1. John 1:12 states that God has given to everyone who believes the right
to become the children of God. Once again, John touches on this theme. In
chapter 2 he spoke of the need for confession and avoiding the darkness. Now
he states that God’s love is evident in our being called children of God.
What does it mean to you to be called God’s child?
How should His child behave?
What does the word "lavish" mean to you?
How does the realization that we are God’s children and that God’s
love is lavishly poured out on us help us to walk in the light?
2. What does it mean to you that the world will not know us? How should
we react?
3. According to v. 2, we are not what we will be. What does John mean?
What are we to look forward to becoming? How is this an encouragement
now?
What does it mean to you that we are in a state of "becoming"?
What effect does John say this hope should have on us?
4. According to v. 4, how does John define sin?
How does this definition compare to the world’s idea of sin?
How would you define sin?
5. What assurance does John give in v. 5?
What does it mean for Christ to "take away our sin"?
In v. 6, what does John mean by "keeps on sinning" and
"continues to sin"?
How do vv 5-6 relate to 1 John 1:8-10?
6. In vv 5-6, John gives us another test to tell if someone really knows
Jesus. What is it?
7. In v 7 John warns us not to be deceived or led astray. What
specifically is the deception that can deceive us?
How real is this deception and how can we guard against it?
8. According to v. 8, why did Jesus appear?
9. Read vv 9-10. Why is it impossible for those born of God (His
children) to continue to sin?
How can we tell God’s children from the devil’s children?
10. What has it meant to you to be born again? What changes have occurred
in your life? What changes are still occurring?
11. What is the message we have heard since the beginning?
What does this message mean to you?
12. Read vv. 12-15. How is Cain an example of hate (devil’s child)?
How is Able an example of love (God’s child)?
Do you agree that these are the only two categories? How does the world
react to this idea?
13. How can we pass from life to death?
What does this mean to you?
14. In v. 16, how does John define love?
What does it mean to lay down our lives for someone else (see v. 17)?
Have you, have we, has the church been loving others this way? What are
some practical ways we can?
15. Based on these scriptures, how would you define hate?
What is the result of hate? (See v. 15).
John says "hate" is the same as what? How do you feel about
this comparison?
16. What does v. 18 mean to you, especially in relation to John’s
statements about love?
What does it mean to love with words or with the tongue?
Why does John warn us against this?
17. Verses 18-20 are to be a comfort to us. What comfort do they hold?
What does it mean to you that God is greater than our hearts?
What assurance do you gain from knowing God is greater than your heart
and He knows all things?
18. Read vv. 21-22. What is the relationship between obedience and
prayer?
19. Jesus’ command in v. 23 has two parts. What are they?
How are these two parts related?
Is it possible to obey one without obeying the other? Why?
20. How do we know we live in Jesus?
How do we know Jesus lives in us?
Why is it important to know both?
21. According to 1 John, how would you answer someone who was having
doubts about his/her salvation?
What comfort did you find in this chapter?