The Word that Gave Life: Lessons from 1 John 1:1-4

In the opening verses of 1 John, the apostle John shares his personal testimony about Jesus Christ to establish the foundation of Christian fellowship. These four powerful verses reveal profound truths about who Jesus is and how our relationship with Him connects us to both God and other believers.

Who was the Apostle John and why did he write this letter?

John, the beloved disciple, wrote this letter from Ephesus (modern-day Turkey) as the last living apostle. During this time, false teachings were infiltrating the church, particularly from groups like the Docetists who denied that Jesus had actually become flesh and blood. John wrote to clear away these falsehoods and bring believers back to the pure gospel and the basics of Christian life.

What does John mean by "that which was from the beginning"?

In 1 John 1:1, John begins by addressing the core of Christianity: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and which we have touched with our hands concerning the word of life."

This opening echoes both Genesis 1:1-3 and John 1:1-4, establishing Jesus as eternal and infinite. John immediately clarifies that Jesus is not merely a moral teacher or good man, but the Creator God and Savior of the world. The Greek word "Logos" (Word) signifies beginnings, and John's claim that Jesus was "from the beginning" establishes that He alone encompasses eternal life.

How did Jesus manifest eternal life?

Verse 2 states: "The life was made manifest, and we have seen it and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us."

The Greek term "zoe" refers not just to physical life but to eternal life itself. Jesus, as the Word that created life, is also able to give spiritual and eternal life to those who accept Him. John, as one of the inner circle disciples, could personally testify that Jesus revealed Himself as God in human form, as recorded in passages like John 8:19 and John 10:30 where Jesus declared, "I and the Father are one."

What is the purpose of Christian fellowship?

In verse 3, John explains: "That which we have seen and heard, we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us. And indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."

The Greek word for fellowship, "koinonia," refers to the life that all Christians share in a living relationship or partnership, both spiritual and eternal. John and the apostles felt the weight of this revelation and wanted to bring others into this fellowship.

Fellowship is a two-way, simultaneous experience both with fellow believers and with God. It safeguards us against pseudo-spirituality and the extreme individualism prevalent in today's culture. Our relationships should draw us near to one another so that we can rejoice in God's goodness both individually and collectively.

Why is joy the outcome of true fellowship?

Verse 4 concludes: "And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete."

John wanted believers to hold fast to the truth about Jesus so they could enter into the fullness of joy available to them. This echoes Jesus' own words in John 15:11: "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

Joy is listed as a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22, a byproduct of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. It also comes as the result of harmonious relationships among believers in fellowship.

Three Key Principles from 1 John 1:1-4

1. Proclamation Produces Fellowship

When we share our testimony and proclaim the gospel, we create opportunities for fellowship. The mystery of the gospel doesn't require advanced theological degrees—it was revealed to ordinary people who were in desperate need of experiencing life and wholeness in Christ Jesus.

As Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:19-20, we should pray for boldness to "make known the mystery of the gospel." When we proclaim this mystery, we produce fellowship with one another.

2. Fellowship Is with Believers and with God

Church isn't meant to be a spectator sport where we simply cheer for "Team Jesus." It's an active, everyday relationship that draws us closer to Jesus and to each other. The purpose of gathering with believers is to encourage and hold each other accountable to God's purposes.

Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that "we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Our fellowship with God is rooted in our daily, intimate relationship with Him through Bible reading, worship, and Christ-centered community.

3. Fellowship Produces Joy

The evidence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is the fruit He produces, including joy. Our joy testifies to Jesus' work in our lives and witnesses to the unbelieving world around us. Acts 13:52 describes how the disciples were "continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit" despite persecution.

Our relationship with God makes room for the Holy Spirit to draw us nearer to Him in everyday life, helping us choose joy in every circumstance.

What is love according to 1 John?

In this opening passage, we see that love is the Word that gives life. John 3:16-17 reminds us: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that everyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him."

Love is the Word—Jesus Christ—who became flesh to dwell among us and give us life.

Life Application

If we truly believe that Jesus is "the beginning of life," we would view our circumstances not as overwhelming limitations but as opportunities for God to speak life into our situations. The gospel shifts our mindset from focusing solely on this side of heaven to embracing the spiritual and eternal fellowship with Jesus Christ.

This week, consider these questions:

1. How am I proclaiming the gospel in my circles of influence? Am I boldly sharing the mystery of the gospel?

2. Am I actively participating in fellowship with other believers, or am I treating church as a spectator sport?

3. Is the joy of the Lord evident in my life as a testimony to others?

4. How can I deepen my fellowship with God and with other believers this week?

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us: "Without faith it is impossible to please him. For he that comes to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

May we seek Him together and experience the joy that comes from the giver of life.