1 John 1 · Grade 5
The Word of Life
Read and Think
This letter begins much like the opening of a Gospel. That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life. The writer insists on real, physical witness. The life was revealed, and they saw it and testify to it: the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to them.
The purpose is fellowship and joy. They announce what they have seen and heard so that readers may have fellowship with them, and their fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled. The central message follows: God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
Light exposes three false claims, each introduced by If we say. If we say we have fellowship with him but walk in darkness, we lie. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves. If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar. Between these claims stand two promises. If we walk in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Show What You Know
Why does the writer stress hearing, seeing, and touching?
What two purposes does the writer give for announcing the message?
What three false claims does light expose?
What two promises stand between the false claims?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- The purpose is fellowship and .
- The central message follows: God is , and in him is no darkness at all.
- If we our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Think About It
Why do you think people are tempted to say they have no sin?
How does God’s faithfulness give you courage to confess?
Memory Verse
“This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”
1 John 1:5 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for today's Bible story. Help me to . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How can you spend time with other believers this week?
- What does faithful and righteous mean?
- What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.