Live Love Week 2 : Questions For Study

Feb 22, 2011

Live Love Week 2

Questions for deeper study: 1 John 1:5-10

5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.  – 1 John 1:5-10 (NIV)

1. Here John uses the contrast between “light” and “dark” to illustrate his point. Take some time to think about why John would describe God as light. On the list below, write down five qualities of light. Next to each of those qualities, write how God might be like that quality:

(e.g. Light allows us to see  —  God allows us to see how to live life)

Quality of Light:

1.  _______________________

2. _______________________

3. _______________________

4. _______________________

5. _______________________

God might be like this because:

• Since God is light, what do you think “walking in the light” or “living in the light” means (verse 1:7)?

• What do you think “walking in darkness” looks like?

• What areas of your life might be different if you consistently walked in the light?

2. According to verse 1:9, what are the two results of confessing our sins?

3. Verses 1:8 and 1:10 describe the opposite of confessing our sins. What is the result?

4. What does it mean that God “purifies us” or “cleanses us” (verse 1:9)?

• How much sin is covered under God’s forgiveness?

• Why should this be good news to you?

• What do you have to do for God to purge (or clear away) your sin?

• Is confession a part of your daily prayer life?

Wrapping It Up

1. What verse did you find most meaningful in this lesson? Why?

2. List some questions you have from this lesson:

3. Make sure you pause and thank God for His forgiveness (verse 9) and the freedom to walk in the light of God’s presence.

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Questions for deeper study: 1 John 2:1-6

1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

3 We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. – 1 John 2:1-6 (NIV)

1. John gives us another reason for writing this letter (the first being found in 1:4). What is the other reason (verse 2:1)?

2. John is gently reminding Christians, or his “dear children,” not to sin even though forgiveness is available.

• What type of person would care enough to guide you from sin?

• Is there someone in your life who guides you out of sin? If so, who is it? If you don’t have this type of person in your life, how can you find this type of person?

3. According to John, if we do sin (do something that separates us from God), what saves us from that separation?

4. What is the evidence that proves someone knows Jesus (2:3) or lives in Him (2:6)?

• If someone were to judge your life, would there be enough evidence to “convict” you as guilty of knowing Jesus? What are some specific ways you “obey His commands?”

John tells us that Jesus Christ is a Priest-friend who goes before God, as our friend, and aids in our forgiveness.

5.  In verse 2:6, John tells us to live like Jesus did. In following Jesus’ example, what are three things He did that you struggle to do? For example:  Jesus always told the truth . . .  I struggle with the truth.

6. According to verse 2:4, what makes someone a liar?

• Why do you feel it is important for your life to match your words (or your claim to be a Christian)?

• What do you think the non-Christian world thinks about Christians who don’t live like Christians? What effect do you think this has on the Kingdom of God?

Wrapping It Up

1. What verse did you find most meaningful in this lesson? Why?

2. List some questions you have from this lesson:

3. Make sure you pause and thank God for His forgiveness (verse 9) and the freedom to walk in the light of God’s presence.