Gospel 1-5. Scripture Study/Questions

Scripture Study/Question Discussion

Read the passage "1 John 1-18" and then discuss the following questions together.

1. "In the beginning was the Word", what does "Word" mean? (I 1-2)

A. The Word is the words of God's mouth. The Old Testament states that all things were created through the Word of God (cf. Gen. 1:3; Ps. 33:6), and that "the Word" is the message to man through the prophets (cf. Hos. 1:2), as well as God's law and His divine standard (cf. Ps. 119:11). Only at the end does John make it clear how the Word became flesh, the Lord Jesus, who lives in the midst of the world. He further implies that the Lord Jesus is a better demonstration of the mind of God than the Law (-17-18). (See Reference 4 of this lesson.)

2. John often mentions "light", "this life is the light of men", and we can say: "this light is the life of men", what does "light" mean (I:4)? What does "light" mean (i. 4)?

A. "Light" serves to illuminate and to drive away darkness. The word "darkness" represents filthiness, which has a sinful connotation. Spiritual darkness is the separation of man from God and his inability to have fellowship with Him. John's point is that the Word of God has always revealed the direction of life to the creation. (See Reference 5 for this lesson.)

3. What does John point out about the world's reaction to light? Try to describe the results of the different reactions (I.5-13).

A: People react in two ways: resistance or acceptance. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." After sinning in the Garden of Eden, humanity lived in darkness. "The light shines in the darkness" means that God actively seeks out the lost, not that those in darkness actively seek the light. The original word "shine" uses the linear present active indicative, indicating that the light has always shone in the darkness and has never been extinguished. Unfortunately, those living in darkness and sin prefer to continue living in darkness and refuse to accept the light. Therefore, they cannot escape the bondage and punishment of sin. Those who accept the light possess God's life and the privilege of being God's children. This life is completely different from earthly life (Jesus Christi, 1:13). In Jewish culture, a name represents the whole person; therefore, "believing in His name" means trusting in the Lord Jesus Himself.

4. What was the purpose of the "Word made flesh"?

A: Although the Lord Jesus is God in eternity and the Creator at the time of creation, He became flesh and man when He descended to earth. In eternity, He is God, invisible and untouchable. But when He came into the world and became flesh, He became visible and tangible, allowing people to touch and know Him. This is God showing His love to the world and His desire to be with humanity. "The Word became flesh," dwelt among mankind, and came with grace and truth. To be more precise, He is God's grace and truth. The authors of the four Gospels did not merely "discuss" grace, but rather wanted people to know from the Lord Jesus' actions that He is God, full of grace and truth, and that the glory of Christ is revealed.

5. If those who believe are children of God, why is Jesus the only begotten Son of God (I:14-18)?

A: The identity of the Lord Jesus cannot be fully understood in terms of an interpersonal relationship. The Lord Jesus is both the "only begotten Son" and the "firstborn Son" of God the Father. John's reference to the only begotten Son means that the Lord Jesus is a true reflection of God the Father (1:14), and is the only way to help people rebuild their relationship with God; he is also a model for the world to establish a father-son relationship with God. The Bible also calls the Lord Jesus the firstborn, not only to emphasise the transcendence of the Lord Jesus Christ, but also to show that He will lead many of God's children into the glory of God (Rom. 8:29).

6. In summary, what does the passage teach us about who the Lord Jesus is?

Answer: (1) Before the universe was created, the Lord Jesus coexisted with God; (2) The Lord Jesus is the Creator; (3) He became a man and took the initiative to contact us; (4) He is the light, giving people direction in life; (5) Only through the Lord Jesus can people establish a relationship with God; (6) The Lord Jesus is full of grace and truth, enabling people to experience God's presence.

7. Have you accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God? In what ways do you hope you can increase your knowledge of the Lord Jesus?

A: Even the disciples who lived with the Lord Jesus for three years could not fully understand God. We can know Him today through the four Gospels, which should be more comprehensive; and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we should seek to know the Lord more deeply, instead of stopping at the beginning of knowing the truth. Please share your own experiences.