PLAYING PING-PONG WITH GOD1 John 1:1-4 (p. 1021)

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REVIEW

1. Recipients: Genuine Believers2. Historical Context: A group (who

really never were believers) has left the church and are now actively trying to lead the church astray.

3. Purpose: To give assurance to the readers that they do truly know the Truth, that they have eternal life, are indeed God’s children

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The Big Picture

God has drawn near to us,that we might enjoy being one with

Him,and with one another.

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God has drawn near to us…

1. That which was from the beginning…the Word of life.A. John 1:1, Genesis 1:1B. This is One who has made

everything that has been made (John 1:3)

2. To hear God was to die (Exodus 20:18-19)

3. To See God was to die (Exodus 33:20)

4. To be near God was a fearful laborious thing reserved for one person once a year (Lev. 16)

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John 13:23

One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side1

1Greek in the bosom of Jesus

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God has drawn near to us…

5. WHAT BROUGHT ABOUT THE CHANGE?

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That we might be One with Him…

1. The Word which gives life is Himself the life.

2. Jesus is the one through whom we gain eternal life through his death and resurrection (John 3:16).

3. This speaks to the fact that a relationship with Jesus is indeed eternal life.A. John 17:3B. “knowing” is a word used to describe

the special union of the marriage bed.

C. John 17:21-23

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That we might be One with Him…

3. This speaks to the fact that a relationship with Jesus is indeed eternal life.A. John 17:3B. “knowing” is a word used to describe

the special union of the marriage bed.

C. John 17:21-23D. The intimacy of marriage is really

meant to point us to what our relationship with God is like!

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And With One Another.

1. What is implied is that sharing in this great fellowship with the living God comes through fellowship with the church!

2. It is a one flesh relationship that exists between God and the church

3. John’s own joy is made complete by having fellowship with those he is writing to!