Transformation Through Closeness: The Journey of John

Summary

The life of the Apostle John offers a compelling portrait of transformation, strength, and love. John, known both as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” and as a “son of thunder,” embodied a unique blend of tenderness and conviction. His early years were marked by ruggedness, ambition, and even aggression—traits shaped by his background as a fisherman and his youthful zeal. Yet, through his close relationship with Jesus, John was gradually transformed into a man of deep love and spiritual maturity. This journey from impulsive ambition to Christlike affection is a powerful reminder that God not only accepts us as we are but also shapes us into who we are meant to become.

John’s calling was not something he sought out; rather, Jesus called him while he was busy with the ordinary work of fishing. This highlights the truth that our desire for God is itself a gift from Him—a work of the Holy Spirit stirring new longings in our hearts. John’s willingness to leave behind his family’s business and future security demonstrates the radical nature of discipleship: loving God above all else, even above the good gifts of family and career.

Closeness to Jesus was the key to John’s transformation. His intimacy with Christ—leaning on Him at the Last Supper, standing at the foot of the cross—shaped his character and his ministry. This closeness is not achieved overnight but is cultivated through ongoing fellowship, spiritual disciplines, and perseverance. John’s life shows that spiritual growth is a process, marked by both supernatural change and daily choices to remain near to Christ.

John’s writings, especially his first letter, were born out of this deep relationship with Jesus. He wrote to communicate the real Jesus, to encourage joy rooted in service and hope, to challenge believers toward holy living, to instruct about grace, to warn against false teaching, to assure us of eternal life, and to foster genuine fellowship. These themes are not abstract theology but practical guidance for living as God’s people in a confusing and often hostile world.

Even in suffering and exile, John’s faithfulness bore fruit. The tradition of his miraculous survival in boiling oil and his exile to Patmos, where he received the Revelation, remind us that God’s purposes often unfold in unexpected ways. John’s life and writings invite us to embrace both strength and gentleness, to pursue closeness with Christ, and to live out our calling with courage and love.

Key Takeaways

- Transformation Through Closeness to Christ: John’s journey from a fiery, ambitious young man to the “disciple of love” was not instantaneous. It was the result of sustained intimacy with Jesus—leaning on Him, listening to Him, and standing by Him even in suffering. True spiritual transformation is a process that unfolds as we remain close to Christ, allowing His presence to reshape our character and desires. [16:46]

- The Radical Nature of Discipleship: When Jesus called John, He called him away from security, family, and future prospects. Discipleship means loving God above all else, even above the good things He has given us. This kind of radical commitment is only possible by God’s enabling grace, as He stirs new desires in our hearts and empowers us to follow. [12:43]

- Joy Rooted in Service and Hope: John teaches that true joy is not found in self-absorption or the pursuit of personal fulfillment, but in serving others and living with hope in the life to come. A life centered on self inevitably leads to misery, but a life poured out in love and service, grounded in the hope of eternity, brings fullness of joy. [23:45]

- Grace for Our Failures: While John exhorts believers to pursue holiness and avoid sin, he is equally clear about the sufficiency of Christ’s advocacy and atonement. When we fail, we are not left in shame or despair; instead, we are invited to confess and receive the grace of Jesus, who is our advocate and the propitiation for our sins. This balance of challenge and comfort is essential for healthy spiritual growth. [29:21]

- The Necessity of Fellowship and Discernment: John emphasizes the importance of genuine fellowship with God and other believers, warning against isolation and the dangers of false teaching. Spiritual growth and perseverance are nurtured in community, where we are known, challenged, and encouraged. Discernment is vital, as we test teachings and remain anchored in the apostolic witness to the real Jesus. [32:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introducing the Apostle John
[01:19] - John’s Personality: Love and Thunder
[02:00] - Strength and Compassion in Fatherhood
[03:54] - The Theme of 1 John: Fellowship with God
[04:57] - John’s Writings and Transformation
[05:50] - John’s Early Life: Fisherman and Son of Thunder
[07:16] - John’s Zeal and Ambition
[10:19] - The Calling of John
[12:43] - The Cost and Nature of Discipleship
[15:21] - Spiritual Growth Through Closeness to Jesus
[17:30] - John’s Commitment at the Cross
[19:45] - Jesus’ Care for John and Mary
[21:26] - Seven Reasons John Wrote 1 John
[22:05] - Communicating the Real Jesus
[23:45] - Joy Through Service and Hope
[27:42] - Challenging Right Living
[29:21] - Grace and Advocacy in Christ
[31:27] - Warning Against False Teachers
[32:47] - Assurance of Eternal Life and Fellowship
[33:36] - John’s Suffering and Exile
[37:33] - Revelation on Patmos and God’s Unexpected Paths
[38:28] - Closing Prayer and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Life and Transformation of the Apostle John

---

### Bible Reading

1. 1 John 1:1-4
_That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete._

2. 1 John 2:1-2
_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. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world._

3. John 13:23
_One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him._

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to 1 John 1:3, what is the purpose John gives for proclaiming what he has seen and heard about Jesus?
(Hint: Look for the reason John wants to share his experience.)
[[03:54]]

2. In the sermon, what were some of the personality traits that defined John before he followed Jesus?
[[05:50]]

3. What does John say is available to believers if they do sin, according to 1 John 2:1-2?
[[29:21]]

4. How does the sermon describe the way John responded when the Samaritans refused to let Jesus and the disciples stay in their village?
[[07:16]]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon describes John as both a “son of thunder” and the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” What does this combination of traits suggest about the kind of people Jesus calls and transforms?
[[01:19]]

2. John left behind his family’s business and future security to follow Jesus. What does this say about the cost and nature of discipleship?
[[12:43]]

3. The sermon says that spiritual growth is a process, not an instant change. How does John’s journey show the importance of ongoing closeness to Jesus for transformation?
[[16:46]]

4. John writes that if we sin, “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” How does this truth balance the call to holy living with the reality of human failure?
[[29:21]]

---

### Application Questions

1. John’s transformation happened through years of closeness to Jesus. What are some specific ways you can intentionally draw closer to Jesus in your daily life? Are there spiritual disciplines you want to start or renew?
[[16:46]]

2. John was willing to leave behind his family’s business and security to follow Jesus. Is there something in your life—maybe a comfort, habit, or relationship—that you sense God might be asking you to surrender or hold more loosely? What would it look like to trust God with that?
[[12:43]]

3. The sermon says that true joy is found in serving others and living with hope in the life to come, not in self-absorption. In what areas of your life do you tend to focus on yourself? What is one way you could serve someone else this week?
[[23:45]]

4. When you fail or fall short spiritually, do you tend to hide in shame or run to Jesus for grace? How can you remind yourself of Christ’s advocacy and forgiveness the next time you mess up?
[[29:21]]

5. John warns about the dangers of isolation and the importance of genuine fellowship. Are you connected to other believers in a way that allows you to be known, challenged, and encouraged? What is one step you could take to deepen your relationships in the church?
[[32:47]]

6. The sermon mentions that John’s faithfulness bore fruit even in suffering and exile. Have you experienced a time when God used a difficult or unexpected situation for good in your life or someone else’s? How did that shape your faith?
[[33:36]]

7. John’s writings urge believers to test teachings and remain anchored in the real Jesus. How do you discern what is true in a world full of different voices and opinions about faith? What helps you stay grounded?
[[31:27]]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for a deeper closeness to Jesus, courage to follow Him wherever He leads, and grace to love others with both strength and gentleness, just as John learned to do.

Devotional

Day 1: Fellowship with God and One Another
True fellowship with God and with other believers is at the heart of the Christian life, as John emphasizes that our relationship with the Father and the Son is meant to overflow into genuine connection with each other. This fellowship is not just a social gathering, but a spiritual bond rooted in shared faith, love, and obedience. When believers walk in the light together, they experience unity, encouragement, and the joy of belonging to God's family. The call is to move beyond isolation and embrace the vulnerability and blessing of being known and knowing others in Christ. [03:54]

1 John 1:3 (ESV)
"That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church or faith community you’ve kept at arm’s length? What is one step you can take this week to move toward deeper fellowship with them?


Day 2: The Real Jesus—Rejecting False Ideas
In a world full of opinions and distortions about who Jesus is, John urges believers to hold fast to the true Christ revealed in Scripture and witnessed by the apostles. The temptation to create a Jesus who fits personal preferences or cultural trends is strong, but true faith is anchored in the historical, incarnate, and risen Lord. Knowing the real Jesus protects us from error and grounds our hope, calling us to test every teaching and idea against the apostolic witness. [22:05]

1 John 1:1-2 (ESV)
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—"

Reflection: What is one belief or assumption you hold about Jesus that you need to examine in light of Scripture this week?


Day 3: Joy Through Service and Hope Beyond This Life
Lasting joy is found not in self-centered living, but in serving others and anchoring our hope in the life to come. John teaches that fulfillment comes as we pour ourselves out in love, worship, and service, rather than seeking satisfaction in temporary things. When we live for God’s purposes and invest in others, our joy is made complete, and we escape the misery of a life focused only on ourselves. [23:45]

1 John 1:4 (ESV)
"And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete."

Reflection: Who is one person you can serve or encourage today, and how might doing so shift your focus from yourself to God’s greater purpose for your life?


Day 4: Grace for Sinners—Our Advocate in Christ
Though we are called to live righteously, John reminds us that when we fall short, we have an advocate in Jesus Christ who intercedes for us and has already paid the price for our sins. This assurance frees us from the crushing weight of guilt and shame, inviting us to confess, receive forgiveness, and walk in renewed relationship with God. Grace is not a license to sin, but a comfort and motivation to pursue holiness, knowing that Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all who believe. [29:21]

1 John 2:1-2 (ESV)
"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. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world."

Reflection: Is there a sin or failure you’ve been hiding from God? Take time today to confess it and receive the assurance of Christ’s advocacy and forgiveness.


Day 5: Commitment and Transformation—Becoming Like Christ
John’s life demonstrates that closeness to Jesus transforms even the most ambitious, aggressive, or flawed personalities into vessels of love and strength. God calls us not because we are perfect, but because He desires to change us through relationship with Christ. As we walk with Jesus, our old ways give way to new character, and we become people who can stand firm in trials, love deeply, and serve faithfully. [16:46]

Luke 5:10-11 (ESV)
"And Jesus said to Simon, 'Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.' And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him."

Reflection: What is one area of your character or personality that you sense God wants to transform? How can you intentionally draw closer to Jesus this week to allow Him to do that work in you?

Quotes

No human can do anything like that. When Jesus says, you are to love me more than father or mother or son or daughter, or you cannot be my disciple, it doesn't mean that we don't love our father, mother, son, and daughter. But we have to love God preeminently. How is this even possible? With man, it is not possible. But with God, all things are possible. [00:12:24] (00:00:30 seconds) Edit Clip

Very few people, when they first begin to say yes to God, very few people make an immediate dramatic turnaround. Most people are like John. It takes them a bit. They need some time and fellowship with Jesus. Now there's something supernatural done. You're born again. This is on the inside, but you retain the old you, and you get a new you and an old you, and there is a spiritual battle for our whole lives, really. [00:16:00] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

Being close to Jesus is what did it. How do you have influence with your peers, with your family, with those that you care for? That the aroma of Christ will be through you. You're his salt and light. You're showing the love of God to the world. And when you're close to Jesus, his love comes through and it comes through you. [00:16:52] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

I want you to understand that one of the fastest ways to misery is a life with no hope in the future. The Bible says if you have hope in this life only you're of all men most miserable. A person without hope in the future and they only have hope in this life is a self -centered self -oriented person. The reason for many people many people's misery is an over obsession with their self -actualization. [00:24:38] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

You weren't made in life to be a mushroom. A mushroom just sits and eats. In the dark, a fungus. You weren't made to be a fungus. You were made to be a witness. You were made to love your neighbor as yourself. You were made to give, and you were made to love, and you were made to help, and to make a difference in the world, not just exist. [00:26:06] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

Psalm 139, doesn't it say that you're fearfully and wonderfully made? And we praise God that we're fearfully and wonderfully made, and you're so unique. There's no one else that could be you, and so if you're not standing in your place that God intended for you to stand, in service, the use of your talents, in helping the ones that are in your network, if you don't stand there, who will? And if anyone else tries to take your place and stand there on your behalf, they can't do it like you, because God made you special and unique. [00:26:37] (00:00:34 seconds) Edit Clip

But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He goes on and he says, if anyone says they have no sin, they are a liar. They are attempting to make God a liar. Because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is the indictment that is true for each one of us. But, I'm very happy that we have this conjunction, but. But, if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation. He took our sins away. [00:29:04] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

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. Just as he's already said, I'm writing that you may know that you have eternal life. If you don't know it, then either you're theologically confused or you're not converted. It's one of the two. Because the Bible clearly teaches that he is the propitiation that provides our eternal life. He's our substitute. He has done it. He's borne the wrath of God for our forgiveness. [00:32:11] (00:00:33 seconds) Edit Clip

You didn't get the maybe kind, hope so kind. You got the eternal kind. If you have the new birth, if Jesus has saved you of your sins, what you have, no matter how you feel about it, is eternal life. Not just life, but the eternal kind. [00:32:55] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip