Read 1 John 2:15-17

• Notice the use of the word “love”.

• It is something we give and something that comes from the Father.

• Love in this sense is an act of will. Love represents the bedrock of our beliefs, values, morals, and actions. Our love shapes who we are.

• What does love look like for you? How does your love mirror the Father’s love as expressed through Jesus Christ?

What is the world that we are commanded not to love?

• Remember, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” John 3:16

• Things not of God define the world in here. This world is the beliefs, values, morals, and things that people use in place of God.

• This world is filled with cravings (lust) and pride wrapped up in an unsatisfying and endless contest for superiority.

• Because of Christ, this world is passing away in favor of the Kingdom of God. Where things crumble to dust, Christ will remain forever.

• What role does the world play in your life?

We have a choice. We can love what will not last for the sake of that which will not matter. Or, we can abide in Christ and find the life that lasts forever. John is calling God’s people to choose life. What will you choose?

Read 1 John 2:1-6

• John addresses people as beloved children. Consider how John views the people he is writing too. Let that attitude inform everything else.

• How does John view Christ?

o What does Christ provide for His people?

o How does the presence of Christ impact the power of sin?

The first and greatest commandment is love. John intimately connects Christ with love. They do not exist apart from each other. Therefore, God’s people must be people of love.

Read 1 John 2:7-11

• Consider how John 13:34-35 informs this passage. I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

• Notice how John shifts his focus to how God’s people treat each other.

• Hate is connected with darkness. Love is connected with light. The true light is connected with Christ.

• It is impossible to live in the light of Christ while embracing the actions of the darkness.

• Light and dark. Love and hate. Truth or lie. John is giving God’s people a clear foundation that reliably leads them to life in Christ.

How willing are we to accept and live on this foundation?

We encourage everyone to read the book of 1 John each week from now until the week after Easter.

Read 1 John 1:1-4

• Notice the “we declare” and “we have” statements. What are they referencing?

• Seeing, hearing, and touching all emphasize the reality of Christ. Consider why the reality of Christ might need emphasis.

John writes this letter to connect people in fellowship (community) with God and each other. He does this by consistently placing the reality of Christ before the people and inviting a response. His goal is the joy found in a community freely following Christ together.

Read 1 John 1:5-10

• Notice the shift from the reality of Christ to the present reality of people.

• Consider our capacity to say one things while doing the opposite.

• If the true nature of Christ connects, saves, and cleanses people, what impact might a false nature in people have?

• How does God respond to confession?

• Consider the image of light and darkness in this chapter. How does image intersect with our lives?

How would you describe your connection to God right now?

Unflinching ~ Week 7 by St. Johns Church of God

Unflinching ~ Week 6 by St. Johns Church of God

Unflinching ~ Week 5 by St. Johns Church of God

Unflinching ~ Week 4 by St. Johns Church of God

Unflinching ~ Week 3 by St. Johns Church of God

Unflinching ~ Week 2 by St. Johns Church of God

Vision 2017 by St. Johns Church of God