Faith, Obedience and Love - 1 John Overview

Well after several months in Jeremiah we are now going to venture back into the New Testament. My plans are for us to spend the next five weeks or so studying 1 John before starting a study of the gospel of Matthew. I am very excited about both studies.

Let's get started with 1 John. I just finished reading the entire book in one sitting, something I would like to ask you to do this week. When you read the book you will find or will be reminded just how many powerful and significant verses are contained in this small book.

Most scholars agree that this epistle (letter) was written by the apostle John (the beloved disciple) who was one of two disciples in Jesus' inner circle. As you read the book, certain themes and John's close relationship with Jesus will certainly jump out at you. The themes of faith, obedience and love come across in a powerful way.

This week we will be doing an overview of the book as well as looking at the chapter 1. As you read you may want to consider these questions:

1. What are the similarities between 1 John and the gospel of John with respect to words that he uses to describe Christ? (1:1-3)
2. Why does John say he is writing this letter? (1:4)
3. How does John describe God? (1:5)
4. What happens when confess our sins? (1:9)
5. Who is our advocate and with whom is he our advocate? (2:1)
6. What should be our approach to the world? (2:15-17)
7. What is the promise the Father has made to us? (2:25)
8. Why doesn't the world know or understand us as believers? (3:1)
9. How does John suggest we show our love? (3:18)
10. What should our response to God loving us? (4:11)
11. Why do we love God? (4:19)
12. If we love God, how does that impact our view of his commandments? (5:4)
13. What is the second reason that John is writing this letter? (5:13)

I hope that you take the time to read this book and review these questions. I trust that you will be blessed.

In Christ,

Curtis