Small Group Study Guide: 1 John

Small Group Study Guide: 1 John

South Park Church 1330 S. Courtland Avenue

Park Ridge, IL 60068

Week 1 1 John 1:1-10

Though there are many similarities between the Gospel of John and the three letters under the same name, there is one major difference. The purpose of John's Gospel is that readers would come to "believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name" (John 20:31). The writer of 1 John had a different goal. We read, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). This letter was for believers. Though they had faith in the Lord, they were fractured and in need of encouragement.

We can relate with these early recipients of this letter. When community is shaken and things around us are anything but certain we need to be reminded of God's truth which is as simple as it is profound: God is light. God is love.

Readers of 1 John should not expect any "new" theology. We are told, "I am not writing you a new command but an old one" (1 John 2:7). In times of crisis and confusion we don't need to be told new things about God. We need to be reminded of what we know to be true.

Chapter 1 introduces the first core truth in 1 John. God is light. Though surrounded by darkness, we are called to remember God's character. It will bring us into greater unity with Him, and more connectedness with each other.

Take time now to read 1 John 1:1-10 together as a group and discuss the following questions.

1. As a group, watch the video below (less than 10 minutes long) by The Bible Project on the background and bigger picture of 1, 2, and 3 John. Does watching the video give you a richer understanding of the passage you read? Click here: watch?v=l3QkE6nKylM or search "Overview: 1-3 John Bible Project" on YouTube.

2. Reread 1 John 1:2-3. The premise of this letter is the author testifying to his actual experience with Jesus. What is a personal experience you have had with Jesus that has been foundational for your walk with him? Share it with the group.

3. In the 21st century this doesn't happen as often, but have you ever been in a dark place without a light? When you finally find light, what's that like? How do you relate this to the simple yet profound statement that "God is light"?

4. What do you think it means to "walk in the light"?

5. Read John 15:1-17 as a group. What similarities do you see between today's passage and John 15? What clarity do you gain from Jesus's teaching?

6. What do you think the difference looks like between denying sin and confessing it in real life? Read Psalm 32 for a fuller picture of this.

Week 2 1 John 2:1-6

Chapter 1 of 1 John starts out with a big idea - "God is light." This might leave us searching for specific meaning or application. We turn a corner with chapter 2 and find some specifics right away in one of the primary reasons this letter was written: "I write this so that you will not sin" (1 John 2:1).

Sin can be an uncomfortable topic for groups to discuss. It conjures thoughts of taboo subjects, painful memories, and enduring hangups. But Jesus did not shy away from talking about sin. Jesus, here called, "The Righteous One," had no reason at all to shy away from sin. He was the advocate who paid it all on the behalf of everyone sitting in your group tonight. We read today, "He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:2).

This passage ends with what is probably one of the most summative statements on how we should live as Christians: "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did" (1 John 2:6). Such a simple statement, but it invites us into a lifetime of exploration. The Christian life is marked by continued exploration into exactly how Jesus lived, and how we are to live more like him.

Read 1 John 2:1-6 together as a group and discuss the following questions.

1. Has anyone ever "paid your way" or given you a gift you didn't deserve? How did it feel? How did you feel and act toward that person after the fact?

2. We read, "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands" (1 John 2:3). Read Romans 12:9-21, a passage on Christian living. If you are comfortable, share about a command that has been difficult for you to keep.

3. You'll remember from last week we read, "God is light." Jesus actually says about himself, "I am the light of the world," in John's gospel. Read John 8:1-11. What happens right before he makes this statement? What do you notice about Jesus's treatment of sin?

4. When you read today's final verse, "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did," what is the first thing that comes to mind? Do you envision yourself doing or saying something? Do you remember a story from the Bible about Jesus? Do you think it's significant you thought of what you did?

5. If technology allows, have someone play "Jesus Paid It All". Read the lyrics with the song and reflect on these truths in communal worship.

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download