Reasons New Testament Letters are Written - 1 John 1-3

 1 John 1:4 (ESV Strong's)

4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

Why Did John Write His Letter

Every once in a while we have a New Testament writer explicitly state why they are writing a letter or making a point (Hebrews 8:1).   John is an exception.   John states multiple times why he is writing this little letter to the Church.  Let’s look at why John says he is writing:

1. That their “joy” may be full - see the above verse.  When we read this little book we ought to be full of joy.  

2. That we don’t “sin” - John wants us to have the power of God and not sin. 

1 John 2:1 (ESV Strong's)

1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

3. That we might “abide” in Christ and “grow” our walk with Christ - 1 John 1:7-14.  In this section John uses the word “writing” to them six times.   He wants them to abide in Christ and continue to mature in the light of Christ.

4. That they might avoid “false teaching” and “know the truth.” 

1 John 2:26 (ESV Strong's)

26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.

1 John 2:21 (ESV Strong's)

21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

5.  That we might know we have “eternal life.” 

1 John 5:13 (ESV Strong's)

13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

John is not bashful about why he is writing.  There should be no mystery of what should happen to us when we read the letter.  Our joy should be increased.  Our power over sin ought to increase.   Our growth in Christ ought to increase.   Our ability to recognize false teaching ought to increase.   Our assurance of faith ought to increase.