1. In I John 4:21 we are told that we mush love our brothers. Some might
wonder who would be considered our brothers. How does I John 5:1 answer that
question?
2. In v. 1 we find two results of the new birth. What are they?
How are they related?
3. According to v. 3, what is love for God?
Why do you believe John used this "definition" of love for God?
Do you agree with it? Why or why not?
4. What does the word "burdensome" mean to you?
Why is obeying God’s commands not burdensome to believers?
Have you ever found obeying God burdensome?
Explain the relationship between love and obeying.
5. What does it mean to you to overcome the world?
What is the victory that allows us to overcome?
Who are the overcomers?
What evidence have you seen in your life of this victory?
6. During John’s time there was a false teaching that stated Jesus was
the Christ only between His baptism and crucifixion. It stated that He was
only human until the "Christ" descended upon Him at His baptism.
This is one of the false doctrines John warns us about. Why is this teaching
so dangerous?
What do you think John meant in v.6 when he said Jesus came "by
water and blood?"
7. John further states that there are three who testify that Jesus is the
Son of God. Who are the three? How does each testify to this truth?
According to v. 9, why should we accept this testimony?
8. Some might ask how we know this testimony to be true. How does v. 10
answer that question?
In other words, how do you know this testimony is true?
9. What does v. 10 say about those who believe? What does it say about
those who do not believe this testimony?
Do you agree that these are the only two options we have? Explain.
10. According to vv.11-12, what is this testimony?
How would describe the life one has through Jesus?
How does this life compare to the life a non-believer has?
11. So far John has talked about false teachings, being led astray, and
antchrists. From these warnings it would be easy to begin to doubt one’s
salvation. Even John Wesley doubted he was a true Christian.
Have you ever faced these doubts?
To address this issue, what assurance does John give us in vv.13-15?
How do we know we have eternal life?
12. Prayer is powerful and effective. How do we know our prayers will be
answered?
What does it mean to you that "we have what we asked" of Jesus?
How would explain "unanswered" prayers?
13. Verse 16 has generated much discussion. Apparently there is sin that
leads to death and sin that does not lead to death. What can you learn about
these two "categories" of sin?
Can you find examples of a sin that led to death? (Acts 5:1-11, for
example)
14. However, John’s focus was not on the difference between these sins.
Instead, as people who are assured our prayers will be answered, what are we
to do when we see a brother commit a sin that does not lead to death?
What do we often do?
Why does John encourage us to pray in these situations?
Why does John tell us not to pray when the situation involves sin that
leads to death?
15. Once again, just in case we are wondering if we have committed a sin
that leads to death, John gives us another assurance. What assurance do we
have in v. 18?
Again, what does the phrase "continue to sin" mean to you?
Are you aware that you, being born of God, no longer "continue to
sin?"
16. In verses 19-20, John lists several things we should know. What are
they?
How does this knowledge keep us from perishing?
17. Verse 21 seems to be out of place. Is it?
Why do you think John ended this letter with this statement?
18. What has this study of I John taught you?
How has it encouraged you?
How has it strengthened you?