I John 4

John has been addressing the issue of antichrists. He then talks about loving one another with Christ’s love. These two issues are related and John says we are to have a proper balance in our Christian lives.

1. What is the relationship between guarding against antichrists and loving one another?

 

Either idea, carried to an extreme, can harm the other. Explain.

 

2. In verse 1, John says we are not to believe every spirit. What does he mean by this?

 

What does it mean to you to "test the spirits?"

 

How often are we to "test the spirits" around us? How often do you?

 

        What are some ways we can test the words of those around us?

 

3. According to vv. 2-3 how can we recognize the spirit of God?

 

How can we recognize the spirit of the antichrist?

 

What do you believe John means when he writes that the spirit of God "acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh?" How do we acknowledge this?

 

4. What does it mean to you to overcome someone or something?

 

According to verse 4, how can we overcome the false teaching of antichrists and the evil around us?

 

What does the promise in verse 4 mean to you? How have you experienced this truth in your life?

 

5. John gives us another test in vv. 5-6. What is this test?

 

What does it mean that some in the church speak from the viewpoint of the world?

 

How do these scriptures relate to I John 3:1?

 

Some can consider John’s statement in v. 6 arrogant: we are from God and they are not. How does this statement affect you? How can John make this claim?

 

6. Read vv. 7-12. Why is it so important for us to love one another?

 

What does it mean if we do not?

 

What does it mean to you that "God is love?"

 

Is the statement that "love is God" equally true? Why or why not?

 

7. What proof do we have of God’s love for us? When did you first become aware of this love? What affect did it have on you?

 

8. What definition of love does John give us in verse 10?

 

How does this differ from the world’s definitions of love?

 

9. How does God’s love for you urge you to love others?

What are some practical ways we can love others on a daily basis?

 

Who are included in the term "others"?

 

10. According to verse 12, how does our loving one another as Christ loves us help make the invisible God visible?

 

11. Read vv. 13-17. What are some of the ways that we can tell that we are living in God and He is living in us?

 

In verse 16 John says we are to live in love instead of just loving. What does this mean to you?

 

How does loving this way give us confidence on the day of judgment?

 

What are the greatest hindrances to living in love?

 

12. Verse 18 gives us some insight into fear. According to this verse, why do we sometimes fear?

 

How can we overcome our fears?

 

John says that fear has to do with punishment. What does this mean to you?

 

What does this have to do with perfect love?

 

13. Read vv. 19-21. Why we are able to love?

 

If we find it difficult to love others, what might be the cause?

 

Therefore, what is the first thing we must do in order to love others?

 

14. Why does John say that we cannot love God if we cannot love our brother?

 

Does this mean it is impossible to love God and hate our brother? Explain.

 

15. What commandment is given to us in verse 21?

 

How does this relate to I John 3:24?

 

16. As followers of Jesus, is there ever a situation where it is acceptable not to love our brother or sister?

 

How does this make you feel?

 

17. What challenges do you find in I John 4?

 

What comforts do you find?