Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 5

1.  Many people fall into the trap of thinking that we keep God’s commandments in order to go to heaven.  Why do we strive to obey his commands?   See 5:3.

 2.  To help understand 5:6-9, it is important to know that “water” refers to Jesus baptism, and “blood” refers to shedding his blood on the cross.  God himself testified at those events about Jesus! See Matthew 3:17 and Mathew 27:51-54.  The Spirit’s special day of testifying came on Pentecost, Acts 2.  What is the purpose of God’s testimony?  See 5:11-12.

 3. What key element is needed so that we can be confident that God will answer our every prayer?   See 5:14.

4.  “There is a sin that leads to death” 5:16.  What is the main sin that leads to death?  If you’re not sure, then see what John says about how we have life in 5:11-12.

Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 5

1.  Many people fall into the trap of thinking that we keep God’s commandments in order to go to heaven.  Why do we strive to obey his commands?   See 5:3.

 2.  To help understand 5:6-9, it is important to know that “water” refers to Jesus baptism, and “blood” refers to shedding his blood on the cross.  God himself testified at those events about Jesus! See Matthew 3:17 and Mathew 27:51-54.  The Spirit’s special day of testifying came on Pentecost, Acts 2.  What is the purpose of God’s testimony?  See 5:11-12.

 2. What key element is needed so that we can be confident that God will answer our every prayer?   See 5:14.

 3.  “There is a sin that leads to death” 5:16.  What is the main sin that leads to death?  If you’re not sure, then see what John says about how we have life in 5:11-12.

Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 4

1.  John says that there are many false prophets in the world.  How do you “test their spirits” to find out if they are from God?    What is the one false teaching that is most dangerous, and therefore not from God?   (Even though these teachers might claim to be Christian)?

 2.  When we might get discouraged about sharing the Gospel, or our lack of success in overcoming sin, what important fact do we need to keep in mind?   See 4:4.  

 3.  What is love all about?   See 4:10.  What does that perfect love do for us?  4:18.  What does that perfect love lead us to do?  4:19.

Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 4

1.  John says that there are many false prophets in the world.  How do you “test their spirits” to find out if they are from God?    What is the one false teaching that is most dangerous, and therefore not from God?   (Even though these teachers might claim to be Christian)?

 2.  When we might get discouraged about sharing the Gospel, or our lack of success in overcoming sin, what important fact do we need to keep in mind?   See 4:4.  

 3.  What is love all about?   See 4:10.  What does that perfect love do for us?  4:18.  What does that perfect love lead us to do?  4:19.

Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 3

1.   “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.”  3:6.   Since John already said that we cannot be entirely free from sin (1:8), what must this verse mean?  Note that there are similar verses in the next paragraph.  What warning does this give to someone who feels that since he is a Christian, it doesn’t matter if he continues to sin?

 2.  We all agree that murder is an awful sin.  Yet we all too easily can “be like Cain” (2:12) who was the first murderer.  How?  See 2:15.

 3.  We often feel guilty for our sins. Yet “God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”  What does God know about us?  How can this fact set our hearts at rest in his presence?

Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 3

1.   “No one who lives in him keeps on sinning.”  3:6.   Since John already said that we cannot be entirely free from sin (1:8), what must this verse mean?  Note that there are similar verses in the next paragraph.  What warning does this give to someone who feels that since he is a Christian, it doesn’t matter if he continues to sin?

 2.  We all agree that murder is an awful sin.  Yet we all too easily can “be like Cain” (2:12) who was the first murderer.  How?  See 2:15.

 3.  We often feel guilty for our sins. Yet “God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”  What does God know about us?  How can this fact set our hearts at rest in his presence?

Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 2

1.  How can you tell a true believer from someone who pretends to believe in Jesus?  See 2:4. 

 2.  John warns us about loving the world, which is directly opposed to loving God.  What is involved with loving the world?  See 2:16. 

 3.  There has been much fascination with “the antichrist.”  The word itself means a false teacher who is “in place of” (anti) Christ.  The way that John uses the word, it is clear that is not just one person.   “Such a man is the antichrist.” 2:22    Rather the antichrist must the spirit and embodiment of a certain false teaching.  What is that?   See 2:22-23. 

 4.  In the last part of this chapter, John talks about believers being “anointed.”  What is that? See 2 Corinthians 1:21.  A Christian friend says: “I’ve been anointed.  I have everything I need spiritually.  I don’t anyone to teach me anything anymore. That’s what John says in 2:27.”  How would you reply? 

 

Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 2

1.  How can you tell a true believer from someone who pretends to believe in Jesus?  See 2:4. 

 2.  John warns us about loving the world, which is directly opposed to loving God.  What is involved with loving the world?  See 2:16. 

 3.  There has been much fascination with “the antichrist.”  The word itself means a false teacher who is “in place of” (anti) Christ.  The way that John uses the word, it is clear that is not just one person.   “Such a man is the antichrist.” 2:22    Rather the antichrist must the spirit and embodiment of a certain false teaching.  What is that?   See 2:22-23. 

 4.  In the last part of this chapter, John talks about believers being “anointed.”  What is that? See 2 Corinthians 1:21.  A Christian friend says: “I’ve been anointed.  I have everything I need spiritually.  I don’t anyone to teach me anything anymore. That’s what John says in 2:27.”  How would you reply?

Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 1

1.  At the beginning of his letter, 1:1-2, John describes Jesus  in two different ways without actually using his name.  What does that teach you about Jesus? 

 2.  John contrasts “walking in the darkness” with “walking in the light.”   What must that mean?  If you’re not sure, check Psalm 119:105. 

 3.  Fred claims that since he became a Christian, he doesn’t sin any more.  To help him with his sin of arrogance, what verse might you show him?

Study the Bible in Two Years

1 John 1

1.  At the beginning of his letter, 1:1-2, John describes Jesus  in two different ways without actually using his name.  What does that teach you about Jesus? 

 2.  John contrasts “walking in the darkness” with “walking in the light.”   What must that mean?  If you’re not sure, check Psalm 119:105. 

 3.  Fred claims that since he became a Christian, he doesn’t sin any more.  To help him with his sin of arrogance, what verse might you show him?