1 John Study Questions #5
Our Most Important Belief: Jesus
1 John 2:18-27
INTRODUCTION: John 2:17 ended with the reminder that the world and its desires are passing away, now John turns to encourage his dear friends, “children”, to urge them not to be deceived and turn from a right understanding of their most important relationship, Jesus. John helps them to distinguish between heretics and true Christians (18-21), to notice the nature and effect of their wrong belief (22-23), and to be aware of the safeguards that will defend them against heresy (24-27). John reassures these people he cares deeply for that their experience of God is real, and they now need to abide in the good news they heard from the beginning. As the truth abides in them, they too will abide in the Son and the Father. On Sunday, we said it like this, “There is no one more important to have a right perspective on than Jesus.”
GETTING STARTED – Discuss this idea with your group . . . how have you experienced the Spirit of God teaching you and reminding you of the truth about your relationship with Jesus? Through worship? Through reading the Word? Through prayer?
IN THE WORD – Let’s dig back into the passage. First, before you read the passage, take a moment to ask God’s Spirit to quiet your mind and heart and to illuminate the text to you. Second, read the passage aloud to the group. Then, follow the simple method below. (O.P.A)
Observe: Make 8-10 observations from the passage. Pay close attention to observe and note repeated words and phrases, names, places, and themes.
Make sure to note his repetition of the concept of abiding as a safeguard (in what you heard, in the Son, in the Spirit, in the Father).
Principles: From your list of observations, what patterns or big ideas do you see emerging? Can you distill it down into 2-4 big idea truths?
Apply: Moving from your list of principles, it is time to apply God’s Word. Remember, we believe that God’s Word is living and active and that it can change the way we live Monday- Friday. What is one tangible way to apply a truth from your list above?