This past Sunday, Pastor Howie Smith continued our Life in the Abbey series with a message titled The Identity of a Disciple. Rooted in 1 John 1:1–4, the teaching focused on how disciples of Jesus understand their identity, know Christ, experience Him, and live in fellowship with others.
The Context
By the time John wrote this letter, he was likely in Ephesus around AD 90, the last surviving apostle. False teachers were spreading ideas that denied Jesus’ humanity, but John wrote as both a pastor and eyewitness: “I saw Him. I touched Him. Jesus is real.”
1. A Disciple Knows Who They Are
John’s life was redefined when he followed Jesus. He wasn’t simply a fisherman anymore—he was a Jesus follower who knew how to fish. John even referred to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”
We often confuse identity with what we do or with temporary roles, but our true identity comes from Christ. Jesus names us:
- Friend (John 15:15)
- Child of God (John 1:12)
- Chosen (John 15:16)
- Known (John 10:14)
- Loved (John 3:16)
Application: Whether life feels dark, joyful, or uncertain, our identity is secure: Jesus knows you and loves you.
2. A Disciple Knows Who Jesus Is (Christology)
John skips the pleasantries and begins his letter with bold theology: “What was from the beginning…” He echoes John 1:1–5, proclaiming Jesus as the Word, the Life, and the Light.
The Nicene Creed captures this truth: Jesus is fully God, fully man, creator, sustainer, redeemer, and Lord. A disciple recognizes: We are not the center of the story—Jesus is.
3. A Disciple Experiences Who Jesus Is
Discipleship is not just knowledge but encounter. John emphasizes what they heard, saw, observed, and touched.
- Hearing: listening to Scripture and teaching.
- Seeing: noticing God’s work around us.
- Observing/Remembering: recalling His faithfulness in past seasons.
- Touching/Participating: joining in His work through action and obedience.
Christian faith is historical and experiential—it is built on eyewitness testimony and daily encounters with Jesus.
4. A Disciple Knows Who “We” Are
John writes with “we,” reminding us that discipleship is never a solo journey. He calls us into fellowship (koinonia) with God and one another. To testify means more than sharing a story—it is bearing witness, even at great cost. The apostles themselves gave their lives to testify to the reality of Jesus.
Fellowship produces joy, and that joy is complete when others join the family of faith. As John echoes Jesus: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11).
Conclusion: The Apostle’s Invitation
John invites us into a life marked by:
- Identity – knowing we are the one Jesus loves.
- Christology – knowing who Jesus truly is.
- Experience – encountering Him in daily life.
- Fellowship – sharing life and joy with God’s people.
✨ Reflection Question: Can you rest today in the truth that you are “the one Jesus loves”?
🙏 Prayer Prompt: Lord, remind me who I am in You, help me know You more deeply, let me experience Your presence daily, and draw me into fellowship that completes my joy.
