Abide: Do Not Love the World

The Rock Church: Fenton

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Abide: Do Not Love the World

1 John 2:12-17

February 7, 2023 • Paula Thorp

The world is constantly pulling us in a variety of directions, and we face a constant battle to keep the affections of our hearts and the priority of our lives in order. As believers, we are not to love the world but rather love God first and foremost. Join us for session five of Abide as we learn how to engage in the battle to keep God first.

Verses Used:

1 John 2:12-17

Psalm 103:12

1 Corinthians 10:12

1 Corinthians 10:14

Matthew 22:37

Revelation 2:4

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does John tell us not to love the world and why is it an impossibility to love both the world and God?

2. How are we tempted by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life? How are these three the root for all sins we carry out?

3. In 1 Corinthians 10:12 Paul urges “let him who thinks he stands take heed that that he does not fall.” Why is it dangerous to think we are incapable of falling?

4. What things can we do to set up safeguards or accountability for ourselves in areas in which we are weak or apt to fail?

5. Can you honestly say you are devoted to the Lord above all else? Is He your first and highest love? If not, what must change in your heart and your actions to put Him in His rightful place?

Abide: 1st John Conclusion

May 23, 2023 • Erin Morris

The letter of 1 John draws sharp contrasts between those who abide in life and those who remain in death. If we are to escape spiritual death, we must believe the testimony that Jesus is the true, eternal God, and the only means of salvation. As those who abide in Christ we are called to keep His commands and to love one another as He has loved us. Join us for the conclusion of 1 John as we recap what it means to ABIDE in Christ. Verses Used: 1 John 4:15 1 John 4:13 1 John 3:23-24 1 John 4:1-3 1 John 2:3-6 1 John 1:9 1 John 4:7-12 1 John 2:28 Discussion Questions: 1. Upon birth, all of us abide in the darkness/death. How is it that we come to abide in the Light/life? 2. What is the testimony about Jesus that we must believe in order to be saved? 3. If we abide in Christ, we are called to keep His commands. What does this mean? We cannot do so perfectly, what happens when we fail to keep His commands? 4. Loving one another is evidence that we abide in Christ. What is the standard of love to which we are called? 5. How does abiding in Christ give us confidence in the judgment?

Abide: Guard Yourselves

May 16, 2023 • Erin Morris

John concludes his letter by urging us to pray for those we see sinning. He then reminds his readers that the world lies in the power of the evil one, but we have nothing to fear because God Himself guards and keeps us. His parting command urges as believers, us to guard ourselves from idols and cling to the true God and eternal life we have in Christ, His Son. Verses Used: 1 John 5:16-17 Psalm 32:3-5, 1-2 John 8:23-24 1 John 5:17-21 Ephesians 2:1-7 2 Timothy 1:13-14 Discussion Questions: 1. What are we called to do for a brother or sister who is caught in is and how should we treat him or her? 2. If all unrighteousness is sin, how can we actively be in the fight to pursue righteousness? What assurance do we have that, though we sin, we will be forgiven and on what basis? (1 John 1:9) 3. What is idolatry? Can you share areas of idolatry in which you have struggled? (misplaced worship, sin, false doctrines, etc.) 4. Why is it important to guard ourselves from idols? 5. If we identify an area of idolatry in our lives, what should we do about it? How can we actively fight against it and place it in its proper place?

Abide: The Testimony

May 9, 2023 • Angela McAlister

In John’s day, as in our own, there were false teachings about who Jesus was. John aims to set the record straight by demonstrating the deity of Christ was confirmed by water, blood, and the Spirit. Each of us must decide how we will respond to this testimony and what it means to us individually. What confidence does it give us regarding our salvation, and what confidence does this give us in prayer? Join us for week sixteen as we examine the testimony regarding Christ. Verses Used: 1 John 5:6 John 1:1-2 John 16:28 1 John 5:7-8 Romans 8:15-16 1 John 5:9 John 5:31-37 1 John 5:10-11 1 John 5:12 John 3:36 John 14:6 1 John 5:13 1 John 5:14-15 John 14:6