Devotion · 1 John · Verse-by-Verse Walk
1 John
Light, love, fellowship — the three tests of genuine faith
A verse-by-verse devotional study of the First Epistle of John, following the sermons of Adrian Rogers. The aim is not exegesis or sermon prep, but devotional depth — letting John's three tests of genuine faith (doctrine, obedience, love) search and steady the heart. Each lesson includes the Scripture text, exposition, key Greek terms, and reflection questions. Lessons are short, self-contained, and meant to be returned to.
Where to startNew to the study? Open Lesson 1 to meet the apostle's eyewitness claim, then keep the structure overview open as you walk through, passage by passage.
i. Lessons
One passage per lesson, in order through all five chapters. Each links to the next and back; lesson 1 orients the whole letter.
| # | Title | Passage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reality | 1 John 1:1-4 |
| 2 | Walking in the Light | 1 John 1:5-10 |
| 3 | Our Advocate | 1 John 2:1-2 |
| 4 | The Evidence of Fellowship | 1 John 2:3-11 |
| 5 | Spiritual Growth | 1 John 2:12-14 |
| 6 | Do Not Love the World | 1 John 2:15-17 |
| 7 | The Spirit of Antichrist | 1 John 2:18-23 |
| 8 | Abiding in the Son | 1 John 2:24-27 |
| 9 | Confidence at His Coming | 1 John 2:28-29 |
| 10 | Behold What Manner of Love | 1 John 3:1-3 |
| 11 | Practicing Righteousness | 1 John 3:4-9 |
| 12 | Passing from Death to Life | 1 John 3:10-15 |
| 13 | Love in Deed and Truth | 1 John 3:16-18 |
| 14 | Confidence Before God | 1 John 3:19-24 |
| 15 | Test the Spirits | 1 John 4:1-6 |
| 16 | God is Love | 1 John 4:7-11 |
| 17 | Abiding in Love | 1 John 4:12-16 |
| 18 | Perfect Love Casts Out Fear | 1 John 4:17-21 |
| 19 | Faith Overcomes the World | 1 John 5:1-5 |
| 20 | The Witness of God | 1 John 5:6-12 |
| 21 | Assurance and Prayer | 1 John 5:13-17 |
| 22 | Three Great "We Know" Affirmations | 1 John 5:18-21 |
ii. Reference
The compressed, re-readable knowledge. Keep these open while you study.
- Structure OverviewBird's-eye view of the epistle's outline, themes, and the three tests of genuine faith.
- Key TermsGreek terms and key phrases with definitions and cross-references.