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"That your joy may be full."

Text: 1 John 1:4

PURPOSEFUL WRITING

The writers of sacred literature always wrote with high purpose and definite goals in mind. We understand this to be true when we read the following text.

“That you also may have fellowship with us…
And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”
1 John 1:3b, 4

1. “That”

a) This particle introduces both purpose and goal.

b) The purpose of the writer is clearly stated.

c) The goals are also clearly delineated.

d) Often purpose and goal go together very closely.

2. Two sets of goals stated

a) To have good and profound fellowship.

i) With awed consciousness of the Presence of God the Father.

ii) With deep gratitude for the role of the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

iii) With each other, apostles and “ordinary members” of the Body Christ.

b) To have fullness of joy.

3. “These things we write to you”

a) Once again we must consider “content”.

i) That which was seen.

ii) That which was heard.

iii) That which the apostles were eye-witnesses of.

iv) The content centres on the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

v) There is no mistaking the strong Christological emphasis.

b) John showed great consciousness of the reason why he was writing.

4. “That your joy may be full”

a) Fullness of joy should be a hallmark of the believer.

b) Fullness of joy is great fruit of the Holy Spirit.

c) Where there is deep knowledge, a vibrant faith and good fellowship, there is fullness of joy!