The Expository Study of The Epistles of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, John

TRANSCRIPT

Date: September 10, 2025 Author: Wayne J. Edwards

Near the end of his life, the Apostle John wrote three short letters, “epistles,” warning the churches about the incrementalism of false doctrine that was leading the people away from the established gospel’s historic, orthodox Christian teachings. Could there be a more relevant study for our day? The incrementalism of false doctrine in many of today’s churches is astounding . What is worse, out of fear or not wanting to cause division within the church, those who have been trained in the essential doctrines of the Christian Faith just sit there and never express a voice of concern or correction. Many of today’s younger pastors lack training in historical theology and biblical languages, leaving them vulnerable to ancient heresies repackaged in modern clothing. Perhaps the largest shift over the last 50 years is toward “Prosperity theology,” which holds that material blessings are a sign of God’s “favor.” This deviates from historic Christianity by turning prayer into a demand and faith into a pathway to personal gain rather than trusting in God. Evidently, the Apostle Paul didn’t get the memo of this change in theology. Tonight, at 6:00 PM, I will introduce this new Bible Study on “The Epistles of Love.” This first sermon will be an overview of all three Epistles of John. Please forward this study guide to those you think might be interested.

Near the end of his life, the Apostle John wrote three short letters, “epistles,” warning the churches about the incrementalism of false doctrine that was leading the people away from the established gospel’s historic, orthodox Christian teachings. Could there be a more relevant study for our day?

The incrementalism of false doctrine in many of today’s churches is astounding . What is worse, out of fear or not wanting to cause division within the church, those who have been trained in the essential doctrines of the Christian Faith just sit there and never express a voice of concern or correction. Many of today’s younger pastors lack training in historical theology and biblical languages, leaving them vulnerable to ancient heresies repackaged in modern clothing.

Perhaps the largest shift over the last 50 years is toward “Prosperity theology,” which holds that material blessings are a sign of God’s “favor.” This deviates from historic Christianity by turning prayer into a demand and faith into a pathway to personal gain rather than trusting in God. Evidently, the Apostle Paul didn’t get the memo of this change in theology.

Tonight, at 6:00 PM, I will introduce this new Bible Study on “The Epistles of Love.” This first sermon will be an overview of all three Epistles of John.

Please forward this study guide to those you think might be interested.

Download the following translated Sermon guides:

At the close of his life, the Apostle John penned three letters, perhaps as his final sermons, to the believers gathered in the house-churches in Ephesus, which is now modern Turkey. John had given his life in the proclamation of the gospel, and he was burdened to see the efficacy of that gospel threatened by false teachers. In 1 John 2:26, the aging Apostle wrote: “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you!”

Likewise, many churches today are being seduced by the false teachers of:

An Overview of the Epistles of John:

In 1 John 1, the Apostle gave the reason for these three epistles:

Positively:

Negatively:

Multiple thousands of people are being seduced today by pandering preachers who peddle their false gospel just to draw large crowds.

Millions of people believe they are saved because they have been baptized in water, are official members of local church, and occasionally attend some form of worship, and yet, live as they want to and do what they want with their bodies!

According to the Barna Group, 2/3 rds of those who claim to be born again have experienced doubts about their eternal salvation, and ¼ of them live with those doubts each day.

The assurance of our salvation is the confidence that we have received God’s acceptance by His grace alone, through our faith alone and in Christ alone.

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