I John 1:1-4
“Choose The Genuine”

Introduction
1. The Gnostics were a religious extension of Christianity. It was a mystery religion that was open only to the initiated. They felt that matter was sinful, and therefore Jesus did not really have a body. He was a phantom. Doubts came in.
2. In vss 1-4 the Greek is one long sentence. The main subject and verb does not occur in the KJV until v. 3 We proclaim…the Word of life has made a real appearance into the world of men. That object now being declared is Jesus Christ. The purpose is given in vss 3, 4.
3. Three important words arise in vss 1-4: Life (1,2) Fellowship (3) Joy (4). All are found in Jesus Christ.
4. How can we spot a phoney Jesus Christ?
5. To spot a phoney you must have the genuine. A phoney Jesus was being circulated.
6. I John 1:1-4 John holds up the genuine:

How can we spot a phoney Jesus Christ? John holds up the genuine.
I. THE GENUINE EXPOSED 1:1
A. His Existence
1. That which was from the beginning…the Word was truly man. He had a real
body.
2. Three beginnings stand out in God’s Word:
*Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
*John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the
Word was God.
*I John 1:1 That which was from the beginning…That which is neuter. I believe it
is the Lord’s human nature treated in this verse. His manhood…we heard, seen,
looked upon, handled. This was a new beginning in man’s history…Jesus Came!
B. His Exhibition
4 descriptive phrases of John’s involvement…John was there!
1.We have heard. It was audible.
*This goes deeper than the words of Jesus falling upon the ear and striking the ear drum.
*It signifies that their souls had felt the impact of His words.
2. We have seen. It was visible.
*This cannot be restricted to His miracles or supernatural power.
*His character and conduct are also included.
3. We have looked upon. It means to inspect or gaze upon.
4. We have handled. It was tangible.
*John laid his head upon the chest of Jesus.
* “Put your fingers into the nail prints…”

How can we spot a phoney Jesus Christ? John holds up the genuine.
II. THE GENUINE EXPERIENCED 1:2a
For is the Greek word kai=and…I don’t believe that v.2 is a parenthesis but a continuation.
The Word is totally God!
A.Shown And the life was manifested.
1.A divine person became man (John 1:14, 18).
2.Jesus was truly man and totally God!
B.Seen We have seen it and bear witness and show unto you that eternal.
1.Revelation must be related in order to produce life.
2.The only life that Jesus Christ has to give is eternal life. You must be born from above (born again). Salvation is not merely praying a prayer or walking an aisle. Divine life is related to the Gospel…God loves you…Christ died for you…you must receive Him. John 1:12 As many as receive Him to them He gives the ability to become children of God, even to those who believe on His name. Upon receiving divine life is implanted (the life of Jesus Christ) by the Holy Spirit.
C.Shared That eternal life was with (face to face) the Father…made known, displayed to the Apostles.

1.Life is His to impart to sinners who meet His qualifications: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
2.He was truly man and totally God. Many are grabbing at a handful of nothing and it won’t suffice on the day of judgment. Why should God let you into His heaven?

How can we spot a phoney Jesus Christ? John holds up the genuine.
III. THE GENUINE EXPRESSED 1:2b, 3a
A.His Witness 2b
1.Which was with the Father…declare we unto you. John is thinking about the life that you and I can receive and that is his great and glorious message.
2.The message: that you and I can become partakers of His divine nature and sharers of His divine life.
B. His Work 3a
1.That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you.
2.John was anxious that everyone had what he possessed. That is our message to this weary, tired, confused, fearful world.
3.We long for everyone to have the same thing. The Christian life is based upon receiving eternal life. We are one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread!

How can we spot a phoney Jesus Christ? John holds up the genuine.
IV. THE GENUINE EXEMPLIFIED 1:3b, 4
A.Relationship That you may have fellowship with us and with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. Fellowship
1.Jesus is made known for a purpose. That purpose is Fellowship. Fellowship is not a bean supper or softball game, but sharing, having in common.
2.Fellowship with God…there can be no fellowship with God on the part of fallen man until His divine life is implanted.
3.We become sharers together with the Father and Son. We share His life, His holiness, His nature. He makes His will known, we seek to go His way, bringing glory to Him. We speak with Him. We bring Him into our life. We have something in common.
4.Fellowship with us. That is fellowship with like believers. It is their common possession of Jesus Christ that is to be shared. Fellowship is two fellowships in one ship going in the same direction.
B.Rejuvenation
These things write we unto you that your joy may be full.
1.Joy in the Greek is a completed, continuing state that results from a past action.
2.Joy is found in a Person. Sin will rob you of joy. (v. 5)
3.What is joy? You cannot make yourself joyful in the New Testament sense. It is always produced by something else. Something outside yourself!
*It is a state of complete satisfaction.
*It is a state of rejoicing.
*Jesus Christ satisfies my mind, emotions, my every desire producing REST!
*Joy is the response and reaction of the soul to a real knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To remain full…joy is not depended on circumstances.


The world is full of counterfeit saviors.
Jesus Christ is the answer to Life (the Listless Heart)…
Fellowship (the Lonely Heart) and Joy (the Longing Heart).

We have the genuine...we dare not keep silent!