Harmony of the Gospels Biblical Literacy Class Lesson 1 Example
The outline for the lessons is taken from Jen Wilkin's Annotating Helps as presented at the Women Teaching Women at Revive 15 in Indianapolis, Indiana pages 14 - 17
The following is just an example of the process to study John 1:1-5
Comprehension
Read the following verses several times
John 1:1-5 (NIV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5 (NASB)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.
5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
Key Words
Beginning
Word
God
Overcome
Comprehend
Main Idea
The Word is God and has been from the start, lighting the way out of darkness.
Repeated ideas connected & thought progressions thoughts
The Word
Though & by Him Him all things were made
The Word is light
Darkness can not be there where there is light
Questions
What is meant by “the Word” ?
What is meant by “apart from him nothing came into being”?
What is meant by “the light”?
Who or what is the “darkness”?
What is meant by the words “comprehend or overcome” in verse 5?
Interpretation
Cross References
Verse 1
Isaiah 55:11; Genesis 1:1; John 17:5
Verse 2
John 8:58; 1 John 1:1
Verse 3
1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 1:2
Verse 4
John 5:26; Acts 3:15; Psalm 36:9
Verse 5
Psalm 18:28; John 3:19
Paraphrase
The Son of God, who is God, was at the beginning of creation and participated in creation of all things. He is the life & light to all and nothing can extinguish that light.
Application
Ask yourself and pray about each of these questions ?
How should it change me?
• Consider how what the passage teaches about God should change the way you think, speak or act.
• Make meaningful connections to your own life experiences or the experiences of those you teach.
• Is there a Sin to confess?
• Is there a Promise to claim?
• Is there an Attitude to change?
• Is there a Command to obey?
• Is there an Example to follow?
• Is there a Prayer to pray?
• Is there an Error to avoid?
• Is there a Truth to believe?
• Is there Something for which to praise God?
https://www.reviveourhearts.com/media/events/attachments/revive15plenaryhandouts-english_1_J4weRJG.pdf
