Abide
1st John
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
Abide: Overcome the World
May 2, 2023
John continuously calls us to keep the commandments as those who love God. Why is this so important and what role might that play in aiding us to overcome the world? In what ways can we overcome this world by our faith?. Join us for session fifteen as we examine how we are called to obey and the victory it grants us through Christ. Verses Used: 1 John 5:1-5 John 1:12 John 14:15 John 15:12 John 16:33 Philippians 4:12 Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it important that we keep the commandments? 2. What does it mean to “overcome the world?” 3. How can we gain victory through Christ over the spiritual forces of this age? 4. We are called to overcome evil with good. Why is this so difficult? In what way does doing good overcome evil? (Romans 12:9 & 21, Romans 16:19, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, and 1 Peter 3:8-12) 5. How does Christ give us victory over death and how does that help remove its sting? (John 5:28-29 and 1 Corinthians 15:22-26 & 53-57)
Abide: Abide
April 25, 2023 • Angela McAlister
John frequently instructs us to abide in God through this book, but what does it mean to truly ABIDE in the Lord? What does this look like in a believer’s life, and how can we know if we are abiding in God? Join us for session fourteen as we dig deeper into what we are called to be and exemplify as followers of Christ. Verses Used: Romans 8:16 John 15:5 Romans 10:9 John 3:16 Romans 5:8 John 13:35 Discussion Questions: 1. How is it that we come to abide in God and He in us? 2. What does it mean to abide in God and in His love? 3. What things are we called to do if we abide in Christ? 4. If we abide in Christ what will be the result in our lives? What is the nature of the fruit we will bear as we abide in the Lord? 5. What are the greatest hindrances to abiding in God throughout each day? What can we do to better be aware of His presence that is with us all the time?
Abide: In This is Love
April 18, 2023 • Erin Morris
God is the very essence of love. It is part of His nature to love, and every action He takes proceeds from a motive of love. Because God loved us, He sent His only Son to be the sacrifice for our sins so that we might have eternal life. What does it look like to love like Christ did? How can we love those that are difficult to love? Join us for session thirteen as we examine the vastness of God's love and our obligation as believers to love in return. Verses Used: 1 John 4:7-8 1 John 4:9-10 Philippians 2:5-8 1 John 4:11-12 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 2 Peter 1:3 Ephesians 3:14-19 Discussion Questions: 1. How does God’s love differ from the world’s love? What is the extent of His love? 2. Love is an action. How does love act? What things does love not do? (See 1 Corinthians 13:4-7) 3. To whom did God extend love? If we are to emulate Him, who are we called to love? 4. How well do you walk in love toward those close to you, toward strangers, and even your enemies? How can we walk in love even when we don’t feel loving? 5. Why should we care to love as Christ loved us?
Abide: Test the Spirits
March 28, 2023 • Paula Thorp
We live in an era where so called "Christian" teachers, podcasters, authors, and social media personas pop up almost daily. How can we know who is teaching truth, and who is teaching error? How can we prevent ourselves from being deceived by false teachers who claim to teach about God, but their doctrine is misleading and evil? Join us for session twelve as we discuss how to "test the spirits" and why it is critical we do so. Verses Used: 1 John 4:1-6 1 Timothy 6:3-5 John 1:14 Colossians 2:9 2 Timothy 4:3 1 Timothy 6:3 Colossians 2:8 Matthew 7:15 Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it necessary to “test” the spirits (messages, doctrines we hear)? 2. The Bible says we can know a false prophet by his or her fruit. What does this mean and what bad fruit does a false prophet display? What is the difference between an imperfect teacher/pastor who will sin and the character of a false prophet? (Jeremiah 23:11 &14, 2 Peter 2:12-14 & 18-19) 3. How can we test someone’s doctrine to see if it is sound? (1 John 2:18-23 & 4:1-6) 4. Why do false prophets succeed? (2 Timothy 4:3-4) 5. What is the danger to our own lives that a false teacher presents and what should we do if we feel someone is a false teacher? (Jeremiah 23:16 & Ezekiel 13:17)
Abide: Keep His Commandments
March 21, 2023 • Erin Morris
As followers of Christ, we are called to keep the commandments of the Lord without stain or blemish. If we do so we have confidence before the Lord as we present our requests before Him. As we strive to do what He commands, we must be careful not to fall into legalism, believing our obedience grants us righteousness before the Father. Join us for session eleven as we discuss the motive of our obedience and the result it produces in our lives. Verses Used: 1 John 3:19-22 Romans 5:17-18 1 John 3:23-24 Galatians 2:16 Romans 7:4-7 Romans 7:7 & 12 Discussion Questions: 1. When does our heart condemn us before the Lord? When is this valid and when is it not? 2. What should be our attitude toward God’s commands and why are we told to be careful to keep them? (See Homework, Day 5) 3. What is the balance between grace and keeping the commands as believers? (If we are freed from the Law, do we no longer have to keep it?) 4. What is the blessing of keeping God’s commands? What are the consequences of breaking God’s commands? (See Homework, Day 4) 5. How can we grow in our understanding of and obedience to God’s commands? (See Homework, Day 5)
Abide: Lay Down Your Life
March 14, 2023 • Diane Clift
John calls us to take a deep look at how we are to love in a sacrificial way. The Biblical command is contrary to the world's system and therefore, we can expect challenges in doing so. Nonetheless, we are instructed to love in deed and truth so as to reflect God's love and display our transformed lives. Join us for session ten as we discuss how and why to lay down our lives for the sake of others. Verses Used: 1 John 3:11-18 Mt. 22:37-39 Gen 4:2b-8 1 Jn. 3:16 Jn. 10:7-18 Discussion Questions: 1. Who is our example of laying down our lives, what did He do, and why? 2.What does it look like for us to lay down our lives for others? 3.John says we “close our hearts” against others if we are able to offer help, but refuse to do so. What are reasons we would refuse to assist another person? 4. Even though we act loving toward others, the Bible says the world may hate us anyway. How are we called to act toward our enemies and how is this possible? 5. What is our motivation for laying down our lives in love for people?
Abide: Practice Righteousness
March 7, 2023 • Angela McAlister
As John walks us through what it really means to be children of God, what does this look like in our daily lives? Scripture provides us with key indicators that we have come to know the Lord with a real, saving faith…so what are we called to be (or NOT to be) as believers? Join us for session nine as we look at what it means to practice righteousness as followers of Christ. Verses Used: Romans 6:11-15 1 Peter 2:24 1 John 1:6 1 Peter 1:14-16 Discussion Questions: 1. Why is it impossible for an unbeliever to live righteously? (See John 8:34, Romans 6:16, & Romans 6:3-6 & 17-18) 2. Why is it impossible for a true believer to live a prolonged lifestyle of continued, habitual sin? 3. The Bible is clear that our spiritual growth is the work of the Holy Spirit, but we also have a role in it. What is our role? What are we responsible for? 4. How do we practice righteousness? 5. Why should we care to practice righteousness? What is our motivation to do so?
Abide: Children of God
February 28, 2023 • Paula Thorp
We often hear the phrase, "child of God," tossed around in everyday life, but what does it actually mean? Who is qualified to be a child of God. and what does this position grant us? Join us for session eight as we examine our role as daughters of the Most High God. Verses Used: 1 John 3:1-3 John 1:12 Romans 8:15 Hebrews 4:16 Ephesians 5:1 Colossians 4:6 Philippians 3:20 Discussion Questions: 1. Sometimes you will hear people remark that we are all God’s children. How does the Bible describe our relationship/standing with God before we know Christ? 2. How do we become God’s children? 3. What rights do we gain as children of God? 4. As beloved children of the Most High God, how should we act? How should our role impact our behavior? 5. What does the Bible mean when it says that when Christ appears we will be like Him?
Abide: Eternal Life
February 21, 2023 • Erin Morris
The Bible says eternity is written in the heart of man. Deep inside us is the understanding that our souls are eternal. What is the destiny of our souls after we die, and how can we be assured we have believed the truth? Join us for session seven as we consider how to be sure we are in the faith and how to live with eternity in mind. Verses Used: 1 John 2:24 1 John 2:25-27 John 5:24-29 John 10:27-28 1 John 2:28-29 Matthew 24:44-46 Jude 1:20-23 Discussion Questions: 1. How does the eternal destination for a believer in Jesus differ from that of an unbeliever? 2. How does the Bible say we gain eternal life? How can we be certain that we have it? 3. 1 John 2:28 tells us to abide in Christ so that we will not shrink back in shame when He returns? What would give us cause for being ashamed? 4. In Matthew we are told to be ready and on the alert, awaiting the promise of eternal life. What does it look like to live ready? 5. Are you prepared for eternity? If no, what must change so that you are prepared? How are you helping to prepare others for the reality of eternity?
Abide: Spirit of Antichrist
February 14, 2023 • Diane Clift
We live in a world where people are more than happy to influence us to believe and accept their truth. Real truth, however, has one source. It is rooted and grounded in the faithful and true God, regardless of the age or culture in which we live. Join us for session six of Abide as we study our need to stay alert so we can discern the times and not be carried away by the deceptions of the Deceiver or the spirit of the antichrist. Verses Used: 1 John. 2:18 Matthew 24:42-51 Romans 16:17-18 1 John 2:19 Matthew. 24:24 2 Thessalonians 5:2-9 Discussion Questions: 1. Describe the difference between the False Christ and antichrists? 2. How/Where do you see the deception of the enemy in the world around you right now? 3. Have you found yourself falling prey to any of his deceptions? How do you battle against it? How do you discern the Truth? 4. What are the signs of the “last hour” or the end of this age? How are you discerning the times? Are you easily swept up in the controversies of the world? 5. How can we make the best use of our time and stay alert in our Christian walk because “the days are evil?” (Eph.5:16)
Abide: Do Not Love the World
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: In the Light
January 31, 2023 • Erin Morris
John tells us that if we claim to be in the Light we must prove it by how we live. In this passage he challenges us to follow Christ's example in laying down our right to hate and instead walking in forgiveness toward those who have wronged us. If we fail to do so we prove ourselves to be hypocrites, asking for the grace of God for ourselves while refusing to extend it to others. Join us for session four as we discuss how we can forgive our enemies through the power of Christ. Verses Used: 1 John 2:7-8 1 John 2:9-11 Jonah 3:9-10 & 4:1-4 Jonah 4:8-11 Titus 3:1-7 Discussion Questions: 1. What causes us to hate people and what other sins does hatred lead to? 2. Why are we, as believers, not entitled to hate others? How does it make us hypocrites? 3. What effect does harboring hatred have on us? 4. How does trusting in the justice of God help us walk in forgiveness toward those who have hurt us? 5. What steps can you take to walk toward forgiveness toward those you hate?