When we are insecure about our faith, how do we rest assure in the Father’s arm? John reminds us to find our home in the Father’s love as we abide in Him and see His love. God sees us as His beloved children even with our faults, and John also encourages us to live lives that reflect our Father.
Application Questions:
1. Do you view remembering the sabbath as an optional command? if so why? How does having a sabbath as a rhythm in life help us abide (rest) in the Lord? What are ways you implement sabbaths in your life, if taking a sabbath is not a rhythm in your life, what could a sabbath look like for you?
2. “Impure Gold is still Gold,” How does the fact that God see us as His beloved even with our faults change the way you view yourself?
3. What are some practical ways we can purify ourselves as He is pure?
11. Children of God
"Impure gold is still gold"
July 11, 2021 • Demetrius Nathan
23. Knowing the True God
October 10, 2021 • Matt Kleinhans • 1 John 5:18–21
John concludes the letter of 1st John by reminding us of the truths that assure our hearts: Jesus protects us from the evil one, we are from God, and we know Him who is true. These truths give us confidence to follow Christ in the midst of a fallen world, keeping ourselves from idols by abiding in Jesus. Application Questions 1. Why is it so important that in Christ we have a new nature? 2. How does it change your life to know that God protects you in the midst of a fallen world? 3. What are practical ways you can build your life on the God who is Truth? 4. How have you become complacent in your walk with God? What steps can you take to revitalize your relationship with Him?
22. Praying for Others
October 3, 2021 • Scott Mehl • 1 John 5:13–17
When we talk to God we can know that he hears us and that he will answer us. And when we ask for his kingdom to come and transform our hearts, we can know that he will do it. Therefore, when we pray for one another we can do so expecting God to produce the redemption we desire. Prayer is the Christian's superpower. Application Questions: 1. In what way might God be drawing you deeper into your relationship with him through prayer? 2. How should the confidence you can have shape your prayers? 3. How can you more intentionally use the privilege of your relationship and communication with God to bless your brothers and sisters in Christ? 4. Where do you see sin in the lives of your brothers and sisters that you can take confidently to God in prayer?
21. Confident Prayer
September 26, 2021 • Demetrius Nathan • 1 John 5:13–15
Application Questions: 1. What is prayer, and why is it an essential spiritual discipline? 2. If God has answered your greatest need (you being separated from Him), what are some of the reasons that keep you from bringing your other concerns and needs to Him? 3. What does it mean to ask anything according to His will (1 John 5:14)?