1 John Step #1: The Whole Book
Week 1: The four A's
Welcome to week one of studying 1 John!
For a full description of the foundations and full method see: A Guide to Life Transformation Groups (←You will also find a printable handout available)
This week, we will read through the entire book of 1 John at least once, but as many times as possible.
Ideally, you will read through it in one sitting to understand the full context—it’s short enough that you should be able to carve out the time needed (it takes under 15 minutes). Familiarize yourself with the book as a whole. Remember, it’s important to understand the bigger picture before examining the details.
Tip: Try reading from a couple of different trusted versions, such as the ESV, CSB, and NKJV if you have access to them. This can expand our understanding.
Listening to an audio version can also be helpful. There is value in both hearing and reading! Just put it in.
This is also the time to:
Write down any questions that came to mind as you read
Make a note of any words you don’t understand or would like to understand more deeply
Perhaps jot down anything you notice regarding things that are:
Emphasized
Repeated
Related
Reminder: Filter your study through the lens of the 5 P’s: Purpose, Perspective, Patience, Process, and Prayer (You find these in the handout linked above)
Once you’ve got a feel for the overall book, it’s time to write your first General Statement (or paraphrase, summary, etc.—however you need to think of it!). 1
▲ I think this book is about_____
This can be one sentence or several paragraphs—you get to decide based on the time you have. (You may start small and build up to adding more as you gain experience and ability. It’s like building a muscle!)
After that, it’s time to check your study-bible notes and break out your reference materials. It’s time to establish the 4 A’s:
Authorship: Who wrote it? When?
Audience: Who were the original readers?
(Remember, we want to understand it first through the lens of the original readers at that time and place before seeing how it applies to us now in this time and place)
Architecture: What genre is it? What structure is used?
7 types of literary genres: Old Testament narrative (law & History), poetry, Old Testament Wisdom, Old Testament prophets, New Testament narrative, letters, and apocalyptic
Keep in mind that a book may fall into more than one category: For example, Ezekiel is prophetic and narrative–even apocalyptic.
Aim (purpose): Why was the book written?
↓ Verses for the 1 John Scripture Memory Challenge:
5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
1 John 5:1-5, ESV
⚠️Please note, this is a challenge, not a requirement. I guarantee you will benefit from participating in the challenge, as hiding God’s Word in our hearts will never return void, but if it is something that would keep you from participating in the rest, you can add it down the road. A word of encouragement: Some is better than none—you’re welcome to choose a verse or two if the whole portion is too much.
Why memorize scripture?
If we want our hearts and minds to be transformed, we must saturate ourselves with His Word.
Colossians 3:16 tells us to “let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly.”
Deuteronomy 11:18 says, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”
John 15:7 says, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
How do we let the word dwell in us? How do his words abide in us? How do we bind them on our hands and hearts? We learn to love it and put it in more than anything else. We fill up on His Word, consuming it continually, letting it nourish our souls.
And we memorize it.
As we memorize, we repeat the truth over and over.
This is literally transforming our thinking and searing His Words into our minds and hearts. It changes us and becomes a part of who we are.
Memorization Tips:
Write out the verses on a notecard and keep it with your phone. Whenever you find yourself reaching for your phone, spend a few minutes working on the verses.
Keep the verses posted where you will see them often—for example, near your kitchen sink, on your bathroom mirror, etc. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish while brushing your teeth 😉
Some people also print out the verses, slide them into a Ziplock bag, and post them on the shower wall to work on when showering. Whatever it takes! Get creative—and please share your tips with the rest of us in the comments!
Listen to this podcast if you have time to go deeper (I highly recommend it!): Scripture Memory 101 (full transcript is also available to read), and this post is a wealth of tips and resources for Scripture Memorization.
Accountability questions to consider:
Am I walking in purity (of mind, body, and heart) before the Lord? If not, what did that impurity look like?
How can I be more aware and intentional of my heart posture and word choices?
* The in-person group includes break-out accountability groups. If you are joining online, you may want to consider finding an accountability partner to enrich your study and spiritual transformation. Everyone is welcome to participate in the comments or chat for additional accountability and discussion!
Go Deeper:
If anyone is interested in a deeper dive, The Gospel Coalition has an into to 1 John + additional resources for study:
“This introductory course is designed to provide key insights into the book of 1 John by pulling together a number of key resources: overview videos from Fast Facts and The Bible Project, helpful contextual information from The ESV Study Bible, commentary recommendations from The Gospel Coalition, a single sermon that sums up the book from beginning to end by Mark Dever, and much more. By watching, listening to, and reading these resources, you’ll be better prepared to read, study, teach, or preach the book of 1 John.” Click here to access
A prayer for the week:
Father,
I thank you for your Word! As we begin a new study of 1 John, I ask that you open our eyes to your truth. Prepare our hearts to receive all that you have for us. Please give us ears to hear and eyes to see! Your Words are Light and Life—may we be transformed as we feast on them. Help us to understand; help us to rightly discern and apply; help us to grow in love for you and others!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Blessings🤍
Bible Study Steps: Credit to Glenna Marshall from her book Everyday Faithfulness