Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 2, 2014

Teacher: Dr. Matthew McKellar
Associate Professor of Preaching/Chair of the Preaching Department
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“Meet Jesus: God in Human Flesh” 1 John 1:1-4 Bible Study 02/02/14

This morning we begin our study of 1 John. Sadly, Christians often approach teaching concerning the person and work of Jesus in a way that may be classified as “Brylcreem Theology- a little dab will do you.” Too frequently, these people settle for half-truths which results in a half-hearted and often joyless outlook. The content of 1 John is a stirring reminder that one must think biblically and precisely about the identity of our Lord. John was one of our Lord’s original disciples. At the time of the writing of 1 John, he was likely the only surviving member of the original twelve. He was the human author of five of our New Testament books. We know that he spent his later years in Ephesus and that 1 John was written between A.D. 80-85. The letter is addressed to second and third generation Christians who populated the church at this time. Among the topics which appear prominently in the letter are the infiltration of false teachers, the danger of laxity in moral standards, the refutation of false teachings and the profound pastoral heart of John. With this background in mind, we turn our attention to 1 John 1:1-4 and its powerful presentation of Jesus. Because of the factual reality of Jesus Christ, believers can enjoy supernatural fellowship and superabundant joy.

I. Focus on the reality of Jesus Christ

-eternally
-historically
-experientially

II. The reality of Jesus Christ makes fellowship possible

-amazing
-unifying
-mobilizing

III. The reality of Jesus Christ makes fullness profound

-obedience
-affection
-orientation

IV. So what?

-“Jesus was the only man who had a heavenly Father but no heavenly mother, who had an earthly mother but no earthly father; who was older than his mother and who was as old as his Father.” (R.G. Lee)
-Recognize the greatest problem in every culture.
-What you think about Jesus is the most important thing about which you can think.
-Biblical truth always precedes biblical fellowship.
-“There are but two lessons for a Christian to learn- the one is to enjoy God in everything, the other is to enjoy everything in God.” (Charles Simeon)