This week of daily devotions in the Book of First John center on the Apostle’s Prologue to his letter. You’re going to need your Bible and I’ve provided the Study Notes on this website that you can either bookmark, or print. Be sure to scroll down to the notes outlining and commenting on the PROLOGUE.

I hope this helps those of you who are committed to journaling this year.

Week 2: 1 John 1:1-4

1 John PROLOGUE Day 1: Happiness or Joy?

1 John PROLOGUE Day 2: No Substitute for Experience

1 John PROLOGUE Day 3: Have you lost your joy?

Three Words, Three Priorities

Truth, Fellowship, and Joy

Many times we will meet a believer in Christ who tells us sadly, “I have just lost my joy, I don’t know what’s wrong!”

What causes a Christian to lose his or her joy?

All of us will “feel” less joyful when disappointment or tragedy comes our way. Even the most spiritual believers struggle with sadness, discouragement, and heartache. But when the loss of joy is prolonged and leads to doubts about God’s care for our lives, there may be a deeper problem.

Read through the prologue of John again today, this time noticing the words declare, fellowship, and joy.

The progression of John’s thought is clear:

• I declare to you the truth we apostles teach about Christ.
• My purpose is so that you can enjoy the same fellowship with Christ we do.
• My intended result is that you will have the full experience of joy in your life.

Now, try to trace his thought backward.

Joy

Fellowship

Declare

If joy is the result, then the basis is the truth the apostles declared and the way is fellowship with Christ.

The three words are connected—truth, fellowship, and joy.

You may be feeling like this today. You know you’re a Christian, but the joy of Christ escapes you right now.

Could it be you are listening to someone who disagrees with the apostles? Lies about Christ will steal your joy!

Could it be you are not walking in fellowship with the Lord Jesus? Sin will steal your joy!

Close your time with the Lord today asking Him to increase your joy by speaking into your life concerning what you are believing about Him and how you are following Him. And when He speaks, listen to Him!