1 John 1:4
Verse
Context
Sermons
Zac PoonenZac Poonen
J.C. Ryle
John Gill
D.L. MoodySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That your joy may be full - Ye have already tasted that the Lord is good; but I am now going to show you the height of your Christian calling, that your happiness may be complete, being thoroughly cleansed from all sin, and filled with the fullness of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
these things--and none other, namely, this whole Epistle. write we unto you--Some oldest manuscripts omit "unto you," and emphasize "we." Thus the antithesis is between "we" (apostles and eye-witnesses) and "your." We write thus that your joy may be full. Other oldest manuscripts and versions read "OUR joy," namely, that our joy may be filled full by bringing you also into fellowship with the Father and Son. (Compare Joh 4:36, end; Phi 2:2, "Fulfil ye my joy," Phi 2:16; Phi 4:1; Jo2 1:8). It is possible that "your" may be a correction of transcribers to make this verse harmonize with Joh 15:11; Joh 16:24; however, as John often repeats favorite phrases, he may do so here, so "your" may be from himself. So Jo2 1:12, "your" in oldest manuscripts. The authority of manuscripts and versions on both sides here is almost evenly balanced. Christ Himself is the source, object, and center of His people's joy (compare Jo1 1:3, end); it is in fellowship with Him that we have joy, the fruit of faith.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And these things write we unto you,.... Concerning the deity and eternity of Christ, the Word and concerning the truth of his humanity, and the manifestation of him in the flesh; and concerning that eternal life and salvation which is declared in the Gospel to be in him; and concerning the saints' fellowship one with another, and with God the Father, and with Jesus Christ: that your joy may be full; meaning either their spiritual joy in this life, which has Christ for its object, and is increased by the consideration of his proper deity, his incarnation and mediation by a view of free justification by his righteousness, and atonement by his blood; by a sight of his glorious person by faith, and by intimate communion with him, and a discovery of his love, which passeth knowledge: and which joy, when it is large, and very great, may, in a comparative sense, be said to be full, though not absolutely so, and being as much as can well be enjoyed in this state; and nothing can more contribute to it than a declaration of the above things in the Gospel, and an experimental acquaintance with them, and enjoyment of them: or else it may intend the joy of the saints in the world to come, in the presence of Christ, where are fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore; and so may express the ultimate glory and happiness of God's people, which is the chief end, as of his purposes, promises, and covenant, so of the Gospel, and the declaration of it. The Syriac version renders it, "that our joy, which is in you, may be full"; it is the joy of the ministers of the word, when the saints are established in the faith of Christ's person and offices, and have communion with him, with which view they declare him, and bear record of him. Some copies read, our joy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 so that you may fully share our joy: The joy that the apostles have comes from their fellowship with God the Father and the Son (1:3). Readers will share this joy when they enter into the same fellowship.
1 John 1:4
The Word of Life
3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 4We write these things so that our joy may be complete.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How Our Joy Can Be Full - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.3K08:34MAT 6:19ROM 14:17EPH 1:3COL 3:21JN 1:4
This sermon emphasizes the pursuit of eternal life and the fullness of joy that comes with it. It contrasts legalistic righteousness with the joy found in pursuing God's kingdom and heavenly blessings. The message calls for a shift from being occupied with earthly things to focusing on heavenly realities, where true joy and fulfillment are found.
Living as Jesus Lived (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:00:04MAT 5:14MAT 7:12JHN 9:5HEB 2:17HEB 4:151PE 2:211JN 1:4
This sermon emphasizes the possibility of living a life like Jesus did on earth, highlighting the importance of understanding that Jesus, though God, lived without using His divine powers and faced every situation like a human. It challenges believers to adopt the values and attitudes of Jesus, such as purity, forgiveness, and love, and to reject the lies of the devil that living a victorious Christian life is impossible. The message encourages believers to walk in the light, have fellowship with God, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives to reflect the life of Christ.
Self-Examination
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual ReadinessSelf-ExaminationMAT 11:28MAT 12:20MAT 18:3LUK 10:37JHN 3:36ACT 15:36PHP 4:13HEB 10:36HEB 12:141JN 1:4J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for self-examination among believers, urging them to reflect on their spiritual state in light of the abundant privileges and dangers present in their age. He challenges his audience to consider their relationship with God, the authenticity of their faith, and their engagement with the means of grace. Ryle warns against mere outward religious practices devoid of true heart transformation and encourages a deep, personal connection with Christ. He concludes by calling for a readiness for Christ's return, reminding listeners that genuine faith must be active and fruitful.
1 John 1:4
By John Gill0Fellowship With GodJoy in ChristPSA 16:11JHN 10:10JHN 15:11ROM 15:132CO 1:24GAL 5:22PHP 4:4HEB 12:21PE 1:81JN 1:4John Gill emphasizes the profound truths found in 1 John 1:4, focusing on the deity and humanity of Christ, the eternal life offered through Him, and the fellowship believers share with one another and with God. He explains that the purpose of these declarations is to enhance the joy of believers, which is rooted in their relationship with Christ and the understanding of His redemptive work. This joy is both a present spiritual experience and a future hope of eternal joy in God's presence, reflecting the ultimate goal of the Gospel and the joy of ministers when their congregations are grounded in faith.
Joy Is Unselfish
By D.L. Moody0Joy in ServiceThe Nature of True JoyNEH 8:10PSA 16:11JER 15:16MAT 28:19JHN 3:29ROM 15:13GAL 5:22PHP 4:4JAS 1:21JN 1:4D.L. Moody emphasizes that true joy transcends personal salvation and is found in the joy of leading others to Christ. He describes three types of joy, highlighting that the joy of seeing others saved is the highest honor and privilege. Moody contrasts happiness, which is dependent on circumstances, with a deeper, unshakeable joy that persists through trials and is rooted in obedience to God. He encourages believers to seek joy in the Word of God, which should inspire them to serve others and engage in Christian work. Ultimately, he asserts that genuine joy compels action and service in the vineyard of the Lord.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That your joy may be full - Ye have already tasted that the Lord is good; but I am now going to show you the height of your Christian calling, that your happiness may be complete, being thoroughly cleansed from all sin, and filled with the fullness of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
these things--and none other, namely, this whole Epistle. write we unto you--Some oldest manuscripts omit "unto you," and emphasize "we." Thus the antithesis is between "we" (apostles and eye-witnesses) and "your." We write thus that your joy may be full. Other oldest manuscripts and versions read "OUR joy," namely, that our joy may be filled full by bringing you also into fellowship with the Father and Son. (Compare Joh 4:36, end; Phi 2:2, "Fulfil ye my joy," Phi 2:16; Phi 4:1; Jo2 1:8). It is possible that "your" may be a correction of transcribers to make this verse harmonize with Joh 15:11; Joh 16:24; however, as John often repeats favorite phrases, he may do so here, so "your" may be from himself. So Jo2 1:12, "your" in oldest manuscripts. The authority of manuscripts and versions on both sides here is almost evenly balanced. Christ Himself is the source, object, and center of His people's joy (compare Jo1 1:3, end); it is in fellowship with Him that we have joy, the fruit of faith.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And these things write we unto you,.... Concerning the deity and eternity of Christ, the Word and concerning the truth of his humanity, and the manifestation of him in the flesh; and concerning that eternal life and salvation which is declared in the Gospel to be in him; and concerning the saints' fellowship one with another, and with God the Father, and with Jesus Christ: that your joy may be full; meaning either their spiritual joy in this life, which has Christ for its object, and is increased by the consideration of his proper deity, his incarnation and mediation by a view of free justification by his righteousness, and atonement by his blood; by a sight of his glorious person by faith, and by intimate communion with him, and a discovery of his love, which passeth knowledge: and which joy, when it is large, and very great, may, in a comparative sense, be said to be full, though not absolutely so, and being as much as can well be enjoyed in this state; and nothing can more contribute to it than a declaration of the above things in the Gospel, and an experimental acquaintance with them, and enjoyment of them: or else it may intend the joy of the saints in the world to come, in the presence of Christ, where are fulness of joy, and pleasures for evermore; and so may express the ultimate glory and happiness of God's people, which is the chief end, as of his purposes, promises, and covenant, so of the Gospel, and the declaration of it. The Syriac version renders it, "that our joy, which is in you, may be full"; it is the joy of the ministers of the word, when the saints are established in the faith of Christ's person and offices, and have communion with him, with which view they declare him, and bear record of him. Some copies read, our joy.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:4 so that you may fully share our joy: The joy that the apostles have comes from their fellowship with God the Father and the Son (1:3). Readers will share this joy when they enter into the same fellowship.