How Our Joy Can Be Full - Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that the core message of 1 John is eternal life and fellowship with the Father, warning against worshipping anything other than this true God, such as material prosperity or physical healing. He argues that true, unending joy—the mark of those pursuing eternal life—is superior to worldly achievements or even legalistic righteousness. This full joy is the result of focusing on the eternal relationship with God.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why the Letter of 1 John Is Vitally ImportantZac explains that 1 John was written by the aged Apostle John around age 95, drawing on 65 years of walking with God to address confusion in Christendom with deep spiritual relevance.
What John Left Out and What He EmphasizedJohn does not mention tongues, physical healing, material prosperity, or politics, but instead majors on eternal life, fellowship with God, and fellowship with one another.
The Mark of Full Joy versus Legalistic RighteousnessTrue disciples pursuing eternal life experience full joy 24/7, unlike legalistic believers or those caught up in earthly pursuits who remain gloomy, angry, and depressed.
Turning from the Kingdom of Earth to the Kingdom of HeavenIsrael under the old covenant was occupied with earthly blessings, but John the Baptist and Jesus called people to turn to the heavenly kingdom, where true righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit are found.
Guarding Against Deceivers and AntichristsJohn wrote to protect believers from those trying to deceive them with teachings opposite to Christ, pointing out that those who truly belong to Christ remain in fellowship rather than leaving for worldly gain.
Writing That You May Not SinJohn's primary purpose in writing is to call believers to take sin seriously and stop sinning, recognizing that Christ purchased our bodies completely and calls us to holiness.
Defining Sin and Treating Others RightlySin is anything un-Christlike, violating the golden rule to treat others as we want to be treated, which is the core message of the entire Bible.Matthew 7:12
Having an Advocate When We FallWhen believers stumble and sin, they must immediately confess it and turn to Jesus Christ the righteous, who acts as our faithful advocate.1 John 2:1–2
Obeying God's Commandments and Knowing GodThose who claim to know God but do not keep His commandments are called liars; God's rules and commands are given entirely for our protection and ultimate good.
Do Not Love the WorldLoving the world squeezes out love for the Father, and worldliness—manifested in the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life—desensitizes our consciences to sin.
Being Ready for Christ's ReturnRegardless of spiritual maturity level, all believers are warned not to love the world so that when Christ appears, they will have confidence rather than shrinking away in shame.1 John 2:12–15
