1 John 1:1-10

Observation Questions, “What does the passage say?” Days 1 & 2
Does the passage identify an author? an audience?
What does “What” refer to in verses 1 & 3?
What is said about the Word of life?
What is said about the Father?
What is said about Jesus Christ?
What is the reason given for writing in verse 4?
What are we told about light and darkness?
Notice and list the phrases that begin with “If”.

Interpretation: “What does this passage mean?” Days 3 & 4
Compare 1:1-3 with the Gospel of John chapter 1; Acts 1:3; 4:20; Luke 24:39; John 20:27; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3.
How do we know John wrote the letter?
Look up the four purpose statements in the epistle: 1:3 & 4; 2:2; 5:13. Why did John write the book?
Look up the word “gnostic.”
What is the significance of the designation of God as light? Look up James 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:16; Psalm 27:1; 36:9; 84:11; Isaiah 60:19; John 1:4, 9; 8:12; 9:5; 12:35-36; Revelation 21:23; 22:5.
Define “walk in the light” and “walk in the darkness”.
When John talks about “sin” what does he mean? Connect the ideas of light/darkness and truth/lie with sin.

Application: “What does the passage mean to me?” Days 5 & 6
John claims to be an eyewitness. How does that affect your faith?
The Psalmist says: “search me and know me and see if there be any wicked way in me”. Take some time to examine yourself and your life. What sin needs to be confessed and acknowledged. Come up with a plan to “practice truth.”