Our Treasure in Christ
1 John 1: 1-4
As I read these verses I thought of the present condition of our world. We live in the most advanced age the world has ever known: an age of information, technological advancement, and increasing global dependence and interaction. In an age like this, one would assume people are more educated, socially advanced, and generally happier than ever before.
However, as we look around, people may have become smarter and more advanced, and yet many remain isolated and disillusioned. Billions of dollars are spent on medicine, therapy, education, and recreation, all in an effort to find some measure of inner peace. Many live in an environment with everything at their finger-tips, with no real satisfaction or contentment. There remains an uncontrollable urge to find something else.
The problem is, most are trying to satisfy their heart through physical or emotional means. Real peace is only found in the Lord. In our text John presents some powerful truths concerning our Lord. He is the preeminent need for mankind. If Jesus were in the hearts of all men, the majority of the world’s problems would disappear. As we examine the truths in the text, I want to consider the thought: Our Treasure in Christ. He is what we all need!
I. The Truth of Jesus Christ (1-2) – Here we find the eternal truth of Jesus Christ. He is the source of all truth. Truth must be learned and lived, but it wasn’t created or subject to change. Real truth is found in Christ our Lord!
A. The Existence of Truth (1a) – That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.
We may live in the information age, but truth has always existed. Jesus Christ is truth. He confirmed that in John 14:6. Humanity has made great discoveries, but real truth has been present in every generation. We are not the first to possess truth; in fact, we may possess less truth than former generations. John 1:1- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
If you are seeking truth in your life, you need not look any further than Jesus. Real truth won’t be found among the sources of the world, but in Him. This world may seek for truth, but most never look to find real Truth. He is there for all who seek Him.
B. The Expression of Truth (1) – That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life.
So, this begs the question: how can one learn real truth? Had it not been for the mercies of God we couldn’t. Jesus came to earth in the form of a man to reveal Truth. John declares that he had seen the Lord; he had heard Him; his hands had handled the Word of life. Jesus came to earth for the redemption of man. He came to reveal the Truth of God to us. John 1:14 – And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Aren’t you glad that we have access to truth? I rejoice for the day Jesus came to me and revealed Truth to my heart. I knew I was lost and needed something, but I had never come to the realization of truth. Jesus revealed Truth to me. I have never seen Him as John did, but I heard His voice as He spoke to my heart. I have never handled Him with my hands, but I have experienced His glorious presence! Jesus came to present truth to mankind. He came to offer that truth to each of us!
C. The Evidence of Truth (2a) – (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.) I know there are skeptics who deny the existence of real truth. We live in an age where many believe real truth is not definable. Their philosophy says what is truth to me, may or may not be truth for you. This is contrary to the Word of God. John declares that Truth was manifested in flesh; men saw Him and bore witness of His truth. John knew the life these lived before meeting the Lord. He knew the change that Jesus brought to them!
Jesus is the only source for truth, John 14:6. Truth never changes; it is absolute. This world offers all sorts of so-called truth. I have seen those who tried the world’s philosophy for their problems. They may be successful for a while, but apart from God there is no change of the heart. I have seen those gripped by sin, completely and eternally changed through faith in Christ. When His truth is revealed and accepted, change is instant and absolute! The world may choose to reject His truth and deny Him, but the results of a changed life are undeniable.
D. The Expectation of Truth (2b) – (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.) Why is it important to obtain truth? Why should men seek to learn real truth? Truth learned in Jesus is eternal. When we come to know Him and the truth that He gives, we are secure in the Lord. John 3:15 – That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. I am thankful for the day I accepted the truth of Christ and believed on Him. I now have been given eternal life in Christ my Lord.
Much of what this world seeks is temporal. Many are on a quest to obtain knowledge, but few ever obtain eternal truth. I have assurance that I will live forever because of what Jesus has done for me. I have obtained truth that will last beyond the grave. What an expectation and hope the truth of Jesus Christ gives those who believe on Him!
II. The Touch of Jesus Christ (3) – That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. The truth of our Lord is wonderful, but that isn’t all we receive at salvation. John goes on to speak of the touch of Christ that transforms our lives. We discover:
A. It is Personal (3a) – That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you. John reveals that he was among those who had seen the Lord and heard His truth. He was a personal recipient of the grace of God. John knew what it was to feel and experience the presence of the Lord and His tender touch. He knew what it was to be called out of a life of sin to follow the Lord. He knew what it was to walk with the Lord and learn of Him.
I’m glad I don’t have to take someone else’s word for how it feels to experience His touch and serve the Lord. I’m glad I have felt that personal touch in my life. It is good to feel that touch at times when we gather for worship. I rejoice to see others being blessed, but there is nothing like the Lord touching my heart in a personal way. Our relationship with the Lord is personal. He will deal with us on an individual basis. You can have as close a walk with the Lord as you desire, regardless of the wishes of others.
B. It is Persuasive (3a) – That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you. John had an uncontrollable desire to declare what the Lord had done for him. This has the idea of “proclaiming or making known publicly.” John had received something to wonderful to keep inside. The goodness of the Lord in his life was marvelous and had to be shared. If you have felt the touch of the Lord, you know how John felt. I remember the day I was saved. I had to tell somebody what the Lord had done for me. There will be times when you just can’t keep quiet about the goodness and mercy of the Lord. If Jesus dwells on the inside, He will be revealed on the outside. Psalm 107:2 – Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.
C. It is Precious (3b) – that ye also may have fellowship with us. We find that the touch of the Lord brings us into fellowship with the body of Christ. It would’ve been enough to have saved us from our sin, but the Lord has provided that we could enjoy the fellowship of other believers. The word fellowship means “to have in common.”
I praise the Lord for the fellowship of believers. Wouldn’t it be a lonely, difficult journey without the fellowship of the church? We don’t have to walk alone, but we can share each other’s joy, and even our trials. I had rather be a part of the church on her worst day, than to remain among the world on its best day!
D. It is Profound (3b) – and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. The fellowship we enjoy isn’t limited to each other. We also have the promise of fellowship with the Lord. We have the privilege to approach the throne of grace through Christ our Lord. He has brought us into a right relationship with the Father and we can commune with Him on a daily basis. There are times in life when we deal with circumstances that no one understands. We often deal with situations that we simply cannot share with others. We have an Advocate and Intercessor in Christ.
We are undeserving of such fellowship, but the touch of the Lord in His saving grace has secured that for us! Isn’t it amazing that the Lord would desire to fellowship with lowly sinners like you and me? What love Jesus had for us to provide such a blessing to believers. 2 Peter 1:4 – Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
III. The Triumph in Jesus Christ (4) – And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. In this remaining verse we find the divine nature of our Lord. I am thankful for His truth and His touch, but I also rejoice for the victory we have in Him. We serve One who never changes. John was writing to fellow believers and his desire was that their joy might be full. In Jesus there is fullness of joy. Joy is an “inner gladness; a deep-seated pleasure.” It is a depth of assurance and confidence that provides a cheerful heart.
Joy and happiness are quite different. Happiness depends on outward circumstances and can change without notice. Joy is of the Lord and abides. It is settled deep within the heart and endures even the darkest of times. It is possible to have fullness of joy even when the storms are raging. What a Lord we serve – One who provides that fullness of joy! Isaiah 61:10 – I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
Conclusion: I trust you have been reminded of the gracious provision in Christ. If you are saved by grace, rejoice in what you have received. If you are yet unsaved, respond to Him today!
