The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

1 John makes clear distinctions between love and hate, light and darkness, care and murder. These contrasts are obvious and meant to show believers they have a new practice now. This doesn’t mean we perform perfectly, but now there’s a new tendency – a new trend in our lives since we are born of God.

John also mentions “commandments” but he doesn’t mean Moses! No, he’s not talking about following the Law. He’s describing the marks of a true believer – faith in Jesus and a natural love for God’s people.

Watch now to break free from a performance mentality and embrace your new-hearted identity in Jesus!

Discussion Questions:

1. Read verses 10-12. How do the words “obvious”, “love”, and “hate” make John’s point clear?
2. Read verses 13-15. How does John continue to drive the “obvious” contrast home for us in these verses?
3. Read verses 16-18. How is Jesus the example? Example of what?
4. Read verses 19-22. Why is this not a “name it, claim it” passage? What is John’s meaning instead?
5. Read verses 23-24. What two commandments is John referring to? Why is it important to define “commandments” in this context? How are these the natural mark of every believer?
6. React to this statement: A majority of this entire passage is descriptive, not prescriptive. Now, how does this statement keep us from a performance mentality and help us to identify ourselves as new-hearted believers? (Note: Verses 16 and 18 are indeed prescriptive.)

What is speaking in tongues? A private prayer language or something different? What is a healthy view of God’s sovereignty given the evil and pain in this world? What does it mean to examine yourself to see if you’re in the faith? How does this relate to law and grace?

Did Demas lose his salvation because he loved the world? I struggle with a sin consciousness and often doubt my salvation. Can you help? Our Bible study group is studying Romans, and I’m wondering how to teach law and grace, especially when it comes to how we define sin today?

How do we know when God is disciplining us? Does 1 Corinthians 3 mean we might be losing rewards? Why does Jesus say we need to purchase gold from Him in Revelation 3? Who is being described in Romans 1 when it says they have a depraved mind and God gave them over?

*previously aired

Do I need to go to church more consistently? Who are the people with “soiled garments” in Revelation 3? My mother passed away last week, and I’m not sure that I’m making enough time for God right now. What are your thoughts?

Do Jesus and Paul contradict each other about those who call upon the Lord? What does 1 Peter 3 mean about Jesus preaching in Noah’s day? What is the temple tax and why did Peter bring it up to Jesus? How can I respond to my son who believes in sinless perfection?

How should we approach unbelievers in our circle? Do we have two parts or three parts? Does our spirit sin? Does Hebrews 9 say that God plans our time of death? What happens to those who reject the gospel? What are some key verses that remind us of our identity in Christ?

The next message in our “Forever in His Presence” series explores what it means to have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, teaching us all things. John even says they don’t need anyone to teach them, because they have an intuitive knowing of truth about Jesus!

You’ll also be challenged by the statement that you’re as righteous as Jesus Christ. Could that really be true?

Check out this message packed with powerful truths that encourage you to see yourself as God sees you!

Discussion Questions:

1. Verse 25 holds a promise for us related to the truthfulness of God. What is it? How does it relate to our security with God?
2. Verses 26-27 reveal that one purpose for John’s letter is to contrast believers and deceivers. How does this give us more fuel for understanding 1 John 1:9 and its surrounding verses?
3. Read verses 28 and 29 and react to this statement: I can have confidence upon Jesus’ return because I am born of God and as righteous as He is!
4. Read verses 1-3. What does the purification refer to? What’s the motivation for this purification?
5. Read verse 6. How are we to interpret this passage if Christians still fall into temptation and commit sins?
6. Read verse 7. React to this statement: I am as righteous as Jesus Christ.
7. Read verse 10. How does the word “obvious” play into our understanding of John’s contrast between righteousness and sin, light and darkness, believer and deceiver? Why is this word so important for those who get caught in morbid introspection of their performance?

How does the Holy Spirit interact with nature? Why did Jesus say “I have other sheep not of this fold”? I’m being harassed on Facebook. How do I strengthen my armor to endure this? Who are the two witnesses in Revelation 11? What is the difference between the gospel of grace and the gospel of the kingdom?

How can I work through the sexual abuse that I experienced and grow in Christ? Your books are a great way to dive deeper in the truth of the Gospel! How can I share the gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses? Does Acts 14:22 mean that we have to endure many tribulations to be saved?