostatic union, where the two natures (divine and human) are united without being mixed or confused.

Significance of the Incarnation:

The incarnation is considered a pivotal event in human history, as it allows God to identify with humanity and redeem humanity from sin. It also reveals the true nature of God, showing him as both powerful and compassionate.

Key Scriptural Reference:

The Gospel of John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” is a key verse that summarizes the concept of the incarnation.

Impact on Christian Beliefs:

The incarnation is a foundational belief in Christianity, influencing how Christians understand God, Jesus, salvation, and the relationship between the divine and human worlds. It also has implications for ethical living, as Christians are called to live in the image of Christ.

Since Jesus’ conception by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-38), the real identity of Jesus Christ has always been questioned by skeptics. It began with Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, who was afraid to marry her when she revealed that she was pregnant (Matthew 1:18-24). He took her as his wife only after the angel confirmed to him that the child she carried was the Son of God.

https://www.gotquestions.org/God-in-the-flesh.html

1. We don’t have to be afraid.

• It began with Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, who was afraid to marry her when she revealed that she was pregnant (Matthew 1:18-24).
  • He took her as his wife only after the angel confirmed to him that the child she carried was the Son of God.

Question: Afraid of what?

1. Of being left alone.
   
2. Of having our ‘sin nature’ control / conquer us.
   
3. Having to pay for the consequence of sin.
   
4. Left in Hell to rot!

Transition: Hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah foretold the coming of God’s Son:

Isaiah 9:6f

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders =  

This language of placing dominion or “the government” on someone’s shoulders symbolizes royal authority. In Isaiah 22:22, Eliakim is to be given Shebna’s position of power and influence as King Hezekiah’s administrator: “I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David; what he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” Revelation 3:7 links this passage to the sovereign rule granted to the Messiah, King Jesus.

‘And he will be called…’.

1. Wonderful  /Counsellor, = indicates wisdom beyond human capabilities (word of wisdom?)
3. James 1:5, ‘If any man lack wisdom…’

• Mighty God =
• Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ exhibited a different kind of leadership strength than the Jewish people had come to expect.
• They were looking for a heroic figure like King David who would deliver them from Roman oppression through valiant military conquests and political might.
  
  
  • But the kingdom principles Jesus introduced were based on servant leadership (Matthew 12:17–21; 20:28) and a kingdom “not of this world” (John 6:15; 18:36).

In every aspect of His life and ministry, from His conception (Luke 1:35, 49) to His ascension (Luke 24:50–51), Jesus operated with divine power and authority.

•  People testified that Jesus was “a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people” (Luke 24:19, NLT; see also Acts 7:22).
  
  
•  His mighty works showed “the Lord’s healing power was strongly with Jesus” (Luke 5:17, NLT). As people touched Jesus, “power came out from him and healed them all” (Luke 6:19, ESV; see also Luke 8:46).

• When Jesus cast out demons and unclean spirits, He proved that He is both divine and mighty, operating under God’s complete authority and power (Luke 4:36; Mark 1:32–34). The apostle Paul announced, “People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him” (Acts 2:22, NLT). Christ’s supernatural acts confirmed that Jesus is Mighty God.

• Everlasting Father, = The Hebrew phrase translated “Everlasting Father” could be translated literally “Father of Eternity.” For this reason, some have suggested that the title means that this coming Messiah is also the creator of everything: He is the father of time and eternity, the “architect of the ages.” While we know this to be true from the New Testament (John 1:1–3, Colossians 1:16–17), that is not the emphasis in Isaiah. In the Hebrew construction of the phrase, father is the primary noun, and everlasting (ESV, NIV, KJV) or eternal (NASB) is the term that describes His fatherhood. He is Father forever.

•  Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6) =

In a world filled with war and violence, it’s difficult to see how Jesus could be the all-powerful God who acts in human history and be the embodiment of peace. But physical safety and political harmony don’t necessarily reflect the kind of peace He’s talking about (John 14:27).

The Hebrew word for “peace,” shalom, is often used in reference to an appearance of calm and tranquillity of individuals, groups, and nations. The Greek word eirene means “unity and accord”; Paul uses eirene to describe the objective of the New Testament church. But the deeper, more foundational meaning of peace is “the spiritual harmony brought about by an individual’s restoration with God.”

Question: Again, Afraid of what?

A.    Of being left alone.

B.    Of having our ‘sin nature’ control / conquer us.

C.   Having to pay for the consequence of sin!

D.   Left in Hell to rot!