Walking in the Light: 1 John 4:1-6
These questions are written to be used during our house church meetings. If you find yourself unable or attend a gathering this week we encourage you to use these questions at home to sink more deeply into this series.
Background Information: This is the first of 3 letters that are written by the apostle John, one of Jesus’ chosen 12 disciples. He is identified as the elder, and is overseeing a network of house churches made up mostly of Jewish followers of Jesus. John wrote this in roughly 90 AD when he was the last living original disciple/apostle of Jesus. During this time, the church is going through a crisis of people breaking off these churches and no longer acknowledging Jesus as messiah or son of God and are causing hostility among those who remain in the church. Gnosticism, a teaching and thought that greatly varied from the gospel of Jesus, had begun to set its roots in the church and taught that it is about what you know not who you know. It emphasized that salvation comes through knowledge. It also taught that things physical are evil therefore Jesus did not have a physical body, he was a phantom spirit. Since only the spirit matters, anything you do physically doesn’t matter. John writes this letter to call Christians back to truth, obedience, and devotion.
Opening Question: What comes to mind when you think about the battle between good and evil?
Read and Reflect: Read 1 John 4:1-6
Take a moment to get your bearings; look at the surrounding stories by reading the subtitles around this week’s passage. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or definitions for new words and ideas. Listening to other translations of the Bible can both clarify and enrich the meanings of these readings.
Discussion:
1. What is your initial reaction to what is happening in this passage(s)? What questions do you have?
2. John talks about spiritual realities and that there is a spiritual reality being of God and not of God, of light and darkness. What comes to mind when you think of this kind of spiritual dynamic or warfare?
3. The heart of the spiritual conflict John is talking about is the identity of Jesus Christ. What, according to verses 2-3, do false teachers deny about Christ?
4. What does the call and need to test the spirits tell us about the importance of knowing God's word and having a deep relationship with him?
5. What about this passage encourages you? What challenges you?
Go Deeper: (optional for the group or to reflect on personally at home)
6. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. What "armor" has God provided for His people as they engage in spiritual battle?
Prayer:
Pray for the families in your house church and the people on your Top Five cards.
Announcements:
Next week is another dinner and discussion, read 1 John 4:11-24 and write down any thoughts or questions that come up.
Background Information: This is the first of 3 letters that are written by the apostle John, one of Jesus’ chosen 12 disciples. He is identified as the elder, and is overseeing a network of house churches made up mostly of Jewish followers of Jesus. John wrote this in roughly 90 AD when he was the last living original disciple/apostle of Jesus. During this time, the church is going through a crisis of people breaking off these churches and no longer acknowledging Jesus as messiah or son of God and are causing hostility among those who remain in the church. Gnosticism, a teaching and thought that greatly varied from the gospel of Jesus, had begun to set its roots in the church and taught that it is about what you know not who you know. It emphasized that salvation comes through knowledge. It also taught that things physical are evil therefore Jesus did not have a physical body, he was a phantom spirit. Since only the spirit matters, anything you do physically doesn’t matter. John writes this letter to call Christians back to truth, obedience, and devotion.
Opening Question: What comes to mind when you think about the battle between good and evil?
Read and Reflect: Read 1 John 4:1-6
Take a moment to get your bearings; look at the surrounding stories by reading the subtitles around this week’s passage. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or definitions for new words and ideas. Listening to other translations of the Bible can both clarify and enrich the meanings of these readings.
Discussion:
1. What is your initial reaction to what is happening in this passage(s)? What questions do you have?
2. John talks about spiritual realities and that there is a spiritual reality being of God and not of God, of light and darkness. What comes to mind when you think of this kind of spiritual dynamic or warfare?
3. The heart of the spiritual conflict John is talking about is the identity of Jesus Christ. What, according to verses 2-3, do false teachers deny about Christ?
4. What does the call and need to test the spirits tell us about the importance of knowing God's word and having a deep relationship with him?
5. What about this passage encourages you? What challenges you?
Go Deeper: (optional for the group or to reflect on personally at home)
6. Read Ephesians 6:10-20. What "armor" has God provided for His people as they engage in spiritual battle?
Prayer:
Pray for the families in your house church and the people on your Top Five cards.
Announcements:
Next week is another dinner and discussion, read 1 John 4:11-24 and write down any thoughts or questions that come up.
During the month of June, all House Churches will gather together at the Henson's home for House Church Summer Sessions to learn and grow through the teaching series, Rooted.
May 28th is a baptism Sunday!! Check out the announcements in the app to sign up to bring sides and desserts to the celebration.
You can check out our previous sermons in the app.
You can check out our previous sermons in the app.
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