The Message of First John (Sermon)

Main Sermon Point: Nurture the assurance of your salvation.

Sermon Outline:

1. Look at First John as a little sermon sent to the churches of Asia Minor (1 John 1:1; 2 John 1; 3 John 1; Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians 1:1).
2. John's purpose was not primarily to weigh in against Gnosticism or Docetism (1 John 4:2).
3. John wants you to examine [to know] the evidences of eternal life present in your own life (1 John 5:13).
4. Eternal life means knowing God and Jesus Christ; the emphasis here is on your relationship with God through Christ (John 17:3).
5. John speaks to those who believe in Christ; he is not concerned primarily with your assurance of faith (1 John 5:13).
6. John wants you to know that you know God; his purpose is to nurture your assurance of salvation (1 John 5:13).