Walk in the Light
1 John 1:1-2:2
"Anything that doesn’t hurt anyone else is
okay." What are some examples of situations that might be defended by that
statement? Do you agree with the statement in each situation suggested? Why or
why not? What was the disciple John like? (Luke 9:51-56; Mark 3:17; 9:38-40;
Matt 20:20-24; John 13:23)
I. The Word of Life
- 1 John 1:1-4
That which was from the beginning, which we
have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and
our hands have touched -- this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The
life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the
eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim
to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship
with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus
Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.
What was the purpose of this letter?
How does John describe Jesus in these verses?
Why was John qualified to tell others about
Jesus?
Why are you qualified to tell others about
Jesus?
II. The basis of fellowship
- 1 John 1:5-7
This is the message we have heard from him and
declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we
claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do
not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light,
we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son,
purifies us from all sin.
What does it mean to walk in the darkness? To
walk in the light?
How is walking in the light related to
fellowship with Christ and one another?
What can you do to grow in your relationship
with God?
What can you do to help non-believers have a
relationship with God?
III. Dealing with sin - 1 John 1:8-2:2
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive
ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has
no place in our lives.
My dear children, I write this to you so that
you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the
Father in our defense -- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning
sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the
whole world.
Why is it important to acknowledge our sins?
How is being purified different from being
forgiven?
How does failure to admit our sin shut God’'s
Word out of our lives? (Romans 3:22-24)
How does Jesus’ sacrifice make us acceptable
to God? (Romans 3:25-26)
How does John’'s teaching in 1 John 1:5-2:2
meet the special needs of any type of person?
If God will always forgive you, why not go on
sinning?
Is there anyone that God is unwilling to
forgive?
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