Sunday, May 13th, 2018
God is Overcoming the World
The book of 1 John
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:
- John makes it a point to mention sins that “lead to death” and sins that “do not lead to death.” What do you think he means by that distinction? Why do you think it’s important to John to bring this up?
- In 1st John 5:14, John states that “if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” When you first believed in Christ, what sort of things did you ask for? As you’ve grown, how has what you ask God for changed? Have your desires shifted to be more in line with Jesus and how he acted in Scripture?
For Further Discussion:
- 1 John 5:13 is said to be written to those who believe in the Son of God. John is writing to Christians and reassuring them of their eternal life. How can we live with an assurance of eternal life and yet continue to sin?