Introduction

I am convinced that the majority of John's work was done to counter the growing threat of Gnosticism in the early years of the church.  The Gnostics taught that humans were divine beings trapped in a physical experience.  According to theses Gnostic teachers, everything physical was evil and everything spiritual was good.  Many Gnostics were willing to accept Jesus as a part of their belief system, but taught that He could not have been physical (since everything physical was evil).

 

Lesson 1 - Assignment 1

Take some time and look up a couple of articles on Gnosticism.  Take some notes on what you find and be prepared to discuss your findings.  Pay attention to the particular Gnostic teachings that would have a negative impact on the Gospel that John presents to his readers.  Also, note similarities to the 'New Age' teachings that are becoming more prevelent in our culture today.  As we will see, 'New Age' isn't all that new.  You can do your own searches for 'gnosticism' or you can start with the following two sites.  Keep in mind that we may not necessarily agree with the conclusions that either of these pages put forth.

Gnosticism 1 

Gnosticism 2 

 

Lesson 1 - Assignment 2

Read the Gospel of John Chapter 1 and 13 and then read through 1 John looking for places where concepts that John presents in his Gospel make an appearance in 1 John.  Those touch points will be important to this study, so take the time to do this and take notes.  We will discuss these on Wednesday evening.

 

Lesson 1 - Assignment 3

Focus on 1 John Chapter 1 and compare what you know about the Gnostics to what John says in this chapter.  Make a list of words that John uses that would have had special meanings to those familiar with the Gnostic teachings.