Discussion Guide PDF

Initial Exam

1 John

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13 (ESV)

Digging Deeper

Though he never uses the word “gospel” in this letter, John clearly articulates the themes and major movements of the gospel in this letter. Spend some time reading over these verses and identify the elements of the gospel story: Creation, Fall, Rescue, Response, Restoration.

• 1:3-9
• 2:1-2
• 2:15-17
• 2:24-25
• 3:1-8, 16, & 23
• 4:9-16
• 5:4
• 5:11-12

Digesting the Text

• What would be the condition of your spirit if you witnessed someone you loved, someone you respected, someone you trusted walk away from Christianity? How would you handle this?
• Have you ever experienced a church split? If so, how did you feel in this moment and what did you hope to hear from a pastor? If not, how would you feel if our church split? What would you hope to hear from me as your pastor?
• John says in 1:3 that the heart of Christian fellowship is fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. What does this mean for our church family in this season of separation? How should this change how we see our fellowship when we are able to reconvene our corporate gatherings?
• Do you find yourself doubting your salvation? What comfort does it give you that John wrote an entire letter to assure believers of their salvation?
• As we stand at the beginning of this letter, what do you think the signs of life for the Christian might be?
• Take time to read through this letter at least once this week. What questions do you have from your initial reading? What encouragement have you drawn from your initial reading?