If you attended our workshop in September, you likely heard the phrase 'the Bible is a book about God' repeatedly. We emphasize this point because it holds true. Unfortunately, for many of us and in numerous churches, the Bible has shifted from being a book about God to becoming a book about ourselves. This transition is understandable, particularly in our Western context, where we reside in a highly individualized, self-focused culture. The shift from having our Bible time centered on God to becoming me-centered was a natural development over time. Our goal here is to redirect our focus to its original intent: the God who created the universe and every living thing within it—the author of the Scriptures, Yahweh.
Returning to our Bible study, if you recall, we were exploring the book of 1 John. If you're like me (Jana), you may not have delved into it much since the workshop. Well, it's time to dust it off and approach it with fresh eyes. Let's revisit some of the insights we uncovered together about the book of 1 John.
Written by John, the apostle also responsible for the Gospel of John, 2 and 3 John, and Revelation, he was referred to by Jesus as the 'one whom he loved.' This designation suggests a close companionship, perhaps even placing him in the inner circle as one of Jesus' closest friends. As we dive into 1 John, verse by verse, it's valuable to zoom in on the text. While doing so, remember to occasionally zoom out to grasp the context of the entire book and its place in the entirety of the Bible (all 66 books).
John, in composing this book for the churches of Asia Minor, aimed to counteract heretical teachings infiltrating the church. Recall Gnosticism? If not, take a moment to refresh your memory. Keep this information in mind as you navigate through each verse of the book.
