Bethany Bible Study

Repentance is more than being “Sorry” and “Regretting” for mistakes made. Repentance requires turning away from sin and turning to God. Repentance is not the work of man but work of God (John 6:44No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him). How does God draw us to Him? Repentance is followed by change (Mathew 3:8, fruits meet for repentance, II Corinthians 5:17, old things are passed away)

What is the Basis for our witness?

What is the Content of our witness?

What is the Desired outcome of our witness?

Episode Notes: Four Stated Objectives of 1 John

In this episode, we explore the four clear purposes for which the Apostle John says he wrote this letter. These objectives shape the entire message of 1 John and give believers clarity, assurance, and direction in their walk with Christ.

1️⃣ Joy Made Full (1 John 1:4)

“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.”

John’s first objective is joy—not temporary happiness, but deep, abiding joy rooted in fellowship with God. This joy flows from walking in the light, having communion with God, and living in truth.

Key takeaway: True Christian joy comes from restored fellowship with God, not from circumstances.

2️⃣ That You May Not Sin (1 John 2:1)

“These things write I unto you, that ye sin not.”

John writes to encourage believers toward holy living. While he acknowledges human weakness, his goal is not to excuse sin but to discourage it. Christ is presented as our Advocate, not a license to sin.

Key takeaway: Grace is not permission to sin, but power to live righteously.

3️⃣ Warning Against False Teachers (1 John 2:26)

“These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.”

A major concern in the letter is deception. John warns believers about false teachers who distort the truth about Christ. He reminds them to remain grounded in what they have heard from the beginning.

Key takeaway: Spiritual discernment is essential to remain steadfast in truth.

4️⃣ Assurance of Eternal Life (1 John 5:13)

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.”

John’s final and climactic purpose is assurance. Believers don’t have to guess or hope—they can know they have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Key takeaway: Eternal life is not uncertain for the believer—it is assured through faith in Christ.

Closing Thought

These four objectives—joy, holiness, discernment, and assurance—form the backbone of 1 John and remain deeply relevant for believers today. John writes not merely to inform, but to transform lives rooted in truth.

1 JOHN 1:5-10

• GOD IS LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS
• WALKING IN LIGHT
• NATURE OF SIN
• ARE BELIEVERS SINNERS?

1 John 1:1-4

• JESUS CHRIST REVEALED
• PURPOSE OF THE LETTER #1: EXPERIENCE FULLNESS OF JOY

Jude 1

• REMEMBER THE WARNINGS
• BUT, BELOVED

Jude 1

• WARNING ON FALSE TEACHERS
• CHALLENGE TO CONTEND FOR OUR FAITH

Jude 1

Author: Family: Written to: Jude (full name maybe Judas or Judah) half-brother of Jesus (Mathew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?)

Time: 65-80 AD

Written to: Jewish Believers. General epistle (not written to any specific church)

Brief Review of Nehemiah

Nehemiah 13

JERUSALEM IN RUINS (SPIRITUALLY) (part-2)

FAILURE #4: What did Sabbath require? How was Sabbath violated? How did Nehemiah react? Is the principle of sabbath relevant and applicable today?

FAILURES #5: How were the Jewish people unequally yoked? What are the dangers of being unequally yoked? How did Nehemiah react? Do we see such marriages/relationships today? What do the four prayers of Nehemiah show?

Nehemiah 12

THE DEDICATION OF JERUSALEM WALLS

PURIFICATION (27-30): Why was it important to hold a dedication service? What is the significance of dedication? Why were the Levites invited from surrounding areas? What role did the Levites play in the temple? What did they cleanse? Why is cleansing important? How can sinners approach a holy God?

WALL DEDICATION WORSHIP SERVICE(31-47): Who all participated in the worship? What are some notable observations from the worship service? What was the source of joy? What followed the worship service? How did people express their generosity and duty?