Sunday, April 15th, 2018
Jesus is Propitiation
The Roman world of the first century was a time of testing and comparison between the Eastern and Western religions. The gods of the Greek and Roman pantheons were in ill repute. The religions that were deemed more mysterious were very popular because of their emphasis on personal relationship with the deity and secret knowledge. This is what Gnosticism taught. The more secular Greek philosophy was popular and was merging with other worldviews. Into this world of eclectic religion came the exclusiveness of the Christian faith (Jesus is the only way to God, cf. John 14:6). 1 John was written to help correct these 2nd generation of believers and put this bad teaching to rest, encourage them in their identity in Christ, and propel the church into the next century on solid ground.
As you read and study together, make sure to work hard at hearing from everyone that has gathered together. Pray for one another and be accountable to applying the word of God to your lives.
General Questions:
- 1 John 2:3 “we know we have come to know him if we keep his commands“, what does it mean to know him?
- What kind of knowledge produces an obedience?
- Do you struggle with obeying and trusting God in everything?
- How can “knowing” God build a stronger trust with Him?
For Further Discussion:
- Can you confidently say “I know God“? 1 John 2:9-11 summarizes that Love is the living evidence of new birth and eternal life.