14. Love in Action

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14. Love in Action

Love is the central characteristic of Christians, and John shows us how to pursue it

August 1, 2021 • Brian Colmery • 1 John 3:11–18

John has taught us that being a Christian means being adopted into the family of God. God’s family has a family dynamic: righteousness and love. This week John begins a long conversation on loving one another as Christians. He deepens our understanding of love and then shows us how to move towards it ourselves.

Application Questions:

1. Do you struggle most to love other with your actions, attitude, or attention?

2. Have you ever found yourself doing loving things for selfish reasons?

3. What is your reaction to hearing that you have to lose your life in loving others to really experience life?

4. How can Jesus laying down his life for you move you to love others the same way?

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)?